Event - AFRIMA 2017 Voting period 21 Aug - 11 Nov

Public voting on the AFRIMA website, www.afrima.org has been opened on Monday, August 21, 2017.

VOTE HERE: English + Français text.

(Although the first page opens up to "Artist of the Year" look to the TOP-RIGHT for the pull down menu for the other regional + continental categories comprising the OTHER 32 nomination areas to place a vote)

The full nominees list of 33 categories comprising of the Regional Category which covers the five African regions and the genre-based Continental Category was revealed to the media and on AFRIMA digital media platforms.

From August 21 – November 11, music lovers across the continent will be empowered to vote for their favorite artistes in Regional and Continental categories during the voting period that will be ongoing for 11 weeks on the AFRIMA website. The works that were reviewed and assessed by the AUC-AFRIMA's 13-man are strictly within the year in review (August 1,2016 –July 17,2017).

The public voting process is part of AFRIMA's core values, FACE-IT, which asserts that the process must exude Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency. This empowerment process is part of the participation culture that the African Union Commission and AFRIMA embody. In addition, the AFRIMA Academy, comprising of music production experts and analysts, will also be involved in the open online voting process. 

The 2017 AFRIMA will hold from November 10 to 12 featuring a rich programme of events such as the Africa Music Business Roundtable (November 10), which garners the big music brands in the continent's music industry, to deliberate on the nurturing and packaging of the industry in a way that creates jobs and adds to the GDP of the continent. 

Other events are the AFRIMA Music Village (November 10), an evening of a non-stop open music festival of live performances from the African stars and nominees, with an expected audience of 20,000 people; The Main Awards Ceremony (November 12); a glittery, star-studded and world-class event with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world. 

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is aimed at celebrating the rich musical heritage of the African continent.  It employs the tool of music to encourage unity, cooperation, interaction, partnerships and progress in the continent. It will be broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world.

Event - Yemi Alade - New York (USA) Saturday 5th August

The African continent's most famous Afro-pop/Afrobeat music star (by way of Nigeria) ***Yemi Alade *** is gracing the New York metro area this Saturday, 5th August. 

I really want all of you within my African entertainment network to attend. Although, I cannot provide complimentary tickets for each and every one of you (that wouldn't be fair and probably ... bad business.) But I do have a fantastic offer in a realistic form of a discount. The GROUPON campaign is over, however ... 

Digiwaxx + others and my Mixerpot have partnered to provide an opportunity for an exclusive discount on tickets to attend the Saturday evening, Times Square area (Manhattan) showcase.

Limited tickets available! 

Come see the incomparable #YemiAlade at @PlayStationTheater on Saturday Aug/5/2017.  Doors open at 7PM.

Use this link https://www.axs.com/events/339351/yemi-alade-the-ovasabi-band-tickets/promopage/9628 and enter code YAXRB at check out!

Watch ALL of her music videos here!

We go jam!

Event - Sauti za Busara Music Festival 2018 performance application

• Is your music connected to Africa or Indian Ocean nations?

• Is your music 100% live?

• Are you interested to perform next February 2018 in Zanzibar?

• If you can answer yes, yes, yes – then please read on...

  Please note that you have eleven (11) days or less to perform (again) or make this your first time performing in on of the African continent's longest, running music-centered festivals

  WHEN: 8 – 11 February 2018. PLAN AHEAD NOW!

  WHERE: Stonetown, Zanzibar (Tanzania)

  Sauti za Busara 2018 will feature 40+ performances on 3 stages over 4 days, including diverse, original and live music from across the African Continent and diaspora. Artists representing music from the Arab World and Indian Ocean are also welcomed to apply. 
  The Call for Artists is open only until 31st July 2017. 23:59 hours East Africa Time Zone (UTC + 3) 

  Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.To apply to participate, please send all documents as listed below. 

  • Application form
  • Artists’ profile/biography* (One sheet)
  • Latest audio release* (send 2 CDs by post, or maximum 3 songs by wetransfer/dropbox)
  • Video DVD of live performance, or 1 digital clip by wetransfer/dropbox (if available)
  • 2 promotional photos* (high-resolution) 1500 x 1500 pixels
  • List of musicians (their purpose) + Stage Plan and Technical Rider (if available)

  Supporting documents must be clearly labeled and sent by email to journey@busara.or.tz 
  Printed applications by post are highly appreciated and should be sent to the following address: 
  Journey Ramadhan
  Busara Promotions
  P O Box 3635
  Zanzibar
  Tanzania

  Please clearly mark your package “Contents not for sale. For promotional use only”
  Submission deadline to receive your complete application: midnight, 31st July 2017

  If selected, Sauti za Busara will cover the following expenses for participating artists + 1 manager:

  • Modest honorarium, towards performance fees
  • Per-diems, for meals and incidentals 
  • Accommodation in Zanzibar 
  • All local transport related to the performance
  • Tanzanian visa costs, reimbursed against receipts
  • All-Festival passes, includes access to all shows and activities for the duration of the event
  • Artist’s profile in festival programmes, press releases, website and social media.

  The selection committee meets in August to finalise the line-up for Sauti za Busara 2018. All applicants will be notified of their decision before September. Artists from outside the region may be required to find their own travel sponsors.

  Sauti za Busara is an African music festival that is held every year in February in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is centred in the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), with fringe events taking place concurrently around Stone Town - including a carnival street parade.

  Sauti za Busara is one of the largest music festivals in East Africa, with several hundreds of artists participating each year. It showcases a diverse and dynamic programme of exclusively African music - 100% live - and has over the years provided a valuable stage for local Swahili talent, from taarab legends like Bi Kidude and Culture Musical Club, to homegrown Tanzanian pop and hip-hop.

AFRIMA 2017 needs your music-related creativity

AFRIMA 2017 Call For Entry

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2017 is officially open for entries from Artistes, Songwriters, Music/Entertainment Journalists, Video Directors, Music Producers, and DJs, from across the African Continent and Diaspora. The AFRIMA awards is celebrating excellence in musical artistry in Africa and the Diaspora, featuring 33 categories across the five regions of Africa and music genre, with a reward of 23.9 carat gold AFRIMA plated trophy.

The Guidelines / Requirements for the 2017 All Africa Music Awards Entry Submission 

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2017 is officially open for entries from Artistes, Songwriters, Music/Entertainment Journalists, Video Directors, Music Producers, DJs, from across the African continent and Diaspora. The AFRIMA awards is celebrating excellence in musical artistry in Africa and the Diaspora, featuring 33 categories across the five regions of Africa and music genre, with a reward of 23.9 carat gold AFRIMA plated trophy. 

