Senegal's maestro N’dour lauds all Africa music awards

Senegalese music legend Youssou N’dour has urged African stars to come together to celebrate the heritage of African music during the “prestigious” All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) ceremony.

N’dour’s home nation will host the 8th edition of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) tagged ‘Teranga Edition’, for four days, beginning from January 12, 2023.

The Senegalese singer enjoined fellow African artists to come to the event that will celebrate African music and heritage at the 15-000 capacity Dakar Arena.

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“All Africa Music Awards is the most prestigious ceremony dedicated to music and African artists and its diaspora,” the 63-year-old music maestro said of the annual pan-African event.

The four-day festival, which will be televised on TV in 84 countries and on YouTube for African music lovers across the world, is expected to put indigenous music like the Mbalakh of the Senegalese in the global spotlight.

“All the most beautiful aspects of Senegalese and African culture will be in the news for at least four days,” N’dour said. “I, therefore, invite all Senéglais musicians to come and celebrate African music together.”

AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President Mike Dada said that he is happy to see indigenous African music, such as the Mbalakh being celebrated globally, adding that it is a step in the right direction towards boosting Africa’s global image and creative economy.

Votting for AFRIMA Ongoing

A total of 382 artists are nominated across 39 categories, representing all five regions in Africa, as well as in the diaspora. Seven Ethiopian Artists are among the nominees.

Voting for All Africa Music Awards is still ongoing online via the AFRIMA website as the organizers encourage African music lovers to keep voting intensively for their desired winners.