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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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10 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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Ahead Of November 24, BON Awards Release Line-up Of Activities

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3 days ago

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November 15, 2024

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– Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

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How Abisoye Fagade Will Use His Experience and Exposure to Fix National Hospitality and Tourism Institute

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3 days ago

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November 15, 2024

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Nigerian entrepreneur and brand strategist Abisoye Fagade is setting out to revitalize the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute, leveraging his extensive experience and exposure to global best practices. With a rich background in media, advertising, and business development, Fagade believes he can turn the institute into a world-class training ground that prepares Nigerian students to excel in the hospitality and tourism industries both domestically and abroad.

 

As the founder of Sodium Brand Solutions and a leading figure in Nigeria’s media space, Fagade’s understanding of brand positioning and customer-centric service is well-suited to transform the institute’s operations and curriculum. He aims to instill a new culture of professionalism, global competitiveness, and innovation within the institute, ensuring it becomes a vital force in shaping the nation’s hospitality standards.

 

Modernizing Curriculum for Global Competitiveness

 

Fagade’s first step is to overhaul the institute’s curriculum, introducing practical, industry-relevant courses that reflect current global trends in hospitality and tourism. He plans to bring in seasoned industry experts and form international partnerships to expose students to the skills needed to thrive in a globalized market. This includes collaborations with renowned hotels, tourism agencies, and hospitality schools worldwide, offering students opportunities for internships, exchange programs, and real-world learning experiences.

 

“Hospitality is about people and experiences, and in today’s world, it is essential to train students to understand both local and international guests,” Fagade said in a recent statement. “We need a curriculum that combines practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of global standards.”

 

Embracing Digital Tools and Sustainable Practices

 

As digital transformation sweeps across industries, Fagade envisions the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute embracing technology to improve training and services. By integrating digital tools, software applications, and e-learning platforms, he intends to make training more accessible and interactive, preparing students to use the tech solutions that are becoming essential in hospitality management.

 

Additionally, Fagade places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which has become a focal point in global tourism. His strategy includes training students on eco-friendly practices, resource management, and sustainable tourism models that protect Nigeria’s cultural and natural heritage. “Our institute should set an example, showing that Nigeria can offer world-class tourism that respects our environment and our traditions,” Fagade noted.

 

Expanding Opportunities Through Global Collaborations

 

To ensure the institute reaches international standards, Fagade plans to develop exchange programs and collaborative initiatives with leading hospitality institutions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These programs will enable Nigerian students to gain exposure abroad and learn from established markets, bringing back valuable insights and experiences that can be adapted to the local industry. This global perspective, he believes, will create a pool of Nigerian hospitality professionals who are both globally informed and deeply rooted in their own cultural identity.

 

Long-Term Vision: Establishing a National Legacy

 

Abisoye Fagade’s mission is not merely about modernizing an institution but about fostering national pride and economic growth. He believes that Nigeria’s tourism sector holds significant potential to diversify the economy, and a well-trained workforce is key to making that vision a reality. “Our people are the heart of Nigeria’s hospitality,” he said. “We are known for our warmth and welcoming spirit. By enhancing our standards, we can ensure our tourism industry is a leader in Africa and an inspiration worldwide.”

 

As he undertakes this ambitious journey, Fagade’s leadership and forward-thinking approach are expected to transform the National Hospitality and Tourism Institute into a beacon of excellence, establishing a legacy that will elevate Nigeria’s status on the world tourism map.

 

Seun Oloketuyi

Founder /Chairman Advisory board

Best of Nollywood Awards

Writes from Lagos

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MultiChoice Nigeria Loses 243,000 DStv, Gotv, Subscribers In Six Months Over Inflation, Price Hikes

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5 days ago

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November 13, 2024

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The South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group disclosed that its Nigerian unit, MultiChoice Nigeria, lost 243,000 subscribers on its Digital Satellite Television (DStv) and General Entertainment on Television (GOtv) services from April to September this year.

The company revealed these figures in its Interim Financial Results for the period ending 30 September 2024, which were released on Tuesday.

MultiChoice attributed this decline to Nigeria’s high inflation rate, which exceeds 30%, driven by the rising costs of food, electricity, and fuel, causing many customers to disconnect.

In its financial report for March 2024, MultiChoice had earlier reported an 18% subscriber loss in Nigeria.

The company further reported a 566,000-subscriber loss in the Rest of Africa operations over the past six months, with Zambia and Nigeria contributing the largest shares to this decline.

“With the Rest of Africa business having seen a decline of 803k subscribers in 2H FY24, this rate of decline slowed to 566k in 1H FY25,” stated MultiChoice.

The loss included 298,000 in Zambia and 243,000 in Nigeria, while other markets experienced a minor decline.

Extreme inflation and currency instability have negatively impacted the group’s profits, with MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela commenting, “We are making good progress in addressing the technical insolvency that resulted from non-cash accounting entries at the end of the last financial year.”

Mawela noted that the group’s net equity position is expected to recover by November.

With regard to Zambia’s losses, the company attributed them to extensive power outages caused by drought, leaving some regions with up to 23 hours of daily outages.

The company also cited competition from streaming services and changes in viewer preferences as pressures on its traditional pay-TV model.

To adapt, MultiChoice invested an additional ZAR1.6 billion in its streaming service Showmax, which reported 50% year-over-year growth.

Mawela added, “Showmax strategically positions the business to actively participate in the streaming revolution as it gains momentum across Africa.”

 

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