The Guidelines / Eligibility / Requirements for the 2017 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA Entry Submission:

1. Entries open from May 8, 2017 and closes on Monday, July 17, 2017.
2. Eligibility: Music professionals of African origin living either on the continent or abroad are eligible. The award is open to Artistes, Songwriters, Video Directors, Music Producers and Music/Entertainment Journalists as well as unrecorded artistes.
3. Artistes / producers / directors / journalists / songwriters must submit their works digitally via AFRIMA website on www.afrima.org, twitter @AFRIMAWARDS or www.facebook.com/afrima
4. It is strongly advised that you submit your work (s) via online submission, the Entry Registration Form must be carefully and accurately completed and submitted including the relevant URL links for the digital version of the artistic work/writing in the space provided. Forms can be filled in English and French. All entries by journalists must be submitted in their original language of publication.
5. African artistes must upload and submit their audio or video entry using download links to YouTube or SoundCloud platforms to qualify for nomination in award categories relevant to their artistic work.
6. Works to be submitted must be produced and released to public in the year under review i.e. August 1, 2016 to July 17, 2017.
7. Releases will be confirmed through internet presence and online retail websites. (Official YouTube, SoundCloud, BandCamp, Reverberation, Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Apple iTunes, Amazon Music, Tidal, Juno, TraxSource, Spinlet, Google Play, Microsoft Groove + others.)
8. You can enter a work/works in several categories as applicable but each entry registration must be done and submitted individually.
9. Lignes directrices En Français
10. Other languages

Fill out entries HERE (Choose 'English" or French' on top menu) [Use Chrome, Firefox or Explorer browser]

Event - Efya at S.O.B.s - New York, USA - 26 APR 2017

Ghanaian contemporary soul / alternative singer Efya is in New York for a two hour showcase with a live band!

Afrobeat Nights NYC makes its official return April 26th with DJ Tunez featuring Efya at SOB's. It is the quintessential event to indulge in rich, vibrant culture through music. This event will provide an intimate vibe with eclectic music provided by a live band. Join us as we unwind with the latest afrobeat sounds.

When? Wednesday 26 April, 2017Doors open at 7:30PM (Come after work! 😃)
Location: S.O.B.'s (Sounds of Brazil)

204 Varick Street

New York, NY 10014

View Map

Please buy tickets in advance; $20.00 (Same price at the venue door)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afrobeat-nights-with-dj-tunez-featuring-efya-live-band-tickets-33134154147

Follow Efya on

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/efya_nokturnal/?

Twitter - https://twitter.com/EFYA_Nokturnal?

Facebook Page -Efya

Snapchat - Efya_Nokturnal

Watch: https://youtu.be/vk_4yxkgjAI - "Skin Tight"

Video - VVIP Featuring StoneBwoy - "After Party"

Plenty of Ghanaian celebrity appearances in the video called "After Party" by veteran Ghanaian rap supergroup called VVIP. Stonebwoy opens it up and then Reggie Rockstone, Zeal and Prodigal handle the rest. Track produced by DJ Breezy of Accra and video directed by Pascal Aka. Filmed at Accra's latest five-star hotel called Kempinski. Great dapper attire by all in the video. Shout out to Hammamat at the end of the video!

Event - AFRIMA 2016 - The Winners

The trophy

The All Africa Music Awards, 3rd edition, happened live on Sunday, 6th November 2016 in Lagos, Nigeria at the Convention Center Eko Hotels & Suites.

The event was hosted by Moroccan music star Ahmed Soultan; South African media personality Bonang Matheba and multi-talented bilingual Congolese TV Broadcaster and celebrity Ika Jong. However, the Red Carpet hosts were Denola Grey (Nigeria), Denrele Edun (Nigeria), Hauwa AllahBura (Nigeria); and Pam Happi (Cameroun)

There were live performances from Falz (Nigeria); VVIP (Ghana); Aramide (Nigeria); Brymo (Nigeria); Navio (Uganda); Daphne (Cameroon); Seyi Shay (Nigeria), Darey Art Alade (Nigeria) (backed by the Soweto Gospel Choir); P-Square; Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) plus a tribute to Papa Wemba!

The AFRIMA 2016 events was preceded by and African Music Business Summit roundtable then AFRIMA Music Village on Friday November, 4, 2016. This was a non-stop music concert with over 40 African artistes performing live at the Waterfront, Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. 

The All Africa Music Awards is tailored to recognize and reward those who have given African music the most creative competitive edge in the global market within the year under review. Over 154 nominees are campaigning for votes from the public for the various categories of awards. It is a partnership with the African Union Commission. 

Here is the complete LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

The AU (African Union) breaks up Africa into five regions. AFRIMA has followed that template to create the award categories in each of these five regions. Eastern, Southern, Central, Northern and Western.

1. Best Male East Africa – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

2. Best Female East Africa – Cindy Sanyu (Uganda)

3. Best Male South Africa – Black Coffee (South Africa)

4. Best female South Africa – Sally Boss Madam (Namibia)

5. Best Male Central Africa- Wax Dey (Cameroon)

6. Best Female Central Africa- Bruna Tatiana (Angola)

7. Best Male North Africa – DJ Van (Morocco)

8. Best Female North Africa- Zina Daoudia (Morocco)

9. Best Male West Africa – Flavour (Nigeria)

10. Best Female West Africa – Aramide (Nigeria)

AFRIMA went further and created categories  for overall CONTINENT of AFRICA (continental) awards. The criteria for these categories are listed here.

11. Best Inspirational Female – Naomi Achu (Cameroon)

12. Best Inspirational Male – Icha Kavons (DR Congo)

12. Best Artiste/Duo/GroupBand in African Contemporary - Flavour (Nigeria)

14. Most Promising Artiste- Amine Aub (Morocco)

15. African Fans Favorite – Phyno (Nigeria)

16. SongWriter of the Year – Navio Uganda) + Unique for "Njogereza"

17. Producer of the Year - Kuseim (Uganda) [known for his creation for Eddy Kenzo "Mbilo Mbilo feat. Niniola"]

18. Best Artist/Duo/Group African Hiphop- Stanley Enow (Cameroon)

19. Best Artist/Duo/Group African Raggae & Dancehall- Patoranking (Nigeria)

20. Best Artist/Duo/Group African Traditional music- Zeynab (Benin)

21. Best Artist/Duo/Group African Electro -SuCh (Zimbabwe)

22. Best Artist/Duo/Group African RnB – Henok & Mehari Brothers (Ethiopia)

23. Best Artist/Duo/Group in African Rock -M’vula (Angola)

24. Best African Jazz – Jimmy Dludlu (South Africa)

25. Best African Group -VVIP (Ghana)

26. Best African Collaboration – Mbilo Mbilo by Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) ft Niniola (Nigeria)

27. Video of the Year – "Dogo Yaro" by VVIP (Ghana) Directed by Pascal Aka (Ghana)

28. Revelation of the Year – Falz (Nigeria)

29. Album of the Year – Ahmed Soultan (Morocco) for "Music Has no Boundaries"

30. Song of the Year - "Utanipenda" by Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

31. Artist of the Year -Wizkid (Nigeria)

These other awards were specially created for recognizing talent in other ways from the African continent.

