The African Muzik Magazine Awards AFRIMMA has unveiled the nominees list for the 3rd edition of the biggest African music awards in Diaspora. Following the outstanding success of the 1st and 2nd editions, AFRIMMA 2014 and AFRIMMA 2015 respectively; anticipation and expectations have hit the roof for this year’s edition set to hold in Dallas on October 15th, 2016.
Some of Africa’s big hitters and the most impressive names on the African music scene in the past calendar year earned a mention in highly competitive categories. Wizkid, Flavour, Davido, Sarkodie, Aka are joined by fresh faces like Falz, Mr. Eazi, Locko and Bisa Kdei on the AFRIMMA 2016 Nominees list. Also for the first time in the history of AFRIMMA, North African music and Caribbean music have been recognized with categories.
Celebrating African music and heritage , the 3rd edition of the annual African Muzik Magazine Awards AFRIMMA promises to be another festival of African music and the nominees list has set off the massive countdown to 10/15/16. Start Voting at www.afrimma.com and Get your tickets at http://www.afrimma.com/
Best Male West Africa
Wizkid – Nigeria
Bisa Kdei – Ghana
Serge Beynaud – Ivory Coast
Olamide – Nigeria
Flavour – Nigeria
Carlou D – Senegal
Davido – Nigeria
Sarkodie – Ghana
Best Female West Africa
Tiwa Savage – Nigeria
Yemi Alade – Nigeria
Efya – Ghana
Vivian Chidid – Senegal
Mz Vee – Ghana
Dobet Gnahore – Ivory Coast
Adiouza – Senegal
Almok – Togo
Best Male East Africa
Eddy Kenzo – Uganda
Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania
Jacky Gosee – Ethiopia
Ali Kiba – Tanzania
Jose Chameleon – Uganda
Bebe Cool – Uganda
Sauti Sol – Kenya
Dynamq – South Sudan
Best Female East Africa
Victoria Kimani – Kenya
Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania
Ester Aweke – Ethiopia
Tsedenia Gebremarkos (Ethiopia)
Linah (Tanzania)
Knowles Butera – Rwanda
Sheebah Karungi – Uganda
Akothee – Kenya
Best Male Central Africa
Fally Ipupa – Congo
Magasco – Cameroon
Ferre Golla – DRC
C4 Pedro – Angola
Stanley Enow – Cameroon
Kyaku Kadaff – Angola
Franko – Cameroon
Fabregas – Republic of Congo
Best Female Central Africa
Anna Joyce – Angola
Laurette La Perle – Congo
Betty Akna – Equitorial Guinea
Charlotte Dipanda – Cameroon
Chikune – Namibia
Daphne – Cameroon
Rennis – Cameroon
Arielle T – Gabon
Best Male Southern Africa
Aka – South Africa
Black Coffee – South Africa
The Dogg – Namibia
Vee Mampeezy – Botswana
Dj Bongz – South Africa
Emtee – South Africa
Roberto – Zambia
Casper Nyomvest- South Africa
Best Female Southern Africa
Zonke – South Africa
Miss Lira – South Africa
Ice Queen Cleo – Zambia
Lizha James – Mozambique
Pah Chihera – Zimbabwe
Nnunu Ramo Gotsy – Botswana
Busiswa – South Africa
Best Male North Africa
Amr Diab – Egypt
Tamer Hosny – Egypt
Chawki – Morocco
Mohammed Hamaki – Egypt
Douzi – Morocco
Saad Lamjareed – Morocco
Khaled -Algeria
Saber Rebai – Tunisia
Best Female North Africa
Samira Said – Morrocco
Ibtissam Tiskat – Morocco
Angham – Egypt
Sandy – Egypt
Amal Maher – Egypt
Latifa – Tunisia
Amani Swissi – Tunisia
Jannat Mahid – Morocco
Best African Group
Sauti Sol – Kenya
Radio & Weasel – Uganda
Os Moikanos – Angola
Bracket – Nigeria
Mi Casa – South Africa
R2bee’s – Ghana
Bana C4 – Congo
Yamoto Band – Tanzania
Crossing Boundaries With Music Award
C4 Pedro (Angola)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Maitre Gims – (Congo)
Tinie Tempah – Nigeria
MHD – Senegal
Ayo Jay – Nigeria
STL – (Kenya)
Rotimi (Nigeria )
Best Gospel
Frank Edwards – Nigeria
Uche Agu – Nigeria
Willy Paul – Kenya
SP Koffi Sarpong – Ghana
Icha Kavons – Congo
Ntokozo Mbambo – South Africa
Sinach- Nigeria
Sonnie Badu – Ghana
Best Newcomer
Adekunle Gold – Nigeria
Reekado Banks- Nigeria
Harmonize – Tanzania
Falz – Nigeria
Locko- Cameroon
Nathi – South Africa
Kofi Kinaata – Ghana
Humblesmith – Nigeria
Best Video Director
Justin Campos – South Africa
