AFRIMA partners stakeholders to actualise AU’s vision on creative economy at PACC6 in Moroni, Comoros

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

As one of the institutions championing positive change in the global entertainment industry, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of Africa’s creative economy by partnering with critical stakeholders to align with the African Union’s vision for cultural and creative development, as outlined during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) in Moroni, Union of Comoros.

Cross section of participants including AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), Sola Dada during the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) with the theme “Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Education: Levers for Buildings Africa We Want” held in Moroni, Union of Comoros

It was a gathering of key stakeholders, including Pan-African cultural institutions, artists, cultural workers, and policymakers in the East African country, at an epoch-making event held between September 25 and 27, 2024. At this event, a framework for action aligning national and continental policies was developed, emphasizing the development of arts and heritage as crucial to achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision.

In a presentation at the event, Sola Dada, AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), took the audience through the organisation’s activities since its inception in 2014, tailored towards promoting music, arts, and culture on the continent and the sustained effort to collaborate with other industry institutions to deepen the entertainment ecosystem in Africa.

“AFRIMA has successfully collaborated with policymakers, governments, African artistes, producers, record labels, promoters, publishing companies, media and the African Union Commission (AUC) to celebrate and promote African music globally,” Dada told the conference. “Through our seven core pillars, namely Music Awards, Music Festivals, Music Business Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, AFRIMA Creative Academy, Advisory and Policy Debates, Corporate Social Responsibility and Advocacy, we have positioned African music as a tool for integration, inclusivity, economic prosperity, and world peace.”

He said as the longest-running African music award platform with a global reach, AFRIMA plays a critical role in enhancing the visibility of African music.

AFRIMA’s Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Media, and Communications (Global), Sola Dada(with cap), giving a speech at the recently concluded 6th Pan-African Cultural Congress (AU/PACC6) with the theme “Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Education: Levers for Buildings Africa We Want” held in Moroni, Union of Comoros

Dada added that. ” AFRIMA’s events bring together thousands of music artistes, actors, celebrities, governments, and professionals from around the world to continent’s cultural significance on the global stage.

“Through our partnership with the AU and other stakeholders, AFRIMA is well-positioned to support the implementation of policies that will drive the growth of Africa’s creative economy. With a focus on integration, innovation, and cultural preservation, AFRIMA and the AU are set to make significant strides toward the Africa We Want as envisioned in Agenda 2063.”

The AU/PACC6, held under the theme “Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Education: Levers for Buildings Africa We Want,” served as a platform for Pan-African cultural institutions, cultural workers, and experts to engage in discussions on how to leverage these sectors to build a stronger African identity.

The congress concluded with a framework for action designed to guide cultural and educational development across the continent.

The congress resulted in several key resolutions aimed at strengthening Africa’s cultural sectors, including support for national cultural policies, engagement of youth and women, heritage preservation, promotion of African languages, and cultural exchange programmes that allow African youth to collaborate, showcase their work, and learn from one another.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Angela Martins, Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sport at the African Union Commission (AUC),  highlighted the rapid growth of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, referring to them as the continent’s “new crude oil” due to their increasing global economic influence. Martins called for greater investment in the sector, citing AU Assembly Decision 772, which advocates for allocating at least 1% of national budgets to arts, culture, and heritage.

As part of the AU’s efforts, she announced the development of an arts education policy aimed at integrating arts education into school curriculums across Member States.

“This policy aligns with the AU’s theme of the year for 2024 and aims to nurture young talent from an early age,” she said.

Martins praised the efforts of key institutions in the entertainment, art and cultural space including AFRIMA which she described as “Africa’s global music awards and longest-running music award platform, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans.”

The main 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.

LAGOS STATE GOVT, FIRST BANK PARTNER STAGECRAFT PRODUCTION TO STAGE KURUNMI 

•••Nigerian Breweries Plc supports stage play

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In line with its commitment to Entertainment and Tourism, of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, Lagos State Government is partnering Stagecraft Studios and Film Production Ltd. to stage a play titled ‘Kurunmi’ this weekend.

The Lagos State Government’s partnership was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a press conference held a few weeks ago at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. 

She said the government is partnering with the production firm to stage Kurunmi in its bid to foster historical heritage and prevent African culture and traditions from going into extinction, as well as expose and awaken the consciousness of youths to the role of good leadership anywhere they find themselves.

Kurunmi is a play written by renowned playwright, Prof. Ola Rotimi, exploring the themes of supremacy of tradition, social change, responsible leadership, control and accountability.

Kurunmi, which parades a large cast of 75 young and veteran actors and crew members, will be staged at Terra Kulture Arena on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29. 

The play is produced by Stagecraft Productions and directed by a renowned movie producer and actor, Mr. Oladapo Muyideen, popularly known as Lala.

The play is supported by FirstBank, as part of its First@arts initiative to promote the arts, preserve cultural heritage, and provide a platform for creative expression. 

According to a press release by the bank, the play, set in the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo, follows Kurunmi, a military leader and war general facing internal strife and external threats from imperial powers, particularly the Fulani forces.

“Kurunmi is not only a powerful piece of literature but also a significant contribution to African drama,” the bank stated.

Other sponsor includes the Nigerian Breweries Plc, with its Goldberg beer-an attestation of the brand’s connection to the culture and tradition of its consumers.

The play will open for public on Saturday and Sunday from 3pm and 6pm.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Trio of Cosmetics giant, Alhaja Module-Ola Shine Shine, Nigerian Born America Base Islamic Star Artist, Alhaja Sofiat Iya NKa-ola and her counterpart, Alhaja Opeyemi Jemilat has Congratulated and Felicitate with the newly Amirah Suarai of ISMAN, Alhaja Modinat Ashabi a.k.a Barrytide, Omo Babae, Iyawo Babae, Iya Agbaye respectively. 

Report has it that Islamic Star Artist, Alhaja Modinat Ashabi Barrymade has been elected unopposed for the second term as the National Amirah Suarai of Islamic Musician Association. ISMAN. 

In her congratulatory Message, Alhaja Module-Ola Shine Shine Said Barrytide victory as the National Amirah Suarai is a round peg in a round hole, that is why she was elected unopposed praying that may her reign bring more succour into the Association.

On her own side Alhaja, Sofiat Iya Nkaola hearty felicitate with Amirah Suarai Claiming she has been a wonderful and lovely sister and a lover of peace and unity. 

Alhaja Opeyemi Jemila told August24news.com on behalf of sister in love that “we will all rally round her to give maximum support so as to deliver good leadership because we believe in her leadership style” says Jemilat Opeyemi

The Peacefully and well conducted Election took place on January 24 2024 in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria. 

Asabi will be inaugurated along side with the National President of ISMA, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Ibrahim Arafalujona at the prestigious Ikeja City Mall Lagos on Sunday 2024.

Other Elected officers that will join the inauguration ceremony Includes Office of the Secretary of ISMAN, Treasurer, Public relations Officers among others. 

Also Extending their felicitation to Alhaja Modinat Ashabi Barrytide is the sisters in love head by its Madam Mayor Alhaja Mujidat Lawal a.k.a Asbunallah respectively.

In a telephone interview with Alhaja Modinat Ashabi on her newly inaugurated office, Barrymade told news men that Welfare of its females members will be her priority. 

Barrytide, daughter of Fuji legend is no doubt an Icon in the field of Islamic Music, Event Moderator, Event Planner, Vocalist, Music Producer and the CEO of Barrytide Music company.