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AFRIMA 2018: African Union, Ghana partner for Calendar Unveiling

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The 2018 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) annual calendar of programmes will be unveiled on Monday, May 21, 2018 by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with Government of the Republic of Ghana, and the International Committee of AFRIMA during a world media event and music conference scheduled for Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

Part of the agenda for the Calendar Unveiling of the fifth annual edition of AFRIMA is a Courtesy Visit to His Excellency, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is set to receive African delegates and music stars attending the event from around Africa including the Head of Culture, African Union, Mrs. Angela Martins; President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA; Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director; Western Africa, Mr. Don Obilor, the Ghanaian-UK AFRIMA Juror, (representing UK-Diaspora) and BBC-1 show host, Ms. Rita Ray and the AFRIMA Country Director, Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku.

Also participating at the event are past AFRIMA nominees and winners, music professionals and executives, creative/culture industry policy makers, members of the media industry and other award-winning recording artistes living in Ghana and in other African countries.

Commenting on the event in line with government’s objective to develop sustainable tourism pivoted on Ghanaian arts and culture, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku, said: “Arts and culture, as a sector, remains one of Africa’s greatest strengths. As well as being a source of values, identity and a sense of belonging, the creative industries have become a driver of economic growth and job creation. In agreeing to host the AFRIMA 2018 Calendar Unveiling, the Government of Ghana is motivated by the need to harness the potential of the creative sector of Ghana to promote national and regional tourism. We congratulate the African Union for lending its weight behind this laudable effort”.

Hon. Afeku added, “The Government of Ghana recognizes the potential of the Creative Industries to shape and reinforce the country’s economic growth. Studies show that by the end of the first decade of this millennium, cultural activities contributed to 1.53% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country. Zeroing in on music industry, it is reported with some justifiable pride that that sector alone adds approximately GH¢100 million to GDP”.

Speaking on the collaborative work by the African Union and the International Committee of AFRIMA to create inventive solutions to achieving the AU Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Madam Mariama Cisse revealed that partnerships with member AU states such as Ghana further galvanise the achievement of the AU policy on Africa transformation through social integration.

In her statement, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union, said: “The hosting by the Republic of Ghana of this unveiling event is very important given that previous events were hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is crucial that the initiative rotates in the AU Member States to ensure broader popularization and enhance its Pan-African nature. We thus express our gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Ghana for hosting the event and call upon all musical artists to participate in the initiative by submitting their works once the call for submissions is open”.

AFRIMA, Africa’s biggest music awards property, will roll out the 2018 calendar under the theme “Africa is Music”. The calendar features back-to-back events traversing several countries in the five regions of Africa. Some of these planned events include music/culture conferences; country visits to converse with critical music/culture industry stakeholders and high-octane music concerts tagged “Turn Up Africa” which objective is to connect fans and followers of African music with their favourite Africa music stars of the traditional and contemporary genres.

In partnership with the African Union, the All Africa Music Awards is a music property that recognises and rewards the work and talent of a myriad of African artists from the old to the new generation of musicians. Through its conference, AFRIMA also stimulates conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the potential of the creative arts for real humanising enterprise on the continent, contributing significantly to social cohesion, national, regional and continental integration as well as sustainable development in Africa. The award show is usually broadcast to over eighty countries around the world.

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Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

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Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

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Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

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COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

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It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

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