Treasure Osifo 
South Africa may become the host of the next two editions of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) after receiving a letter of invitation from the African Union (AU) to take advantage of the hosting rights for the 2025 and 2026 editions of the prestigious award.
The invitation was extended through a letter with reference number HHS/CUL/16/170.23 signed by Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the African Union Commission’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.
Nigeria has also received a letter similar to the one about South Africa hosting the music event. This has caused excitement and discussion within the African music community.
The AU stated that the invitation aligns with its policies for the strategic transformation of Africa through social integration as per the AU Agenda 2063, the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, and the AU Plan for Action on Cultural and Creative Industry.
“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 prospeeity and world peace via its seven core pillars: (1) Music Awards, (2) Music Festivals; (3) AFRIMA creative Acad – emy; (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 events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global road – show, 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.”
The last edition of AFRIMA was successfully hosted and partnered with the government of the Republic of Senegal in the city of Dakar. Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal have been reliable hosts that have helped the event grow and succeed in the past.
However, South Africa’s potential bid presents the possibility of new perspectives and opportunities. AFRIMA’s Country Director, Lekunutu Seboko, confirmed that his country’s government received the letter from the African Union.
He added that there have been very positive reviews about the possibility of hosting the show in South Africa. Seboko expressed South Africa’s eagerness to take on the hosting mantle, citing the country’s rich musical heritage and infrastructural capabilities as key assets in its potential bid.
He said: “South Africa has a rich musical heritage and a deep cultural renaissance. Our nation has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of African music to a global audience.
“Hosting a monumental music event like AFRIMA is a testament to our ever-growing influence on the continent, musically and culturally.
“We are aware that South Africa is fully prepared to showcase our world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, and unparalleled hospitality.
