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AFRIMA partners stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision on creative economy at PACC6 in Moroni, Comoros

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As one of the institutions championing positive change in the global entertainment industry, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Africa’s creative economy by partnering with critical stakeholders to align with the African Union’s vision for cultural and creative development, as outlined during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) in Moroni, Union of Comoros.

It was a gathering of key stakeholders, including Pan-African cultural institutions, artists, cultural workers, and policymakers in the East African country, at an epoch-making event held between September 25 and 27, 2024. At this event, a framework for action aligning national and continental policies was developed, emphasizing the development of arts and heritage as crucial to achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision.

In a presentation at the event, Sola Dada, AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), took the audience through the organisation’s activities since its inception in 2014, tailored towards promoting music, arts, and culture on the continent and the sustained effort to collaborate with other industry institutions to deepen the entertainment ecosystem in Africa.

“AFRIMA has successfully collaborated with policymakers, governments, African artistes, producers, record labels, promoters, publishing companies, media and the African Union Commission (AUC) to celebrate and promote African music globally,” Dada told the conference. “Through our seven core pillars, namely Music Awards, Music Festivals, Music Business Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, AFRIMA Creative Academy, Advisory and Policy Debates, Corporate Social Responsibility and Advocacy, we have positioned African music as a tool for integration, inclusivity, economic prosperity, and world peace.”

He said as the longest-running African music award platform with a global reach, AFRIMA plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility of African music.

Dada added that. ” AFRIMA’s events bring together thousands of music artistes, actors, celebrities, governments, and professionals from around the world to continent’s cultural significance on the global stage.

“Through our partnership with the AU and other stakeholders, AFRIMA is well-positioned to support the implementation of policies that will drive the growth of Africa’s creative economy. With a focus on integration, innovation, and cultural preservation, AFRIMA and the AU are set to make significant strides toward the Africa We Want as envisioned in Agenda 2063.”

The AU/PACC6, held under the theme “Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Education: Levers for Buildings Africa We Want,” served as a platform for Pan-African cultural institutions, cultural workers, and experts to engage in discussions on how to leverage these sectors to build a stronger African identity.

The congress concluded with a framework for action designed to guide cultural and educational development across the continent.

The congress resulted in several key resolutions aimed at strengthening Africa’s cultural sectors, including support for national cultural policies, engagement of youth and women, heritage preservation, promotion of African languages, and cultural exchange programmes that allow African youth to collaborate, showcase their work, and learn from one another.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Angela Martins, Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sport at the African Union Commission (AUC),  highlighted the rapid growth of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, referring to them as the continent’s “new crude oil” due to their increasing global economic influence. Martins called for greater investment in the sector, citing AU Assembly Decision 772, which advocates for allocating at least 1% of national budgets to arts, culture, and heritage.

As part of the AU’s efforts, she announced the development of an arts education policy aimed at integrating arts education into school curriculums across Member States.

“This policy aligns with the AU’s theme of the year for 2024 and aims to nurture young talent from an early age,” she said.

Martins praised the efforts of key institutions in the entertainment, art and cultural space including AFRIMA which she described as “Africa’s global music awards and longest-running music award platform, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans.”

The main events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global roadshow, with thousands of music artists, actors, celebrities, members of the diplomatic corps, professionals in the creative space, tourists, media and fans from all over the world converging on the host country.

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Nigerian Art Icons Lemi Ghariokwu and Ini Dan to be Honored at Ojez Forum on Sunday

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A celebration of artistic excellence is on the horizon as the February edition of the Ojez Forum pays tribute to two giants of Nigerian art: Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. The event will be held this Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Lemi Ghariokwu, also known as Emmanuel Sunday, is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking album cover designs. He is most recognized for his extensive collaboration with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, creating the artwork for 26 of Kuti’s albums. Ghariokwu’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and socio-political messages, reflecting African identity, activism, and cultural pride. His prolific career includes designing over 2,000 album covers for artists around the globe, including iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, and Lucky Dube. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

Otunba Akang Ini Dan is the Managing Director and CEO of Fodak Production. He is also the founder and chairman of the Sister Heart and Visual Foundation, organizations dedicated to developing artistic talent and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As Vice President (South West) of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Otunba Dan has been a champion for artists’ rights and a facilitator of platforms for artistic expression.

 

The Ojez Forum is a monthly event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Nigeria. This month’s gathering promises to be a special occasion, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and patrons to celebrate the accomplishments of Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the vibrant landscape of Nigerian art.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

 

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

 

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

 

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

 

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

 

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

 

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

 

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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