Dakar, Senegal – The Government of Senegal has accepted and undertaken to host the 8th edition of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA at a joint world media conference – host country unveiling held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal on Friday November 4, 2022.
The awards ceremony will now be held from January 12 to 15, 2023, in Dakar, Senegal; shifting the previous date up by four weeks as jointly announced by The International Committee of AFRIMA, The African union commission and The Republic of Senegal.
This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted to Friday, 13 January 2023. This will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country after past editions.
Had in attendance at the conference were the representatives of Senegalese Minister of Culture and communication; and Minister of Tourism and Air travels, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Dr. Massamba Gaye alongside local and international media professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, Iba One from Mali, DJ Neptune (Nigeria), DJ Moh Green (French-Algerian), Pape Diouf; Jeba; Sidy diop; Adiouza; Zbest family; Akhlou Brick Paradise; Jeba; Demba Guisse; Pa Gaye Mbaye; Kane diallo; Jamman from Senegal among others.
The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins, said that the African Union is excited to have the awards hold in a francophone region, “The AUC has been a strong partner and collaborator of the prestigious awards since its first edition in 2014. AFRIMA has grown to become the only continental platform that aims to promote and disseminate musical works and immeasurable talent of African Musicians from both young and old generations.
“This prestigious platform gives expression and supports the implementation of the AU policy instruments in the creative economy including the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.
“Allow me to join the international Committee of All Africa Music Awards in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Senegal for accepting to host AFRIMA 8th Edition on 12th to 15th January, 2023 and for making history by being the 3rd AU Member State to host the Awards. The hosting of AFRIMA by the Republic of Senegal will happen at a time when Senegal will still be the Chairperson of the African Union and it is an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting our rich arts, culture and heritage.
“As you are aware, Senegal is known for its huge investment in the arts, culture and heritage. The hosting of the AFRIMA gathering is thus a step in the right direction to bring back the beautiful city of Dakar to the map as one of the capital cities of music in Africa and around the world.”
In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, HE Mr. Alioune Sarr, represented by Phillipe Ba said, “Personally and on behalf of Senegalese government, welcome to Sénégal, the home of the champions of football. Now Sénégal is also positioning herself to become the champions of music because we are hosting the 8th AFRIMA. We are happy knowing that Sénégal becomes the third country and the first Francophone country to host this great event.”
I can tell you that our ministry (Tourism) and the Senegalese government will partner and collaborate with you (AFRIMA) for a great success of AFRIMA in Senegal because our President, H.E. Macky Sall is not only the president of the African Union but also wishes to position himself as the President of all African Lovers of Culture which AFRIMA exudes.” He concluded. On his part, Senegal’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Aliou Sow, represented by Ousmane Barro Dione, the Director General de La Compaignie Nationale de Theatre, Daniel Sorano, said, “I feel honoured to be representing the Minister of Culture, alongside my colleague at this event in preparation for the 8th edition of AFRIMA Awards in Sénégal from the 12th to 15th January 2023. We are honoured to welcome this huge event to this country’ for the benefit of the young people in Senegal and the image of the country.’
“The 8th AFRIMA in Senegal is officially tagged the Teranga edition which encompasses the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is the core to Senegalese life. In addition to celebrating Africa in a magical way and promoting the values of Senegalese people globally through the AFRIMA platform, the youths, who are the central focus of the 8th edition will be exposed to opportunities in the creative economy and new music business models, monetization in music, intellectual property rights and licensing as well as collaborations with other global African music superstars that will be participating in 8th AFRIMA in Dakar,’’ explained AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada.
The AFRIMA’s country Director in Senegal, Matar Diop said, ‘I am excited that the International Committee of AFRIMA and the African Union listened to our plea and pitch to bring AFRIMA to Senegal for the benefits of the tourism and music industry in Senegal that will have impact on our youths. I thank the President and the government of Republic of Senegal for supporting this project that will change the creative industry and the tourism landscape of Senegal for good. We look forward in welcoming Africa and the world to Dakar, Senegal on January 12 to 15, 2023 with Nanga Def Africa!
