The International Committee of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in
partnership with the African Union Commission, has appointed Mr. Salif
“A’salfo” Traoré as the Country Director of Côte D’Ivoire, West Africa
for All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.
The appointment was announced on the 17th of May, 2021, in Casablanca,
Kingdom of Morocco following the unanimous decision of the International
Committee of AFRIMA.
According to the Manager, Brand and Communication, AFRIMA, Ms. Zineb
Seyad, “the core of AFRIMA’s mandate is to unify the African continent
through music, and the role of the country director in achieving these
objectives is key. Thus, the appointment of Mr Traore is a significant,
strategic step in the right direction specifically for the African
creative industry and largely, the continent, as he possesses the skills
and fortitude to contribute towards realizing the vision of AFRIMA.”
The appointment comes as no surprise as Mr Traoré is acknowledged as a
giant in the African music and creative industry; his experience in
music as a musician; songwriter; producer; and record label owner spans
over 20 years. His band, Magic System, in 1999, pioneered a new sound in
the Ivorian music scene, recorded a song “1er Gaou” which became a smash
indie hit in Africa and France three years later. The song meant the
breakthrough of the little-known Magic System and setting the pace for a
new generation of music in Côte D’Ivoire and Africa.
In 2012, Mr Traoré was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador by Irina
Bokova for his messages for peace. His popularity among policy makers,
as well as his expertise in music production, event project management
and media positions him as an exemplary ambassador to the values and
goals of AFRIMA.
The Country Director plays a key role in the International Committee of
AFRIMA’s comprehensive and stakeholders-based approach through a high
level of strategic leadership and partnership. He carries out direction,
leads, builds and maintains partnerships and relationships among the
stakeholders; government and policy makers; entertainment, music and
creative industry; the media and fans of African music. He is ultimately
accountable in his country office for all aspects of AFRIMA’s strategic
partnerships, leading the consolidation and development of AFRIMA’s
programme.
In partnership with the African Union Commission, (AUC), All Africa
Music Awards, AFRIMA, is a music and cultural initiative developed to
celebrate, reward and showcase the rich musical heritage of Africa,
stimulate conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest
of the globe about the great potentials and values of the African
culture and artistic legacy for the purpose of creating jobs, reducing
poverty, calling attention of world leaders to Africa and promoting the
positive image of Africa to the world.