32. AFRIMA Legendary Award – Manu Dibango (Cameroon)

33. Special Recognition Award - King Sunny Ade (Nigeria)

Rab attends WOMEX 2016

Rab Bakari is attending WOMEX [World Music Expo] 2016 in Santiago de Compostela; in the Galacia region of Spain.

WOMEX is an international networking platform for the world music industry. The annual five-day event comprises a bustling Trade Fair, Showcase Festival, Conference, and Film programme, as well as festive Opening and Award ceremonies.

Twenty-one WOMEX editions have affirmed the value of networking across borders, be they musical, political, cultural or commercial. Since 1994, WOMEX has been travelling all across Europe from Berlin (1994), via Brussels (1995), Marseille (1997), Stockholm (1998), Berlin (1999 + 2000), Rotterdam (2001), Essen (2002 + 2004), Newcastle (2005), Sevilla (2003 + 2006 - 2008), Copenhagen (2009-2011), Thessaloniki (2012) to Cardiff (2013), Santiago de Compostela (2014) and Budapest (2015).

The 22nd edition of WOMEX takes place from Wednesday, 19 to Sunday, 23 October 2016.

WOMEX is pro-diversity. The event has three levels of music-related trade show business. <<<<<<it also has a number of films showing. pop-up concerts, dj sessions, panel discussion and minute´by-minute music business networking in the hallways, bars, bocadillos and in the rooms itself. To get a scope of what is being offered, please see the official WOMEX 2016 schedule

AFRIMMA 2016 - African Muzik Magazine Awards

The grand event took place in Downtiwn Dallas, Texas USA. 

WINNERS LIST FULL AFRIMMA 2016:

Best Male West Africa – Olamide (Nigeria)

Best Female West Africa – Efya (Ghana)

Best Male North Africa – Amr Diab (Egypt)

Best Female North Africa – Ibtissam (Morocco)

Best African DJ USA – Dj Dee Money (USA)

Best Male Central Africa – C4 Pedro (Angola)

AFRIMMA Video of the year – "Brother Brother" by Bisa Kdei /Directed by Prince Dovlo (Ghana)

Best Female Central Africa – Daphne (Cameroon)

Music Producer of the year – Masterkraft (Nigeria)

Best male South Africa – AKA South Africa)

Best African Dancer – Winner Brenda Derry (Cameroon) iliwaniwa this award and also the Diamond Dancer Tanzanian Platnumz called Mose Iyobo.

Best Female Southern Africa – Chikune (Zambia)

Best Rap Act – Phyno (Nigeria)

Best African Group – Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Best collaboration – Reggae Blues (Harrysong, Kcee) (Nigeria).

Crossing boundaries with Music – Wizkid (Nigeria).

Song of the year – Tekno - "Duro" (Nigeria)

Best Gospel Act – Willy Paul (Kenya)

Best Male East Africa. – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Artist of the year – Flavour (Nigeria)

Best Newcomer – Harmonize (Tanzania)

Best Dancehall Act – Shatta Wale (Ghana)

Best Video Director – Patrick Elis (Nigeria)

Carribean Artist of the year – Machel Montano. (Trinidad & Tobago)

AFRIMA 2016 Awards Nominee list - VOTE

Public Voting starts 12 September!

The African Union Commission, AUC, and the 13-man Jury of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, have released the highly anticipated 2016 Nominees List for the Continental Categories of Africa’s leading awards project.

This year also saw the introduction of an innovative category by the International Jury of AFRIMA titled “African Fans Favourite”, to recognise African artistes who create chartbusting, anthemic songs that propel the artistes to great popularity within and outside their respective countries and regions.

The Regional Categories which featured Best Female Artistes and Best Male Artistes of the five regions, nominated 65 artistes while 184 nominees make up the newly released continental categories with online public voting expected to begin on Monday, September 12 on the AFRIMA voting platform domiciled on www.afrima.org

Also commending the commitment of the AFRIMA Jury to the adjudication process, Director of Communication/Sponsorship, AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi observed that having been tasked with the responsibility, the Jury dedicates time and effort to get the best expressions of the rich African cultural heritage in music.

Ms. Tsotetsi said: “The urbane mix of African sounds in sync with modern tunes and works that promote the positive image of Africa to the world, are some of the guidelines the Jury worked with during the screening/selection exercise. AFRIMA will continue to maintain exemplary standards and uphold African music and culture as it had done since inception in 2014. The process is very transparent and the public can follow the entire process online and make any enquiries to the AFRIMA Secretariat”, she concluded.

Public voting for the nominees in the different categories of the awards opens on Monday, September 12 and ends Saturday, November 5.

In partnership with the AUC and the Official Host City, Lagos State, AFRIMA 3.0. calendar of events for November 4-6, 2016 will include the Africa Music Business Summit on Friday, November 4, and the AFRIMA Music Village, an open concert-style festival featuring nominees and other top billed music stars. The grand awards ceremony holds on Sunday, November 6 with over 6,000 guests expected in Lagos, Nigeria for the various events.
All roads lead to Lagos!

THE NOMINEE LIST 2016

AFRIMA 3.0 Still open for Music Artist submissions

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY SUBMISSION

ALL AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS, AFRIMA 2016

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2016 is officially open for entries from Artistes, Songwriters, Music/Entertainment Journalists, Video Directors, Music Producers, DJs, Dancers from across the African continent and Diaspora.

The AFRIMA awards is celebrating excellence in musical artistry in Africa and the Diaspora, featuring 33 categories across the five regions of Africa and music genre, with a reward of 23.9 carat gold AFRIMA plated trophy.