As the whole world gears towards the 8th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org and take part in the events on social media platforms:
The event is scheduled to commence on Thursday January 12, 2023, with a courtesy visit to the President of the Host Country, while a host city tour, school visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMA’s CSR), as well as welcome soiree will be held on the same day.
The 4-day event continues on Friday, 13th January 2023, with the African Music Business Summit and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest; while the main rehearsals and nominees exclusive party will be held on Saturday January 14, 2023. The event will climax on Sunday, 15th January 2023, with the live awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV Stations to over 84 countries around the world.
In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.
National Team will be chosen to advance to the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.
Polokwane, Limpopo – From the 17– 19 November 2022, over 700 Special Olympics athletes and coaches from across all 9 provinces will descend on Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics South Africa Summer Games.
The games will be preceded by a Law Enforcement Torch Run which will see the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” travel to four districts in Limpopo before it finally enters the Peter Mokaba Stadium as part of the official Opening Ceremony. As the official Gaurdians of the Flame the Special Olympics Torch will be escorted on it’s journey to the Opening Ceremonies by the South African Police Services, the Limpopo Municipal Police Department and other local Law Enforcement agencies.
During the 3 day event, Special Olympics athletes will compete in 8 sporting codes athletics, aquatics, basketball, bocce, football, futsal, netball, table tennis and ten pin bowling. Sports competition will be officiated by representatives from the South African Football Federation, Athletics South Africa, the Table Tennis Association of South Africa, Swimming South Africa, Ten Pin Bowling South Africa, the NBA and Netball South Africa.
Athletes also participate in golf and equestrian events which were hosted previously in Gauteng. The National Games are being proudly hosted by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo and the Municipality of Polokwane.
The Games are being supported by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, The National Youth Development Agency and African Bank.
Alongside the National Games, a Special Olympics medical screening in 7 disciplines will be conducted for our athletes by health professionals from across Limpopo. The screening is being supported by the Department of Health in Limpopo, the Galisano Foundation and Lions Club International.
Three days of fierce competition will see the advancement of the Special Olympics South Africa National Team that will represent South Africa at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.
The National Team will be participating against over 7000 athletes from 180 countries in Berlin and will be hoping to beat the medal count from the previous Special Olympics Summer Games in the UAE where the team returned with 35 Gold, 15 Silver and 12 Bronze medals!
Podcasts are the new drug. Fact. But as with anything addictive, they come with their restrictions: like the pain of seeing a ”you have less than xx amount of data remaining” message pop-up on your screen while on a sequel that scratches the right itch.
What if we told you that those days are OVER?
Yes, a zero-data costing sports podcast has emerged and we are all thumbs-up on it. With the name ‘United Fans’, one might think this is an only-sports lovers channel or even worse, one of those soccer-crazed fans channels. To our surprise, this one blends entertainment and sports so well, you won’t even feel like you are on a sports podcast.
ABOUT UNITED FANS (UFP)
The sports fan channel phenomenon is a visual representation of a fun, engaging community hub for all football fans and newly aspiring sport fans who enjoy good banter on and off the field. Providing exciting engaging content around sport & lifestyle commentary on and off the field. A unique platform that engages with both football centric fans and the casual ‘I support the winning team’ type of audience all in the spirit of good fun and banter.
The hosts of this podcast, Themba Boyi & Arthur Bwanakawa have mastered the art of delivering sports insight while adding a robust sense of humor to it. Themba and Arthur are like two peas in a pod, with both of them having a strong background of public broadcasting and a good sports & entertainment background.
Apart from the actual episodes, the podcast has other 2 weekly segments namely; Weekly Bulletin & Derby Clash. To say the least, this is the perfect football and sports podcast for people who really don’t care too much – or even at all – about football.
