After the resounding success of the 9th All Africa Music Awards in Lagos, Nigeria, preparations for the landmark 10th edition are underway. The AFRIMA International Committee, working in collaboration with the African Union Commission, has launched a continental campaign across major African cities.
The initiative made a stop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last month, where a Media and Stakeholders’ Parley brought together artistes such as Juma Jux and Folex, alongside award winners, industry leaders, and government representatives. The gathering provided an opportunity to evaluate AFRIMA’s influence and strengthen pan-African collaboration.
Attention now turns to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the AFRIMA International Committee will host another high-level Media and Stakeholders’ Parley on February 17, 2026. The event will convene leading artistes, regulators, music executives, and cultural influencers from Francophone West Africa and beyond, as AFRIMA builds momentum toward its 10th anniversary edition.
Confirmed attendees include several 9th AFRIMA winners from Côte d’Ivoire: Didi B, winner of Best African Lyricist/Rapper; Milo, recipient of Best Male African Inspirational Music; Team Paiya, winners of Best African Duo, Group or Band; and Morijah, who earned Best Female African Inspirational Music. Algerian DJ Moh Green, winner of Best African DJ, is also expected to participate.
These winners, along with other stakeholders and AFRIMA committee members, will share their experiences and highlight the importance of platforms like AFRIMA in celebrating African culture and identity.
Speaking ahead of the event, Guy Neza, an Ivorian member of the AFRIMA International Jury, emphasized that the Abidjan parley is a strategic step toward the 10th edition. He noted that the engagement aims to deepen collaboration with government bodies and industry stakeholders across Francophone Africa, while positioning AFRIMA as a truly global awards institution.
Neza further explained that the forum will also educate stakeholders and the public on AFRIMA’s transparent selection process—from entry submissions to nominations by the 13-member International Jury, and finally, voting by the Academy of Voters and fans.
He remarked, “This gathering underscores AFRIMA’s dedication to amplifying Francophone Africa’s voice in the continental and global music scene. As an Ivorian and jury member, I see this as a crucial platform for collaboration, representation, and visibility for our creative community.”
He added, “Francophone Africa has always been a powerhouse of rhythm, culture, and innovation—from Côte d’Ivoire’s Coupe-Decale to Senegal’s mbalax, and the urban blends emerging from the DRC, Mali, Cameroon, and beyond. It’s time for the continent and the world to fully embrace this vibrancy.”
The Abidjan parley will feature live performances, industry dialogues, and interactive sessions with AFRIMA officials, past winners, nominees, and other creatives.
