The African Union Commission, AUC, in partnership with the All Africa
Music Awards, AFRIMA and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana,
have announced Michael Blackson, Pearl Thusi and Anita Erskine as the host
and hostesses who will hold the live stage of the 5th AFRIMA-Ghana 2018
Main Awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the
Accra International Conference Centre, AICC, Ghana.
Renowned Ghanaian-born American actor and comedian, Michael Blackson,
popularly referred to as ‘The African King of Comedy’ started his career
in stand-up comedy and acting where he moved up the ladder despite
challenges faced as a young black man in America. The talented comic
entertainer has featured in several on-screen performances, TV series,
comedy shows, and tours. Some notable ones include; The Mo’Nique Show,
Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand-up, Meet the Blacks, One Night in
Vegas, and Hip Hop Squares. Michael hosted the first ever BET Social
Awards in Atlanta in February 2018.
South Africa’s fierce and talented TV personality, Pearl Thusi will also
co-anchor the awards event. The actress, model, radio and television
personality has earned accolades for her top-notch acting, television and
radio hosting skills. She is a former host of ‘Lip Sync Battle Africa on
MTV’, ‘Moments’ on EbonyLife TV, and currently the new host of the third
season of MTV Base’s ‘Behind the Story’. Her international acting career
includes her role in Universal’s ‘The Scorpion King: The Book of Souls’
alongside Zach McGowan, and her recurring role in ABC’s Drama Series
‘Quantico’. Pearl has appeared on magazine covers like Elle, Cosmopolitan,
True Love, Grazia, Glamour and Women’s Health in both South Africa and the
United Arab Emirates.
Also bringing her admirable skills to the AFRIMA stage is Ghana’s media
personality, Anita Erskine. A Radio/TV presenter, producer, writer and
oral narrator applauded for her hosting skills. She has anchored several
live events as well as radio and television programmes including popular
shows on the DSTV platform such as “The Making of a Mogul”, “Cooking with
Anita” and “Pamper Your Mum”. Anita is also known for her vibrant role in
the advancement of women empowerment and girl-child rights using her
various TV and radio programmes. The award-winning multilingual media
entrepreneur will bring her charm and feistiness to play at the 5th AFRIMA
main awards.
The dynamic trio will add their unique hosting abilities and on stage
chemistry to the spectacular offerings for the 5th edition of AFRIMA that
is geared to be a glittery, star-studded, world-class event with
exhilarating performances from A-list artistes, including some of the 5th
AFRIMA nominees and past AFRIMA nominees and winners. Live broadcast of
the main awards ceremony begins at 7.30 p.m., while the live red carpet
where all the glam, glitz, and high fashion of the 5th AFRIMA-GHANA 2018
will be on display opens at 4.30 p.m.
Sharing her excitement, Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA; Matlou
Tsotetsi said; “It has been an exciting journey for AFRIMA. AFRIMA-GHANA
2018 gets more exciting as we are in Ghana for the first time. In the
lead up to preparations, we have felt the Akwaaba warmth and welcome of
the Ghana people, I am certain that the rest of the world will feel this –
even through our live broadcast. May the best of Africa win”.
Similarly, one of Ghana’s prominent entrepreneurs, Mr. Nathan Kwabena
Adisi popularly known as Bola Ray, expressed high optimism about the
coming awards. The CEO, Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) Network Ghana,
stated, “I’m highly elated that Ghana gets to host the prestigious 5th
AFRIMA. The choice of comperes is clearly a super one and we look forward
to an ecstatic and electrifying awards event. Africa is Gold!”
Meanwhile, African artistes who made it to the 5th AFRIMA Nominees list
are still canvassing for votes from their followers and fans, as winners
of each category will be determined by votes accrued via the AFRIMA voting
platform on https://afrima.org/voting2018. Voting ends by 23:59 CAT on
November 23, 2018.
Other lined up events scheduled to precede the main awards ceremony
include: AFRIMA Welcome Soiree on November 21; Africa Music Business
Summit (AMBS) on November 22 at the Ballroom, Kempinski Hotel, Accra;
AFRIMA Music Village also on November 22 from 5.00 p.m. till dawn at the
Independence Square, Accra; a Guided Tour of the notable sites and
landmarks in the Host City on November 23 followed by 5th AFRIMA Nominees
Party from 10.00 p.m.
The 5th AFRIMA main awards ceremony and the red carpet will be broadcast
live to 84 countries on 105 viewing media platforms across the globe.