With its unique segments that divided into four: First Half, Half Time, Second Half & Extra Time, viewers get a match-like experience, except this time around, the moemish moments and opinions are the order of the episode.
The UFP data-free content can be accessed on the pod’s official channel or check out their shows on the micro sites or below:
Last night saw the opening of South African Fashion Week with the House of Rubicon showcasing their latest collection entitled Mahovhohovho.
As with the previous showcase in 2021, the AW’23 season collection is heavily inspired by the late Dickson Ralushai, father to founder and lead designer of Rubicon Hangwani Nengovhela. The collection pays homage to her father’s endless signature of strength and perseverance.
In addition this year’s theme is underlined by the flow of water. There is no denying there is something truly fascinating and powerful about the way water flows, without being compromised by rocks or any other obstacles that hinders its path. So too is the new collection entitled Mahovhohovho:- a flowing and serene yet powerful and enchanting waterfall.
‘The past two and half years have been a true testament to our resilience and persistence in an almost non-operational industry. This year’s AW’23 collection is inspired by the power and strength that we possess. And just like still waters we never compromise our form but rather adapt to any trials and tribulations that come our way. The new collection will interpret the way in which water flows smoothly whilst never losing its formation, but rather adapting to the different streams that may come our way’ stated founder and lead designer of Rubicon, Hangwani Nengovhela.
Descended from Venda heritage, Hangwani and her Rubicon brand have always drawn inspiration from her homeland. Aligning with the classic elegance that is the image of Rubicon, the new collection will mimic the different flows of water, specifically taking reference to the majestic Phiphidi Waterfall in the northern part of the Limpopo province of South Africa.
In alignment with the theme of the collection, music by Limpopo’s own legendary musical genius Lwei Netshivhale was played during the live showcase.
With over 20 years built on high end fashion, Rubicon is a forerunner in uplifting women across the country and have proven time and time again that in order to stay on top of the fashion world, quality is highly imperative and is the true art of fashion. Hence the brand spans longstanding relations with loyal clients for over 20 years or more.
Guests in attendance included Futhi Mtoba, Basetsana Kumalo, Judy Ranoto, Melanie ‘Hypress’ Ramjee and fellow fashion designer Paledi Segapo.
For additional information and to view the latest collection, check out Rubicon’s social media platform as per below:
Last night saw the official opening of one of the country’s most prestigious fashion gathering hosted by CRUZ Vintage Black Vodka, with all the who’s who of the South African fashion world in attendance. And what a night it was!
Kicking off SA Fashion Week celebrations, luxe vodka brand and official headline sponsor CRUZ Vodka together with over 180 fashion and entertainment industry players celebrated their long standing SA Fashion Week sponsorship with an invite-only, star-studded red carpet affair at Fergusons on 5th in IIlovo, Sandton.
As a prelude to the week of upcoming runway shows and fashion festivities, guests got to experience the brand that is strongly rooted in New York provenance and is associated with the high-end fashion you would expect to see in the Big Apple.
Esteemed guests adorned in sparkling fashion included media personalities Kim Jayde, Chris Jaftha, Ayanda MVP, Kamo Moth, Lesego ‘Coconut Kelz’ Tlhabi and Lerai. Reality TV stars included Annie Mthembu, Mpho Wa Badimo, Nicole Capper and Angel Pather dazzled in colourful local numbers. Current Mrs South Africa Jo Judnick-Wilson graced the red carpet alongside ex Miss SA, the ever stunning Tansey Coetzee. Model Ponahalo Mojapelo ‘killed’ it in shades of pink drip by designer Thebe Magugu while radio personality Teboho ‘Caddy’ Tsotetsi arrived in a one-of-a-kind Loxion Kulcha combo.
SAFW’23 showcasing fashion designers Ole Ledimo and Rubicon’s Hangwani Nengovhela ‘showed’ up as did other local favourites Paledi Segapo and Scalo. YouTube sensation, Birth of Stars trio Oratile ‘Coachella Randy’ Masedi, Kamohelo Pule and Kagiso Mogola stole the ‘show’ with their self-styled ensembles and crazy dance moves.