The Guidelines/Eligibility/Requirements for the 2016 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA Entry Submission:

• Entries open from May 20, 2015 and closes on July 30, 2016.
• Eligibility: Music professionals of African origin living either on the continent or abroad are eligible. The award is open to Artistes, Songwriters, Video Directors, Music Producers and Music/Entertainment Journalists as well as unrecorded artistes.
• Artistes/ producers/ directors/ journalists/ songwriters must submit their works digitally via AFRIMA website on www.afrima.org, twitter @AFRIMAWARDS or  www.facebook.com/afrima2014
• It is strongly advised that you submit your work (s) via online submission, the Entry Registration Form must be carefully and accurately completed and submitted including the relevant URL links for the digital version of the artistic work/writing in the space provided. Forms can be filled in English and French. All entries by journalists must be submitted in their original language of publication.
• African artistes must upload and submit their audio or video entry using download links to YouTube or SoundCloud platforms to qualify for nomination in award categories relevant to their artistic work.
• Works to be submitted must be produced in the year under review i.e. May 20, 2015 to July 30, 2016.
• You can enter a work/works in several categories as applicable but each entry registration must be done and submitted individually.
• Artiste may submit works in one or more categories of their choice in the 33 categories of the award.
• Return of Submitted CDs/DVDs: It is strongly encouraged that you only send materials via online but if you do wish to send materials you do not wish to have returned, it's convenient and easier for all involved. Please do not send masters, originals or your only copy, etc. These will not be returned. AFRIMA will not accept responsibility for lost or damaged tapes.
• Any falsification of information about the artistic work or the artiste/ producer/ director/ journalist/ songwriter renders the entry null and void.
• If a song/writing/video promotes violence or substance abuse, it cannot be entered for the award.
• PHOTOGRAPH: The entry submission must include the following elements:
• One high-resolution color publicity photographs with caption in jpeg format - NOT passport or ID photograph;
• CONSENT: Any work submitted by an artiste  or a representative has automatically communicated consent, agreement and granted authorization to the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA to use the artiste’s image, video, music, sound, beat and biography for promotion of the Artiste and AFRIMA Awards on Television, Print, Radio, Online and social media platforms.
• The AFRIMA Jury Academy of Voters reserves the right to disqualify any work that fails to adhere to the guidelines and rules of submission.
• Terms and Conditions apply.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

[Look on top to see "ENGLISH ENTRY / FRENCH ENTRY SUBMISSION"]

If links do not allow you the complete submissions, then use these Google forms below.

English Entry submission form http://goo.gl/yO0rMh
French Entry submission form http://goo.gl/LsUaHK
Journalist English Entry submission form. http://goo.gl/8jY197
Journalist French Entry Submission Form. http://goo.gl/NzRgsN

Video - M.anifest Feat. Bisa Kdei - "W'ani Aba"

Ghanaian Hip-Hop artist M.anifest has released an afro-futuristic music video for his song "W'ani Aba" (loosely translated phrase which means "you are jealous or envious"), which features in-form Highlife crooner Bisa Kdei. The video directed by frequent M.anifest collaborator, Garth Von Glehn, fuses compelling scenery of Jamestown and Madina neighborhoods of Accra with transcendent otherworldly locations to create a fine piece of art.

M.anifest assumes the role of a flamboyant and eclectic inventor whose unique eyewear he offers to people he encounters enables them to experience visions of a distant World. Bisa Kdei is featured as a larger than life figure who exists in the cosmos with folks only seeing him when they wear the specially invented sunglasses. The director, Garth Von Glehn does an incredible job of merging the two worlds seamlessly. The track was produced by Kwame Yeboah of the Mixstation Studio.

Serge Attukwei Clottey, a fast rising contemporary Ghanaian artist and creator of 'afrogallonism', created the ten pieces of striking eyewear worn by different characters in the W'ani Aba video.

The video is a strong statement of intent in M.anifest’s quest to push creative boundaries and is the latest exhibit of his originality, further cementing his position as one of the foremost contemporary artists on the African music scene.

Get W'ani Aba here: http://bit.ly/waniaba © Singitdamnit Music Directed by @SolomonDirector (Flourish and Multiply) Afrofuturistic Sunglasses by Serge Attukwei Clottey Producers: Fui Tsikata (TTD Media) Mantse Aryee Quaye & (Accra.dot.alt) Assistant Director: Maya Wegerif Assistant Producer: Mawuli Tettey (Solution7) Stylist: Mawuli Fodoglo Photography: Bob Pixel Song produced by Kwame Yeboah Shot on location in Jamestown and Madina.

Video - Temi Dollface back with inspiring vengeance

Good afternoon curators of modern African culture,

As an agent for Temi Dollface, Here's a message I want to share from her.

After 2 months of hard graft, My New Video for “School Your Face” has arrived. Yippee! And I couldn't have done it without you being in my corner. A big thank you from the bottom of my heart for the love, support and cheerleading.

I not only styled this one, I produced and creative directed it, and it was SHOT and EDITED in its entirety here in Lagos. At our home and on our office/Studio grounds, might I add. So I’m particularly proud of it. Again, this is an independent effort, which means I need all the help I can get to spread the word as far and wide as possible. So would you be darlings and Oblige me again by posting the attached Artwork & or Video on your social media timelines to create some awareness telling your followers to click on my Instagram bio for video link, and sending the press release (below) to as many of your friends and contacts as you can. I would be so so thankful.
Many Thanks in advance!

Lots of Love, Awe-Daciousness & Drama Soul,

HERE is the video to watch + share: 

Temi Dollface - "School Your Face" 

Temi DollFace Unveils “School Your Face” Music Video in celebration of Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day and in special tribute to her Grandmother!!!

A humourous tale about the ancient battle between head and heart, sees Temi playing dual roles; both as the ECCENTRIC NO-NONSENSE SERGEANT Temi and a YOUNG LOVE-SMITTEN Temi, representative of a Hard/Soft duality that we women strive to attain. Temi’s Grandmother, who’s nickname is coincidentally “Sergeant Major”, is the perfect embodiment of such a woman. A Steel Magnolia!

__“In her day she was a trail blazer for female empowerment and mentorship so who better to play the role she has always played, in my life and art. Plus she does a brilliant Schooled Face” - Temi__

The “School Your Face” Music Video, Directed by Damola Adelaja, and Produced and Styled by Temi DollFace borrows from Art, History and Fashion but then completely embodies their references as their own original idea.

The Video was shot, in it’s entirety, in Lagos and is the perfect Re-Introduction to Temi’s abundant Awe-Daciousness.

 Director of Photography: Kagho Crowther Idhebor

Editor: Youngstar

Artwork: Chief Emmanuel

 TO CONNECT WITH TEMI DOLLFACE:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Google+

Tumblr

Available on all digital distribution platforms

Rab Bakari to speak at SXSW 2016

I will be speaking at this year's South By SouthWest Music Conference [SXSW] and Festival 2016.

How Five Cities Propelled Modern African Music

Africa as a continent is often misinterpreted. Many people outside of it fail to realize that it has vibrant and creative urban cosmopolitan areas. How did Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Luanda & Pretoria set the template for modern African music? These metro areas are making huge ripples in music creation and style movements associated with various music types. Natural ethnic languages or borrowed European languages are not a barrier for proper introduction to these influential cities to the attendees of SXSW 2016. The innovative sounds + visuals propelled by YouTube, Channel O, BET Int'l, Sound City, Trace and MTV Base along with their respective annual awards ceremonies up the competition and exposure.

Hashtags: #sxsw #CityAfrica #Accra #Lagos #Nairobi #Luanda #Tswane

Friday, March 18
3:30PM - 4:30PM

Austin Convention Center
Room 11AB
531 E 4th St

Access

Music Badge, Platinum Badge, Artist Wristband

Format: Solo Panel

Event Type: Sessions

Social Media Week - Lagos: Yes! Music Business.

