AU reinstates support for AFRIMA as 12 state heads commit to Africa’s development through arts

The African Union (AU) has reinstated its commitment and support for the All African Music Award (AFRIMA) to deploy the platform of music towards achieving socio-economic integration in Africa.

This is just as twelve heads of state have pledged to drive economic development in Africa through art and culture by committing to enabling advocacy, leadership, and policymaking.

On February 12, the 33rd ordinary session of the AU’s assembly of heads of state and government held at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together industry leaders.

At the conference, a draft resolution to be tabled towards declaring 2021 as the year to develop creative industries for generating economic development, was adopted.

Among those present at the conference are Amira Elfadil, AUC’s commissioner for social affairs, and Lai Muhammed, Nigeria’s minister for information and culture.

Others are Mme Mohamed, AUC’s director for social affairs; Angela Martins, AUC head of culture; and Mike Dada, AFRIMA president and executive producer.

Speaking at the meeting, Elfadil lauded the international committee of AFRIMA for pursuing the shared objectives of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous Africa through its platform.

She also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for giving support to the successful hosting of the AFRIMA pan-African initiative.

“AU will continue to support and partner AFRIMA on its journey of leveraging on music, art, and culture to engage young people as well as unite and promote the continent,” the commissioner said.

Mohammed, while reciprocating the gratitude, enthused that the federal government has been instrumental to AFRIMA’s success by providing partnership and institutional support.

Dada, who doubles as a lawyer and brand management consultant, also spoke of the award body’s plans for 2020 AFRIMA. He appreciated both the AU and Nigerian government for the partnership.

”The planning and preparation for AFRIMA 2020 is in top gear and we’re ready to bring Africa together again in an atmosphere of love, unity, celebration and forward-thinking,” he added.