The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union, has added three new members to its international jury ahead of its 2025 adjudication process.
The appointments come as AFRIMA prepares to close its entry submission window on August 8.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the newly appointed jurors are Marwane Fachane (Morocco), Asma Lucy Ilado (Kenya), and Messie Mboukou (Congo Brazzaville).
The award organisers said their inclusion ensures broader regional representation and reinforces AFRIMA’s commitment to a transparent and diverse judging process.
The statement said the new jury members bring years of experience in music, culture, and youth development to the 14-member panel.
“Their appointment is in line with the operational model of the Jury structure as part of AFRIMA’s effort to make sure that the judging process remains professional, fair, and reflects Africa’s rich cultural diversity,” the statement reads.
“They will help choose the best musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most deserving artists are nominated and awarded.”
Fachane, who is the executive director of Morocco’s Hiba Foundation, expressed excitement over his new role.
“This platform is key to celebrating African talent and showing the world what our continent can offer,” he said, emphasizing the need to support Africa’s fast-growing creative scene.
Mboukou, a France-based music executive, said it is a privilege to be part of AFRIMA, adding that he is committed to a fair judging process that reflects the beauty of African music.
“I believe Africa’s greatest wealth is in its youth and culture. If we support young talent and work together, the future will be even brighter,” he said.
Ilado, a cultural journalist and consultant, paid tribute to former AFRIMA jurors Tabu Osusa and Rab Bakari. She said she looks forward to discovering fresh talent across the continent.
“African music is full of energy and promise but more investment is needed in areas like distribution, training, and rights protection,” he said.
Welcoming the new jurors, Adenrele Niyi, chief experience officer (CXO) at AFRIMA, described them as “respected music professionals” who bring a “refreshing layer of perspective” to the panel.
“Personally, I look forward to receiving the lovely lady and the fine gentlemen in Lagos this August as we gather for the 2025 AFRIMA adjudication process,” Niyi said.
“It’s always a special time—rigorous, engaging, and deeply inspiring — and I’m confident they will feel right at home.”
Other members of the AFRIMA jury include Olisa Adibua (Nigeria), Vicensia Shule, Emil Ngumbah (Cameroon), Joett (Tanzania), Hossam El Gamal (Egypt), Adam Tiran (South Africa), Delani Makhalima (Zimbabwe), Guy Neza (Côte d’Ivoire), Motolani Alake (Nigeria), and Hadja Kobele representing the diaspora in North America.
AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30 and will be broadcast in over 84 countries.
Artists, producers, and music professionals have until August 8 to submit their entries through the official AFRIMA website. Only music released between August 9, 2023, and August 8, 2025, will be eligible.
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