 
“I am hosting a masterclass event at Social Media Week Lagos.  Looking forward to exploring how social media is impacting society, industry and culture in Lagos, Africa and around the world.  “Like” the SMW Lagos Facebook page to learn more about Social Media Week Lagos.  Also visit the website for more info:www.socialmediaweek.org/lagos”

The theme for this early year Sicial Media Week - Lagos gathering is:

 "The Networked African: Technology’s Impact On Africa

(And How We Can Harness It For Good)

I examine this from a music business perspective. 

How did Accra, Lagos, Nairobi, Luanda, Tshwane (f.k.a. Pretoria)/Johannesburg set the template for modern Africa’s music boom using social media platforms? Hidden forces of technology? Perhaps…

The continent’s most vibrant and creative cosmopolitan areas have made huge pulses in music creation and culture. Much has to do with the prevalence of mobile hardware/software; the computer “in your pocket.” Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Keek, Tumblr, Google+, Vine, Soundcloud and Snapchat have aided in the definition and proliferation of Africa’s modern music styles.

Attendees  of How Five African Cities Defined Modern Music will learn the grassroots history of Africa’s modern music cultures, examine Western influences and unpack how social media has propelled local music forms beyond the confines of city and country.

An audio and video presentation representative of each community will be included followed by an interactive Q/A.

Please bookmark your seat for this masterclass at the recently-constructed Landmark Convention Center on Victotia Island in the mega city of Lagos, Nigeria.

create a login here: 

http://socialmediaweek.org/lagos/events/five-african-metro-areas-defined-modern-music-using-social-media-platforms/

This event will not be streamed live. 

KORA 2016 Music Awards Nominees

The nominees have been announced for the 2016 Kora All-Africa Music Awards, with the continent's best artists set to battle it out for their respective categories for Africa’s most lucrative – and arguably most prestigious – music awards. The ceremony will take place at the Windhoek Country Club in Namibia on 20 March 2016.

Unlike the majority of African music awards that tend to focus on the larger music industries of Nigeria and South Africa, for example, the Kora selection panel has gone out of their way to include musicians from across the continent, meaning the musicians from smaller nations like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti, Eritrea and Madagascar also get their chance to compete. The Pre-Selection Comittee for  Kora 2016  is made up of Kora Artistic Director Alexandre Asse, Yola Semedo (Angola), John Max (Namibia), Alain Auriant (Mauritius), Lamia Yattar (Ivory Coast) and Fabrice Oye Bekale (Gabon). The final voting begins via wireless mobile carriers on 15 January 2016.

Winners from every category will go home with the coveted Kora trophies and cash prizes of US$20 000 or US$50 000, and a mammoth $1 000 000 cheque for the Best Artist of the Continent, the nominees for which have not yet been revealed.

Besides the various regional categories for male and female performers, other continent-wide categories allow for a diverse mix of artists to go head to head against one another. These include categories for Spritual and Traditional music. In the ‘Best Album of the Year’ all regions of the continent are reprened, with Bebe Cool (Uganda) up against West Africans Suzana Lebrano (Cape Verde) and Tinariwen (Mali), The Soil (South Africa) and EES (Namibia) from Southern Africa, and Cameroonian rapper Jovi representing Central Africa.

No southern African acts are in the running for Best African Group, which will see Bracket (Nigeria) compete against Double Bangz (Sierra Leone), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Toofan (Togo), X-Maleya (Cameroon) and Bana C4 (DRC).

When it comes to the nominees for the Legendary Award, South Africa’s ‘Princess of Africa’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa) is up against Teddy Afro (Ethiopia), Amr Diab (Egypt), Coumba Gawlo (Senegal), Werrason (DRC) and P-Square (Nigeria).

The full list of Kora nominees is as follows:

Most Promising Male Artiste of Africa

Reekado Banks (Nigeria)
Chem Edine Boudra (Algeria)
Numerica (Cameroon)
Odyai (Madagascar)
J Rio (Gabon)
Yamoto Band (Tanzania)

Most Promising Female Artiste of Africa

Bading M (Gabon)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Nelida Karr (Equatorial Guinea)
Daphe (Cameroon)
Naima Kay (South Africa)
Kaaki (Ghana)

Best Male Artist – West Africa

Flavour (Nigeria)
Serge Beynaud (Cote d’Ivoire)
Bisa Kdei (Ghana)
Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde)
Atumpan (Ghana)
Davido (Nigeria)

Best Female Artist - West Africa

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Adiouza (Senegal)
Efya (Ghana)
Sessime (Benin)
Sissao (Burkina Faso)

Best Male Artist - East Africa

Jose Chameleone (Uganda)
Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Emmanuel Jal (South Sudan)
Sat-B (Burundi)
Tendros Erinias (Eritrea)
Awaleh Adan (Djibouti)

Best Female Artist – East Africa

Irene Ntale (Uganda)
Victoria Kimani (Kenya)
Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania)
Juliana Kanyomozi (Uganda)
Knowless Butera (Rwanda)
Avril Nyambura (Kenya)

Best Male Artist – Central Africa

Cano (Equatorial Guinea)
Ferre Gola (DRC)
Tresor Mvoula (Congo)
Frederick Gassita (Gabon)
Mawndoe Celestine (Chad)
Calema (Sao Tome & Principe)

Best Female Artist – Central Africa

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
Cindy Le Coeur (DRC)
Syssi Mananga (Congo)
Queen Koumb (Gabon)
Mani Bella (Cameroon)
Bussine Mbadinga (Gabon)

Best Male Artist - Southern Africa

C4 Pedro (Angola)
AKA (South Africa)
Gazza (Namibia)
Coreon Du (Angola)
Petersen (Zambia)
Piksy (Malawi)

Best Female Artist – Southern Africa

Moneoa (South Africa)
Elize Detlinger (Namibia)
Bruna Tatiana (Angola)
Lusha James (Mozambique)
Pah Chihera (Zimbabwe)
Busiswa (South Africa)

Best Male Artist - North Africa

Tamer Hosny (Egypt)
Lochi DK (Algeria)
Ahmed Soultan (Morrocco)
Saber Houari (Algeria)
Kafon (Tunisia)
Ayman Al Atar (Libya)

Best Female Artist - North Africa

Samira Said (Morrocco)
Sherine Abdel Wahab (Egypt)
Zina Daoudia (Morrocco)
Sarah Ayoub (Morrocco)
Amani Swissi (Tunisia)
Latifa (Tunisia)

Best African Group

Bracket (Nigeria)
Double Bangz (Sierra Leone)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)
Toofan (Togo)
X-Maleya (Cameroon)
Bana C4 (DRC)

