AFRIMA and AUC Sign MOU to Strengthen Partnership and Promote African Music Globally
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reinforcing their already successful collaboration. This partnership dates back to 2014 when AFRIMA held its inaugural award ceremony, an event that has since become a cornerstone for recognizing and celebrating exceptional African musical talent while promoting African music on the global stage.
Over the years, this collaboration has achieved remarkable success, particularly in the implementation of the Revised AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, as well as in upholding the principles of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance. The partnership between the two organizations has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the African cultural agenda on both the continental and international fronts.
Notably, the partnership between AFRIMA and the AUC saw them jointly host the 2020 “Stronger Together” online concert, which was a fundraising initiative for the COVID-19 Response Fund. This concert highlighted the organizations’ collective commitment to key African Union initiatives aimed at achieving Agenda 2063, a blueprint for Africa’s development over the next 50 years. As Africa’s premier intergovernmental organization and Africa’s foremost music awards platform, the AUC and AFRIMA have worked hand-in-hand to elevate African music and culture globally.
H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the significance of the MoU, underscoring that this renewed commitment will strengthen efforts to nurture African musical talent, create opportunities for artists, and leverage music as a tool for integration, social cohesion, and economic transformation across the continent. Amb. Cessouma remarked, “This agreement signifies a new chapter in our collaboration, ensuring that African music continues to flourish, uplift communities, and contribute to the well-being of artists and the continent’s development agenda.”
Mike Dada, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, expressed his enthusiasm about the MoU, thanking both current and former AU Commissioners for their visionary leadership and support in advancing Africa’s creative industry. He stated, “This partnership represents a significant milestone and a great step forward in our shared mission to elevate African music and culture on the global stage. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership for the benefit of our continent.”
AFRIMA has been at the forefront of celebrating and rewarding excellence in African music, and with the upcoming 2025 edition, the platform is poised to bring together the diverse cultures and incredible talents across the African continent. This renewed partnership between the AUC and AFRIMA promises to further amplify the global presence of African music and offer new opportunities for artists to shine on the world stage.
The MoU between the AUC and AFRIMA marks a pivotal moment in their journey of collaboration, providing a foundation for future initiatives that will not only support African music but also contribute to the broader cultural and economic development of the continent.