Also in attendance were sweethearts AKA and Nadia Nakai, artists Anele Zondo, Money Badoo and KLA. Other guests include House of Zwide cast members Nefisa Mkhabela and Khaya Dladla as well as LGBTI activists Thami Kotlolo and Yaya Mavundla.
Treated to an exclusive evening of glitz and glam, where many of the country’s favourite personalities came out in numbers to enjoy decadent Cruz cocktails and high fashion – all inspired by New York City and set against the backdrop of Sandton skyline. Super talented DJ Lerato Kganyago alongside DJ Enzo delivered the beats while Sun El and Nomfundo Moh performed their latest hits to an electrifying audience.
CRUZ the handcrafted New York Vodka served as the perfect complement to kick-start a week of what can only be described as a celebration of SA fashion second to none.
Runway shows will take place from this evening to Saturday 22nd October, with 3 days of incredible South African fashion being showcased to not only an eager SA audience but fashion enthusiasts from around the world. SA Fashion Week will conclude with trade shows, taking place from 23 – 24 October in the Mall of Africa, where store owners, buyers and stylists will be able to interact with the designers and attend educational seminars hosted by the experts of the fashion industry.
For more show info, follow the Cruz Vodka social media pages on both Twitter and Instagram. Alternatively follow the hashtag: #CruzSAFW
Cruz Vodka, owned by Distell, is a premium vodka brand made from hand-selected American wheat, imported from New York. The brand boasts a premium, Vintage Black edition, as well as a range of popular flavoured vodkas which can be consumed neat, on ice, in cocktails or with mixers. Cruz Vodka celebrates fashion, music and the finer, more luxurious things in life
On the 26th of November, Y, the biggest commercial youth radio station in South Africa, takes its LYFE music festival to the East Rand.
Globally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning, superstar Black Coffee returns to South Africa in November following an unparalleled 5-month, European summer tour to take the reins of this highly anticipated summer festival.
Carnival City Lawns will witness performances by global Amapiano stars Focalistic, DBN Gogo and Musa Keys. AKA, who has one of the most impressive catalogues in South Africa, will be on the stage too. Hip Hop royalty Nasty C, internationally acclaimed DJ Lag, together with A-Reece, Maglera Doe Boy, Sha Sha and SAMA Winner Nomfundo Moh, Y’s own Venom, Legendary Crisp, Candii and Fif_laaa are expected to set the stage alight as they officially usher in Summer 2022.
Focalistic, DBN Gogo and Musa Keys, celebrated for the local Amapiano genre, are creating waves internationally while touring the world. Nasty C is a respected hip-hop artist who has dropped over four albums and continues to be one of SA’s biggest exports. A-Reece is one of the most successful and lyrical rappers in Africa. Rightfully known as the pioneer of Gqom, DJ Lag will definitely bring his distinctive sound to LYFE. AKA has just dropped his successful Lemons (Lemonade) and Sha Sha has also released her album. With both Maglera Doe Boy and Venom having just released albums – there will be so much to celebrate and enjoy.
Y’s Managing Director, Haseena Cassim, said, “We are excited to host artists of this calibre on the Y stage. We are honoured that Black Coffee will be with us at LYFE and we are looking forward to sharing the LYFE experience with our listeners in the East Rand. They can expect a day filled with great music, fun, with a festival atmosphere and a few surprises.”
This November, LYFE, will be an expression of lifestyle and entertainment brought together against a colourful and vibrant backdrop. With food stalls and trucks, as well as chill out gardens, LYFE will be the perfect outdoor experience.
After two years, it feels great to be celebrating a big summer, and Y is definitely a part of making sure it starts on the 26th of November. Additional announcements about LYFE will be made closer to the time.
Tickets are available at ticketpros.co.za. and SPAR.
Listen to Y on the Y App, OpenView, DStv Channel 859 or FM 99.2.