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AFRIMA advocates more collaborations among African artistes as Cameroon star KO-C and Burkina Faso’s Tanya visit AFRIMA’s secretariat

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11 months ago

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The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada, has made a call for heightened collaborations among African musicians, urging artistes to leverage the platform created by the award institution to foster deeper connections and partnerships that will deepen the growth in the creative industry and boost the economy of the continent.

Dada made the call during a recent courtesy visit of emerging music superstars KO-C of Cameroon and Miss Tanya from Burkina Faso to AFRIMA’s secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria.

Dada, who is also the Executive Producer of AFRIMA, stated that the rich and diverse musical blend of Africa offers a unique platform for artists to collaborate and create exceptional works that reflect the cultural richness and distinct identity of the continent.

He described this as a key driver for the growth and global recognition of African music.

“We believe in the power of music to bring people together, transcending linguistic, cultural, and geographical barriers. AFRIMA believes that collaborative efforts can contribute not only to the advancement of individual artists but also to the collective elevation of African music on the global stage. We have championed this narrative for years, and we are happy that stakeholders across the continent have keyed into it, which is evident by the acceptance of our craft by the global audience. However, we think there is still room for improvement; we can still tell more of our story through more collaboration, and we can also learn from one another,” he said.

KO-C, who has taken Cameroon’s music landscape by storm, and has many awards to his name, described AFRIMA as the foremost music award platform on the African continent that every artist aspires to win.

KO-C, known for his chart-topping hits, including the single ‘Himself’, said, “Trust me, AFRIMA is the number one music award institution in Africa. You have created a platform that is unique and trustworthy; this is one award that has celebrated our success as Africans and provided opportunities for us to grow. As the President said, AFRIMA considers all artists the same; I know everyone has to work hard to win in any category of the award because of a whole lot of transparency you have thrown into it, and that is why all artists on our continent have continued to trust you.”

Tanya, a highly acclaimed vocalist from Burkina Faso, echoed similar sentiments, praising AFRIMA for its role in elevating African music globally.

The artist, who is the first and only Burkinabe musician to shut down the 45,000-capacity Ouagadougou Stadium, stated, “AFRIMA has consistently showcased the incredible talent that Africa possesses. As an artist, being recognized by AFRIMA is a tremendous honour. It’s a platform that allows us to connect with a broader audience and celebrate our unique musical identities. I am really working hard to be a winner someday.”

Dada, thanking the music stars for the courtesy visit, also said AFRIMA was not just an award institution but a unique platform committed to addressing challenges plaguing the continent through the implementation of its core values.

“There are core pillars of AFRIMA, which is why we are different from other platforms: the music award, the music festival, the Africa Business Summit, and the music academy. However, for instance, there is currently a lack of proper set designers and music production facilities in Africa. People learn on the job, as there is no proper school or academy where they can learn in a structured manner. We created the Music Academy to address this issue.

“Advocacy is another important pillar of AFRIMA. We believe that music is not just for entertainment but also a platform to raise concerns about issues in Africa. For example, we will be going to Somalia in March because that country has been at war for over two decades and nobody is talking about it. Children and women are dying every day, but the world has forgotten about them. We use music to encourage stakeholders to voice their concerns. We also draw attention to issues such as child education and health infrastructure and call on governments across Africa to take action.

“Talent discovery and growth are another pillar of AFRIMA. The main difference between artists in Europe, America, and Africa is the lack of access to facilities. Many artists in Africa have to write, produce, publish, and distribute their music themselves, without access to proper facilities. To address this, we have partnered with studios so that artists can record their three-minute songs and make videos for free. We then showcase these videos to the rest of the world through our media platforms, and an investor or record label might hear the music and be interested. We are also advocating for legislation that can allow artists to use their intellectual property as collateral for loans to produce and promote their work.”

BridgeAfric President Victoria Nkong, who was part of the entourage to AFRIMA’s headquarters, concurred with Dada on the need for more collaboration among African artists, especially between the Francophone and Anglophone divides.

“These collaborations are crucial for the growth of music in Africa. Through this process, artists can learn a lot from their colleagues in other countries. Governments are unlikely to do much for us, so we have to take the initiative and develop our sector ourselves. I always encourage artists from other countries to follow Nigeria’s example with the way they are pushing Afrobeat to a global audience. The success of Nigerian music is the result of efforts from stakeholders, and we can replicate that success across Africa,” said Nkong, whose BridgeAfric is creating opportunities for artists in Africa to showcase their talent beyond their countries.

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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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5 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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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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1 week ago

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December 11, 2024

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

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2 weeks ago

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December 10, 2024

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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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