Godfather – (South Africa)
Clarence Peters – Nigeria
Patrick Elis- Nigeria
Mysta Adrenalyne -Cameroon
Enos Olik – Kenya
Phamous Films – Ghana
Savy Filmz – Uganda
Best Dj Africa
Dj Spinall – Nigeria
Dj Joe MFalme – Kenya
Dj Cndo – South Africa
Dj Neptune – Nigeria
Dj Malvado Jnr – Angola
Dj Shiru – Uganda
Dj D-Ommy – Tanzania
Dj Labastille – Cameroon
Best African Dj USA
Dj Tunes – Nigeria
Dj Amin – Ethiopia
Dozzy Ross – Nigeria
Dj Deemoney – Nigeria
Dj Silent Killa – Carribeans
Dj Akua – Ghana
Dj Fully Focus -Kenya
Dj Rell – Sierra Leone
AFRIMMA Video of The Year
Flavour – Champion (Nigeria)
Emma Nyra ft Patoranking – For My Matter (Remix)
Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae (Kenya/Tanzania)
Bisa Kdei – Brother Brother (Ghana)
Akothee ft Diamond – My Sweet Love Kenya /Tanzania
Stanley Enow ft Aka and Locko – Bounce (Cameroon/South Africa)
Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada
Korede Bello ft Tiwa Savage – Romantic ( Nigeria )
Music Producer of The Year
Young John – Nigeria
Masterkraft – Nigeria
Dr Fizol – Uganda
Kaywa – Ghana
Visita – Kenya
Tweezy – South Africa
Tud Thomas – Tanzania
Dj Coublon – Nigeria
Best African Dancer
Kaffy Dancequeen – Nigeria
Ezinne CEO – Nigeria
Brenda Derry – Cameroon
Sherri Silver – Rwanda
La Petite Zota – Ivory Coast
Eddy Wizzy – Uganda
Moses Iyobo – Tanzania
Roxy Roberts –
Best Rap Act
Phyno – Nigeria
Olamide – Nigeria
Aka – South Africa
Sarkodie – Ghana
Casper Nyovest – South Africa
King Kaka Sungura – Kenya
Octopizzo – Kenya
Prodigio – Angola
Best Collaboration
Reggea Blues – Harrysong , Kcee , Iyanya, Olamide and Orezi
Finally by MasterKraft , Flavour and Sarkodie
Mr. Eazi ft Efya – Skin Tight – Ghana
Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing
Wizkid X Dj Maphorisa – Soweto Baby
Kiff No Beat ft Dj Arafat – Approchez Regardez
Lil Kesh ft Patoranking – Is it Because I love You
J Martins ft Youssour Ndour – Time is Now
Song of The Year
Sauti Sol ft Ali Kiba – Unconditional Bae
Franko – Coller La Petite
Reggea Blues – Kcee, Harrysong, Orezi, Iyanya and Olamide
Bisa Kdei – Mansa
Tekno – Duro
Kiss Daniel – Mama
Phyno ft Olamide – Fada Fada
Diamond Platnumz ft Aka – Make Me Sing
Artist of The Year
Flavour (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz ( Tanzania)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Aka (South Africa)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Sauti Sol – Kenya
C4 Pedro – Angola
Dancehall Act of the Year
Timaya – Nigeria
Stonebwoy – Ghana
Buffola Soldier – Zimbabwe
Burna Boy – Nigeria
Mc Norman Ganja -Uganda
Samini – Ghana
Patoranking – Nigeria
Shatta Wale – Ghana
AFRIMMA Caribbean Artist of The Year
Morgan Heritage
Alaine
Machel Montano
Sean Paul
Konshens
Busy Signal
Tarrus Riley
Olatunji
Flavour, a prominent Nigerian musician, continues to captivate audiences across Africa with his distinctive sound after nearly two decades in the industry. On August 24, 2024, Flavour achieved a significant milestone by selling out the OVO Wembley Arena in London. He delivered an electrifying performance that showed his extensive musical repertoire.
The concert featured tracks from Flavour’s eighth studio album, “African Royalty,” released in December 2023. Fans were treated to live renditions of hit singles such as “Game Changer” and “Levels.” These tracks have been dominating the airwaves since their release. The event also saw guest appearances from fellow Nigerian music stars Phyno, Falz, and Iyanya.
Notable personalities in attendance included socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest, Asa Asika (co-founder of The Plug and Davido’s manager), singer Chike, and international footballer Alex Iwobi. Their presence underscored the wide-reaching appeal of Flavour’s music across various sectors of Nigerian society.
This sold-out London concert further cements Flavour’s status as one of Africa’s most iconic artists.