Best Male Artist – Spiritual Music

D-Naff (Namibua)
Hatim Ammor (Morocco)
Kabelo Eric (Botswana)
Kidum (Burundi)
Eugen Ablodevi (Togo)
Eddy Kamoso (Burundi)

Best Female Artist – Spiritual Music

Rebecca Malope (South Africa)
Gloria Muliro (Kenya)
Lara Georges (Nigeria)
Kanvee G Adams (Liberia)
Sarah Hagos (Eritrea)
Samira Adzabe (Gabon)

Best Group – Spiritual Music

Simply Chrysolite (South Africa)
VM Six (Namibia)
BNG (Nigeria)
24 Elders (Kenya)
Eden (Cote d’ivoire)
Penuel Cantorum (Benin)

Best Traditional Music Artist – male

Mathias Walukaga (Uganda)
Mrisho Mpoto (Tanzania)
Stanlux (Togo)
N’Dulo Kitoxi (Angola)
Kandla Kora (Guinea)
Demba Tandla (Mauritania)

Best Traditional Music Artist – Female

Cecile Kayirebwa (Rwanda)
Dobet Gnahore (Cote d’ivoire)
Sham Geshu (Eritrea)
Abey Lakew (Ethipia)
Erna Shimu (Namibia)
Hope Masike (Zimbabwe)

Best Traditional Music Group of Africa

Makwakwa Cultural Ensemble (Botswana)
Trio Teriba (Benin)
Groupe Kiltir (Reunion)
Babylone (Algeria)
Bayuda Du Congo (DRC)
Les Espoirs De Coronthie (Guinea)

Best Artist of the African Diaspora

Maltre Gims (DRC/France)
Teeyah (Cote d’ivoire/France)
Mokobe (Mali/France)
Singular (CAR/France)
Martin Hod (Benin/France)
Jessica Dorsey (Caribbean/France)

Best Video of the Year

Eddy Kenzo - ‘Zigido’ (Uganda)
Tiwa Savage – ‘My Darlin’ (Nigeria)
Flavour – ‘Golibe’ (Nigeria)
Cano - ‘African Baby’ (Equatorial Guinea)
Jose Chameleone - ‘Wale Wale’ (Uganda)
Korede Belo - ‘God Win’ (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration of the Year

‘Adaobi’ – Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks, Di’Ja & Korede Bello
‘Mantsayadch’ – Ahmed Soultan, Dizzy Dros, Dj Van, Manal BK, Muslim & Shayfeen
‘Mayday SOS’ – JJK & Bracket
‘Adonal’ – Sarkodie & Caspro
‘Africa Baby’ – Cano, Wizzboyy, Mafikizolo & The Dogg
‘Tusimame’ – Emanuel Jal, Vanessa Mdee, Juliana & Syssi Mananga

Best Album of the Year

Bebe Cool - Go Mama (Uganda)
Suzana Lebrano - Vitoria (Cape Verde)
The Soil - Nostalgic Moments (South Africa)
EES - Authentic Rebel (Namibia)
Tinariwen - Emmaar (Mali)
Jovi - Mboko God (Cameroon)

Legendary Award

Amr Diab (Egypt)
Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa)
Teddy Afro (Ethiopia)
Werrason (DRC)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Coumba Gawlo (Senegal)

Best Hip-Hop Artist

Sarkodie (Ghana)
Hamzaoul Med Amine (Tunisia)
K.O (South Africa)
Stanley Enow (Cameroon)
Kiff No Beat (Cote d’ivoire)
Wakazi (Tanzania)

Best Urban Music Artist

Mi Casa (South Africa)
MzVee (Ghana)
DJ Arafat (Cote d’ivoire)
Dama Do Bling (Mozambique)
Fanicko (Benin)
Sally Boss Madam (Namibia)

For more details visit the Kora Awards website or watch the video.

AFRIMA 2015 All Africa Music Awards Winners

Here is the final list of trophy winners for all 33 categories of the AFRIMA 2015 All Africa Music Awards - The evening of 15 NOV - Lagos, Nigeria.

CONTINENTAL CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon) "Elle n'a pas vu" Album of the Year

Jose Chameleone (Uganda) "Wale Wale" Song Writer of the Year

Sauti Sol (Kenya) "Sura Yako" Best African Group/Duo/Band

AKA ft Burna Boy, Dales & Jr. (South Africa & Nigeria) "All Eyes On Me" Best African Collaboration

Kiss Daniel (Nigeria) "Woju" Most Promising Artist in Africa

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon) "Elle n'a pa vu" Best Artiste in African Contemporary

Flavour (Nigeria) "Power to win" Best Artiste in African Electro

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) "Ghetto" Best Artiste in African Hip Hop

Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania) "Hawajui" Best African Artist in Pop

Stonebwoy (Ghana) "Pull Up (Remix)" Best Artiste in Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall

Praiz (Nigeria) "If I fall" Best Artiste in African RnB &Soul

Gangbe Brass Band (Benin) "Yoruba" Best Artiste in African Traditional Music

Ladysmith Black Mabazo (South Africa) AFRIMA Legendary Award

M'vula (Angola) "Volume 10" Best Artiste in African Rock

Betty Akna (Equatorial Guinea) "Africa United" Best Female Artiste in Inspirational Music

Darey (Nigeria) "Pray for me" Best Male Artiste in Inspirational Music

Wiyaala (Ghana) "Africa" Video of the year in Africa

Adekunle Gold (Nigeria) "Sade" Revelation of the African Continent

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) "Nasema Nawe" Song of the Year

Producer of the Year for Sauti Sol "Sura Yako"

Music/Entertainment Journalist of the year Oris Aigbokhaevbolo (Nigeria) "Going Country: Nashville-Lives"

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Artiste of the Year

Kunle Ayo (Nigeria) "Joromi" Best Artiste in African Jazz

REGIONAL CATEGORY WINNERS

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon) "Elle n'a pas vu" Best Female in Central Africa

Stanley Enow (Cameroon) "King Kong" Best Male in Central Africa

Tsedenia (Ethiopia) "Yet Biye" Best Female artist in East Africa

Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania) "Nasema Nawe" Best Male in East Africa

Manal BK (Morocco) "Denia" Best Female Artist in Northern Africa

Ahmed Soultan (Morocco) "This is who I am" Best Male Artist in North Africa

Busiswa (South Africa) "Lahla" Best Female in Southern Africa

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa) "Ghetto" Best Male in Southern Africa

Yemi Alade (Nigeria) "K-I-S-S-I-N-G" Best Female artiste in West Africa

Olamide (Nigeria) "Shakity Bobo" Best Male Artiste in West Africa

Afropean Panel summary at WOMEX 2015

Dear WOMEX 2015 delegates, Thank you for taking time to have sat in on our Session 4 World Music Expo 2015 panel conducted in English on Thursday, 22 October at the local time period of 12:15 - 13:00 local time at the Bálna Center in Budapest, Hungary.

