The African Union (AU) and the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have taken a significant step in solidifying their long-standing collaboration, formalizing their partnership through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement marks a renewed commitment to promoting Africa’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in the field of music. Since its inception, AFRIMA has played a pivotal role in honoring exceptional African musical talents and amplifying the continent’s rich sounds on the global stage.
The AU, as Africa’s foremost intergovernmental body, recognizes the power of music as a unifying force and an economic driver, making this partnership a natural and strategic alignment.
The formalization of this collaboration builds upon a relationship that dates back to 2014 when AFRIMA held its first award ceremony. Over the years, both entities have worked together to elevate African music and its artists, aligning their efforts with the Revised AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.
This initiative, along with the guiding principles of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, has been instrumental in fostering a thriving creative ecosystem across the continent. Their shared vision has led to groundbreaking achievements, ensuring that African music continues to gain recognition and respect on the world stage.
One of the standout moments in their collaboration came in 2020 when the AU and AFRIMA joined forces for the Stronger Together online concert, a crucial initiative aimed at raising funds for the COVID-19 Response Fund.
Beyond music, this partnership has also been a driving force behind key AU initiatives related to Agenda 2063, the continent’s strategic framework for achieving socio-economic transformation.
As Africa’s premier intergovernmental organization and the leading music awards platform, the AU and AFRIMA have consistently used music to drive advocacy, foster unity, and champion the continent’s developmental goals.
During the official signing of the MoU, H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the profound impact of this agreement on African music and the creative industry at large.
“This agreement signifies a new chapter in our collaboration, ensuring that African music continues to flourish, uplift communities, and contribute to the well-being of artists and the continent’s development agenda,” she stated.
According to her, this partnership will not only nurture African musical talent but also create greater opportunities for artists, using music as a vehicle for integration, social cohesion, and economic transformation.
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, also shared his excitement about the renewed collaboration, expressing gratitude to both past and present AU Commissioners for their unwavering support and dedication to Africa’s creative industry.
He described the partnership as a landmark moment, stating, “This partnership represents a significant milestone and a great step forward in our shared mission to elevate African music and culture on the global stage. Looking forward to the continued growth of this partnership for the benefit of our continent.”
His words reflect AFRIMA’s longstanding mission to not only reward excellence in African music but also create sustainable structures that empower artists and industry stakeholders.
As AFRIMA gears up for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, this renewed partnership with the AU is expected to further amplify the celebration of Africa’s diverse cultures and outstanding musical talents.
Over the years, AFRIMA has played a critical role in recognizing and rewarding the creative brilliance of African artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their artistry to a global audience.
With the AU’s continued support, the future of African music looks even brighter, promising more opportunities for artists and an even stronger presence for African culture on the world stage.
