African musicians converge in Senegal for annual awards ceremony

The occasion was the eighth version of AFRIMA and the primary to be held in a French-speaking nation.

Singer Didi B from Ivory Coast receives the tune of the 12 months award on the All Africa Music Awards (AFIRMA) on the Dakar Enviornment in Diamniadio, Senegal, on Sunday, January 15, 2023 [Leo Correa/AP Photo]

Africa’s star musicians hit the pink carpet this previous weekend on the annual All Africa Music Awards, celebrating the continent’s finest expertise.

The four-day occasion culminated Sunday night at an awards ceremony on the outskirts of Senegal’s capital, Dakar. It included performances from a few of Africa’s hottest musicians, together with Nigeria’s P-Sq. and Tiwa Savage, Mali’s Rokia Kone and Senegalese singers Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal.

Ivorian rapper Didi B received finest tune of the 12 months for his rap tune “Tala”. Ascending the stage in entrance of a boisterous viewers, he thanked his colleagues and stated it was his first award of the 12 months.

“I dedicate it to my mom and my followers,” the Abidjan-based rapper, singer and songwriter stated.

“Tala” — Ivorian slang used to explain a sort of dance — has been watched almost 6.5 million instances in seven months on YouTube and is performed in nightclubs throughout the continent.

This was the eighth version of AFRIMA and the primary to be held in a French-speaking nation. Nigeria has hosted a lot of the occasions, together with the final one in Lagos in 2021, the place the Malian singer Ibrahim Mahamadou Fily Sissoko, referred to as Iba One, received in the very best album class. This 12 months, Iba One was recognised as the very best songwriter.

Different well-known singers additionally collected awards on Sunday, together with Nigerian Afrobeat star Burna Boy, who received the very best act in Africa award. One other Nigerian, Asake, received breakout artist of the 12 months, and Wizkid received the very best act in West Africa award.

AFRIMA goals to attach African musicians to world markets whereas embracing the continent’s cultural variety and heritage, organisers say.

“That is such an thrilling second in African music and we're happy with the best way these artistes have been capable of cross over to a number of markets each on the house entrance and even globally,” stated Mike Dada, govt director for the occasion.

Greater than 9,000 entries have been submitted for this 12 months’s contest, the very best since its inception in 2014. The winners beat out greater than 380 entries in 39 classes representing 5 areas in Africa in addition to the diaspora.