Title: A Tale Of Two Nations:

Subtitle: The creative magic of African-European music artists.

Abstract:

In recent years a new generation of exciting creative musicians have been emerging from across Africa. Some are based on the continent, some in Europe and North America. They are socially networked artists, just as comfortable in the tough neighborhoods of Africa's biggest cities as they are performing at hip nightclubs in London or European music festivals. They blend hip-hop, house, reggae and rock with various local musical traditions from around Africa. This panel aims to provide a background on the rising new wave of artists representing the heritages of both parents from different continents in their music.”

Rab Bakari (Mixerpot - New York, USA) Creator, chair and moderator

“Buddha Blaze” Mbasu - (Spark Africa - Nairobi, Kenya) Panelist

David Sanders (Mandala TV Prod. Ltd - Nairobi, Kenya) Panelist

We discussed how artist creatively embrace one African or one European or the blending of both influences to portray their musical genius to their audience.

It was these questions that prompted healthy dialogue between panel members and later the audience

1. Recognition. When did you become aware of this unique fusion?

2. Should music artist with African and European background (whether by birth or residence) allow the audience to define their creativity/music?

3. When is an artist considered "African"? By the music incorporation/appropriation or just by parentage/birth-right?

4. Are there really true examples of "fusion"/music for the world by these bi-continental creatives?

5. How does splitting time in an urban European and a urban African metropolis define one's music style?

6. Where are great examples of where we can hear/watch some of these "fusions" or outright original creations?

We have provided a list of of musicians who strongly support the details of this particular panel. See the list below and investigate.

Adé Bantu (Adegoke Odukoya)

Nigeria -Germany

English, Pidgin, Yoruba

Songs in German? No

Location: Lagos

Born in UK and raised in Nigeria & Germany

Dad -Nigerian

Mom - German

Notable: Frontman for "Brothers Keepers” + “Bantu”

Genre: Afrobeat Soul, Hip Hop, RnB, Reggae

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Amine (Amine Mounder)

Morocco-France

Arabic, French, Spanish

Songs in Berber? Yes

Location: Paris

Born and raised in Morocco, Raised in France

Dad - French

Mom - Morrocan

Genre:Rai RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: N/A

Boddhi Satva (Armani Kombot-Naguemon)

Central African Republic - Belgium

French, English

Songs in Sango? Yes

Location: Brussels, Bangui

Born & raised in C.A.R.

Dad - Belgian

Mom - Central African

Genre: Electronica, House, hip Hop, Afrobeat

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Djeff Afrozila (Tiago Barros)

Angola-Cabo Verde

Portuguese, English

Songs in Kimbundu? Yes

Location: Lisboa. Luanda

Born and Raised in Portugal

Dad - Cabo Verde

Mom - Angolan

Genre: Electronica, House, hip Hop, Afrobeat

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Joy Frempong

Ghana-Switzerland

English, German, Pidgin, French

Songs in Twi? No

Location: Berlin

Born Ghana and raised in Switzerland

Dad - Ghanaian

Mom - Swiss

Notable: Also known as Oy

Genre: Afrobeat Pop, Soul, Electronica, Hip Hop, RnB, Reggae

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Kwamie Liv

Zambia-Denmark

English, Danish

Songs in Bemba? No

Location: Copenhagen

Born and Raised in Denmark

Dad - Zambian

Mom -Danish

Genre: Electronica, hip Hop, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Les Nubians (Hélène + Céline Faussart)

Cameroon-France

English, French

Songs in any Cameroon or Chad Languages? No

Location: Geneva

Born and Raised in Tchad and France

Dad - French

Mom - Cameroonian

Genre: Afrosoul, Traditional, RnB, Hip Hop, Jazz

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Maia Von Lekow

Kenya-Germany

English, Kiswahili

Songs in German? No

Location: Nairobi

Dad - Kenyan

Mom - German/Dutch

Notable:

Genre: jazz, funk, folk & blues

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Marie Daulne

D.R. Congo-Belgium

English, French

Songs in Baka, Twa, Mbuti, Lingala? Yes

Location: Brussels

Born and Raised in Belgium

Dad - Belgian

Mom - Congolese

Notable: Front creative head, songwriter singer for Zap Mama

Genre: Afrosoul, Traditional Central African, RnB, Hip Hop, polyphonic vocal, Jazz

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Mzungu Kichaa (Epsen Sorensen)

Tanzania-Denmark

English, Kiswahili

Songs in Dansk? No

Location: Copenhagen born and Raised in Zambia + Tanzania

Dad - Danish

Mom - Danish

Notable:

Genre: Rap, Bongo Flava

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Namvula (Namvula Mutemba-Rennie)

Zambia-Scotland

English, Bemba

Songs in Scottish? No

Location: London

Dad - Zambia

Mom - Scot

Notable: X

Genre: Afrosoul, Latin, Jazz

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Nneka (Nneka Egbuna)

Nigeria -Germany

English, Pidgin, Igbo

Songs in Deutsch? No

Location: Hamburg. Warri, Lagos

Born and raised in Nigeria

Dad - Nigerian

Mom - German

Genre: Hip Hop, reggae, Soul, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Rhian Benson (Rhiannon Afua Benson)

Ghana - UK

English, Pidgin

Songs in Twi? No

Location: London

Born and raised in Ghana

Dad - Ghanaian

Mom - Welsh (UK)

Genre: Hip Hop, Soul, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Seinabo Sey

Gambia -Sweden

English, Swedish,

Songs in Wolof, Mandinka, Fula? No

Location: Stockholm

Born in Sweden and raised in Sweden/Gambia

Dad -Gambian

Mom - Swedish

Genre: Pop-Soul, Hip Hop

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Sena Dagadu

Ghana -Hungary

English, Ewe, Pidgin

Songs in Hungarian? Yes

Location: Budapest

Born and raised in Ghana

Dad - Ghanaian

Mom -Hungarian

Notable: Lead singer/writer for Irie Maffia of Hungary

Genre: Pop-Soul, Hiplife, Hip Hop, Dancehall, reggae

Video: YouTube

Audio: Soundcloud

Stromae (Paul Von Haver)

Rwanda-Belgium

French. English, Dutch

Songs in Kinyarwanda? No

Location: Brussels

Born in Belgium

Dad - Rwandan

Mom - Belgian

Notable:

Genre:Pop, Electronica, House, Hip Hop

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Thaïs Diarra

Mali-Senegal

English, French

Songs in Bambara, Wolof? Yes

Location: Biel

Born and Raised in Switzerland

Dad - Senegal

Mom Swiss

Genre: Afrosoul, Traditional West African, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Wanlov The Kubolor (Emmanuel Owusu-Bonsu)