Throughout his career, spanning nearly two decades, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades for his unique musical style. This skillfully blends African cultural elements, particularly his Igbo indigenous music.
With this successful show at the OVO Wembley Arena, Flavour joins the ranks of other Nigerian stars like Adekunle Gold and Kizz Daniel. These artists have also sold out the prestigious venue in 2024. This achievement not only highlights Flavour’s individual success but also underscores the growing international appeal of Nigerian music as a whole.
Flavour’s continued success and his advocacy for a more inclusive representation of African music on the global stage demonstrate his commitment to both his artistry and the broader African music industry. As he moves forward in his career, Flavour remains an influential figure in shaping the narrative of African music worldwide.
“The Interrogation of Lotanna,” a compelling Nigerian short film, has achieved international recognition. The movie won the Best Nollywood Short Film award at the prestigious Realtime International Film Festival in Birmingham, UK.
This thought-provoking piece is the brainchild of director and writer Reginald Jumbo. He is affectionately known as Grandmaster Prime. The collaborative efforts of producers Ibukun Serah Adetoyinbo and Ore Oba brought the production to life.
The film’s success highlights the growing global influence of Nigerian cinema. It tells the gripping tale of Captain Ardo, a military commander tasked with suppressing a rebellion in eastern Nigeria. Ardo’s primary objective is to locate and apprehend Zuru Nkwu, the elusive leader of the insurgency. After months of fruitless searching, a promising lead directs Ardo to a suspect named Lotanna. Despite enduring intense interrogation and torture, Lotanna steadfastly maintains his innocence, creating a tense and morally complex narrative.
A talented ensemble brings this story of “The Interrogation of Lotanna” to life.
It features performances by William Chinoyenem, Cassey Oritsejolomi, Anthony Nwahiri,Francis Sule, Michael Embraiz, and Mr. Rala. Their portrayals add depth and authenticity to the film’s exploration of conflict, loyalty, and the human spirit under duress.
The Realtime International Film Festival has been a pivotal platform for independent filmmakers since its inception in 2016 by Stanley Ohikhuare. This is where “The Interrogation of Lotanna” triumphed.
Over the years, it has played an important role in nurturing talent and fostering a creative economy. The festival’s impact is evident in the successful careers it has launched. Moreover, over 150 young filmmakers see their work featured on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon.
Additionally, this year’s festival showcased several other notable Nigerian productions alongside “The Interrogation of Lotanna.” What’s more, these included “Garden of Healing” produced by Ozor Uche, “Kaka” by Prince Daniel, and “Arinye” by Seun Afolabi.
In conclusion, the strong presence of Nigerian films at the festival underscores the country’s growing influence in the global film industry. Indeed, it highlights the wealth of talent emerging from Nollywood.
Nike Okundaye, the Director of Nike Art Gallery recently made a statement about challenges in the art industry. According to her, the biggest challenge artists face is related to their vision. She emphasized the importance of eyesight in the art world.
Okundaye pointed out that artists heavily rely on their ability to see. She stated that artists would struggle to create their work without their eyes.
“Our biggest challenge in the art industry is our sight. Without our eyes, we can’t do anything” Nike Okundaye, Director of Nike Art Gallery said.
Her comment shows how crucial visual perception is for most forms of artistic creation.
The problem:
More than 70 million Nigerians have uncorrected blurry vision. In other words, about one in three Nigerians just need a simple pair of eyeglasses to see clearly. Most of those who need eyeglasses and do not have them are in low-income communities.
Clear sight has a profound effect on many aspects of our lives, including our ability to work, read, and create. Blurry vision is an easily solvable problem that can outsize an individual’s earning capacity and quality of life.
VisionSpring is a part of the solution:
As a social enterprise, VisionSpring has been helping Nigeria’s low-income communities get eyeglasses since 2016. In six years, we have corrected the vision of more than 350,000 Nigerians through eyeglasses. We are especially committed to Nigeria’s artisans and low-income workers who use their hands for detailed tasks.
In April, VisionSpring published findings from THRIVE, a randomised controlled trial conducted with Queen’s University Belfast and BRAC. The study carried out in rural Bangladesh, found that participants who received reading glasses experienced a 33.4% boost in median monthly income compared to the control group.
VisionSpring and Nike Art Gallery have come together to celebrate the intersection of art and vision. Hosted in the heart of Lagos, this event raises awareness of how a clear vision drives creativity, innovation, and prosperity in Nigeria.
Many artists in Nike’s network are experiencing age-related vision loss, affecting their capability to create and make a living. This unique art exhibition, highlighting some of the most talented artists in Nike’s network, demonstrates just how important vision correction is in preserving cultural heritage.
Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Nike and other artists and learn about VisionSpring’s mission to increase lifelong earning, learning, safety, and well-being through eyeglasses.