The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially invited the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to take advantage of the hosting rights benefits of the next 2 editions of the prestigious annual All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

In a letter bearing reference number HHS/CUL/16/170.23 and signed by the AUC’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the AU said the call aligns with its policies for the strategic transformation of Africa through social integration, as outlined in AU Agenda 2063, the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, and the AU Plan for Action on Cultural and Creative Industry.

The AU describes AFRIMA as a global platform for celebrating and developing Africa’s diverse musical talents and cultural heritage, highlighting the significant opportunities hosting the prestigious awards presents for the selected host country

“Since 2014, the African Union has been partnering and working successfully with AFRIMA to develop, celebrate and promote African music globally for integration/inclusivity, economic prosperity and world peace via its seven core pillars: (1) Music Awards, (2) Music Festivals; (3) AFRIMA creative Academy; (4) Talent Discovery and Promotions; (5) Music Business Hub; (6) Advocacy; (7) Advisory and Policy Debates,” the letter reads.

“AFRIMA is the biggest and longest-running music award and platform in Africa, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans. The main event 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.”

A letter received by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on behalf of the Nigerian government, a copy of which was seen by our correspondent, reads, “Nigeria, as a beacon in African music with huge young population, should it accept to host AFRIMA, stands a promising chance in elevating the country’s positive global presence, bolstering artistic, tourism and economic growth, fostering cultural exchange and job creation, and reinforcing a positive perception of our continent’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale.”

The successful last edition of AFRIMA was hosted and partnered by the government of the Republic of Senegal in the city of Dakar. The hosting rights of AFRIMA are usually bestowed on a country that shows capacity and commitment to meet the requirements and conditions.

The Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sports Division, African Union Commission, Ms. Angela Martins confirmed the invitation and request to bid for the hosting rights extended to the two countries.

She said that AFRIMA provides a unique opportunity for the host country to showcase its rich cultural heritage, develop its music sector, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.

“This call to action comes as part of the AU’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange, unity, and economic development across the African continent. We urge the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to seize this opportunity to strengthen intra-African collaboration (in line with AFCTA) within the music industry and enhance their international visibility positively.

“AFRIMA serves as a premier platform for African artists in Africa and diaspora to showcase their talent, gain international exposure, and connect with audiences worldwide,” she said.

She added that as the bidding process is itching towards its deadline, the African Union remains committed to providing support and guidance to ensure a successful hosting of AFRIMA.

She also reiterated the AUC’s readiness to work closely with the selected host country to maximize the impact of the event on the African music industry, tourism, general economic growth, and socio-cultural landscape.

On Friday 5th April 2024, Double Tees Productions premiered and screened the movie Aiyefele at the iconic Odeon Imac Cinema in Greenwich London.

The premiere red carpet was graced by hosts of Nollywood celebrities, from one of the lead actors Biola Adebayo, Bimbo Oshin. To celebrity guests Rykado Agbor and a host of others.

Aiyefele Movie (A Community on the Brink) is a riveting feature film that follows the journey of a community always on the brink of desolation; it struggles to find a cure for the plague killing its citizens as its beliefs and practices conflict with the new faith brought by missionaries. The people are threatened by a self-destructive culture,
assaulted by an endemic disease and oppressed by some evil forces until an unexpected visitor arrives to lead them from the drumbeats of sorrow to a vibrant tune of freedom.

Aiyefele features a respected ensemble cast in the industry, including Odun Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Femi Branch, Bimbo Oshin, Biola Adebayo, Rotimi Salami, Lara Aiyeomoni and Akinola Akano. It is directed by
the award-winning Seun Olaiya.

Set in 18th Century Nigeria and England, Aiyefele takes its audiences on an emotional journey of sacrifice, reflection, and redemption.
Executive Producers are Toyin Moore and Omotayo Utomi.

Feedback from the Premiere in London has been hugely positive, with the audience describing the movie as interesting, funny, emotional, with a wow effect and an immersive experience.

AIYEFELE Movie will be showing at Bluepictures cinema in City Mall Lagos from Friday 3rd May 2024.

Check out pictures from the London Premiere below.

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Nigerian singer, Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has revealed that he has never been heartbroken.

While appearing on Madame Joyce’s ‘Cocktails & Takeaways’ podcast, Ruger said he has been longing for a heartbreak but it hasn’t happened yet.

He said, “I have never been heartbroken. But I’m waiting [for it]. I know that it is going to happen at some point.

“Where are the wicked women? Come and show me pepper. Come out and show me what you can do.”

On his ideal woman, Ruger said he loves funny women.

“When you’re funny, you already have 20 percent of my heart. You have to be very funny. I have to see the humour from afar then I will be moving close,” the singer added.