Africa has many national music awards, from Ghana’s music awards to Nigeria’s Headies and South Africa’s SAMAs. In 2014, a new ceremony set out to honour musicians from the whole continent. The All Africa Music Awards, known as AFRIMA, were launched in partnership with the African Union Commission. Since then, the awards have brought together artists from many countries, presenting prizes in categories by region, genre and achievement. They aim to celebrate African music and strengthen the industry across borders.
Origins and categories
AFRIMA was founded by the International Committee of AFRIMA, working with the African Union Commission. The first ceremony took place in Lagos in 2014. Unlike national awards, AFRIMA covers all regions of Africa, with categories for West, East, Central, Southern and North Africa. Awards include Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and categories for genres such as gospel, reggae, hip hop and traditional music.
The ceremony has been held in several African cities, including Lagos, Accra and Dakar, with the aim of spreading the event across the continent.
Jury, big names and criticism
Winners are chosen through a combination of jury assessment and public voting, with fans across the continent able to vote online for their favourites. Many of Africa’s best-known artists have won AFRIMA awards, including stars from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and elsewhere. The organisers hold conferences and workshops on the music business alongside the awards.
The partnership with the African Union reflects the idea of music as a force for African unity and cultural pride. Like other awards, AFRIMA has faced criticism over nominations and the absence of some artists from ceremonies.
Broadcasting and young talent
The ceremonies are broadcast on television and online, reaching audiences across Africa and the diaspora. AFRIMA exists alongside other continental awards such as the MTV Africa Music Awards and the Soundcity MVP Awards. As African music grows globally, continental awards play a part in recognising talent at home. AFRIMA includes categories for new and emerging artists, giving younger musicians a chance to be recognised alongside established stars.
AFRIMA hands out prizes for every region of Africa in one night. Getting artists from all of them into the same hall is often the hardest part of the job.