Ghana -Romania

English, Pidgin, Twi, Ga

Songs in Romanian? Yes

Location: Accra, Bucharest metro area

Born in Romania and raised in Ghana

Dad - Ghanaian

Mom - Romanian

Notable: One-half of Rap duo 'The FOKN BOIS"

Genre: Hip Hop, Hiplife, Afrobeat, Roma

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

There are the old school musicians of two different parentage such:

Sadé (Helen Folasade Adu)

Nigeria-England

English

Songs in Yoruba? No

Location: London

Born and raised in England

Dad -Nigerian

Mom - English

Notable: Never considered her music “Afropean”

Genre: Soul, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Seal (Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel)

Nigeria-English

English

Songs in Yoruba? No

Location: Paris

Born and raised in England

Dad -Brazilian

Mom - Nigerian

Notable: Never considered his music “Afropean”

Genre: Soul, RnB

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Then there are the others that have parentage both parentage of Africans but born or raised outside of their parents home country

Such as: 

Asa (Bukola Elemide)

Nigeria-France

English

Songs in Yoruba? Yes

Location: Paris

Born France and raised in Nigeria

Dad - Nigerian

Mom - Nigerian

Notable: Never considered singing until she experienced early adulthood in France.

Genre: Soul, RnB, Jazz, Indie Pop

Video:  YouTube

Audio: YouTube Audio

Nico & Vinz (Kahouly Nicolay "Nico" Sereba + Vincent "Vinz" Dery)

(Cote D'Ivoire + Ghana) / Norway

English

Songs in Twi, Diola, French, Norwegian? No

Location: Oslo

Born and raised in Norway

Dads - Ivorian/Ghanaian

Moms - Nowegian/Ghanaian

Notable: Was formally known as “Envy” before signing with U.S. label Warner Bros.

Genre: Soul, RnB, Pop, Indie Pop, Rap

Video: YouTube

Audio: SoundCloud

Rab Bakari holds WOMEX 2015 panel - Budapest

Rab Bakari hosted a panel along with panelist David Sander (Mandala TV Prod./Coke Studio Africa) and Buddha Blaze Mbasu (Spark Africa) on Thursday, 22 October 2015 in the Cosmopolitan city of Budapest, Hungary.

David Sanders, Rab Bakar & Buddha Blaze Mbasu @ the Bálna - Budapest

A Tale of Two Nations: 
The creative magic of African-European music artists.

In recent years, a new generation of exciting creative musicians has been emerging from across Africa. Some are based on the continent, some in Europe and North America. They are socially networked artists, just as comfortable in the tough neighborhoods of Africa's biggest cities as they are performing at hip nightclubs in London or European music festivals. They blend hip-hop, house, reggae and rock with various local musical traditions from around Africa. This panel aims to provide a background on the rising new wave of artists representing the heritages of both parents from different continents or claiming both nationalities in their music.

AFRIMA 2015 All Africa Music Awards Nominees

Here is the final list for all 33 categories of the AFRIMA 2015 All Africa Music Awards to be held in Lagos, Nigeria 15 November 2015.

VOTE HERE!

Betty Akna - "Africa United"

Charlotte Dipanda - "Elle N'a Pas Vu"

Laurette La Perle - "Twist"

Mani Bella - "Face à Face"

Missy BK - "Ndolo"

Awilo Longomba - "Bundelele"

Herleo Muntu - "Muabilayi"

Junior Enyango - "Belle Mère"

Locko - "Margo"

Numerica Feat. Bana C4 - "Kossa Moi Ça"

Stanley Enow & DJ Neptune - "King Kong"

Alsarah & The Nubatones - "Habibi Taal"

Helen Berhe - " Gumema Bet"

Lilian Mbabazi - " Simple Girl"

Linah - "Ole Themba"

Suzanna Owiyo - "Wamiel"

Tsedenia "Hareyet (Yet Biye)"

Alikaba - "Mwana"

Diamond Platumz Feat. Khadija Kopa - "Nasema Nawe"

Jaguar - "One Centimetre"

Jose Chameleone - "Wale Wale"

Kidum & Boda Boda Band - "Ihorere"

Teddy Afro - "Korkuma Africa"

Cheba Sabrine - "Oublie Moi"

Jannat - "Agbany Shakhsito"

Manal - "#Denia"

Samira Said - "Mazloom"

Souad Massi - "El Boulbouli"

Ahmed Soultan & Wiyaala - "This Is Who I Am"

Amr Diab - "Gamalo"

Aziz Sahmaoui - "Mazal"

Don Bigg - "Ghadi Bellour"

Monsif Jilali - "Bki ya L'ayne"

Simo Lagnawi - "Bolami"

Anna Joyce - "Já Não Combina"

Bucie - "Shela"

Busiswa Feat. DJ Buckz + Uhuru - "Lahla"

Celma Ribas - "Fato"

Cindy Munyavi - "Kutsvaga Mari"

Kelly Khumalo - "Asine"

Beatenberg - "Beauty Like a Tightened Bow"

Cassper Nyovest Feat. DJ Drama + Anatii - "Ghetto"

DJ Malvado Feat. The Groove + Equipe Explosão - "Toca Ninguém Se Mexe"

Djeff Afrozila Feat. Yuri Da Cunha & BzB - "Ser Kazakuta"

Jeremy Loops feat. Motheo Moleko - "Down South"

KO - "Son of A Gun"

Efya - "Forgetting Me"

Niyola - "Last Bus Stop"

Ruby Gyang - "Good Man"

Seyi Shay - "Jangilova"

Wiyaala - "Africa"

Yemi Alade - "K-I-S-S-I-N-G"

Bryomo - "1 Pound"

Davido Feat. Meek Mill - "Fans Mi"

Flavour - "Golibe"

Olamide - "Shakiti Bobo"

Sarkodie Feat. Castro - "Adonai (remix)"

Wizkid - "Ojuelegba"

Dark Suburb - "Jump Off A Cliff"

Featurist - "Babaah"

P-Square - "Shekini"

Sauti Sol - "Sura Yako"

The Soil feat. Khuli Chana - "Susan"

VVIP - "Skolom"

Davido + Uhuru + DJ Buckz - "The Sound"

AKA + Burna Boy + Da Les + Jr - "All Eyes On Me"

Dibi Dobo + Angelique Kidjo - "Ekomole"

J Martins + Yousoou N'Dour - "Time Is Now"

Ladysmith Black Mambazo + Salif Keita - "United We Stand"

Waje, Victoria Kimanai, Vanessa Mdee, Arielle T, Gabriela, Yemi Alade, Selmor, Mtukudzi, Judith Sephuma, Blessing Nwafor, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde - "Strong Girl"

Sauti Sol + Amosh & Josh - "Nerea"

Toofan + DJ Arafat - "Apero"

VVIP+ Idris Elba + Phyno - "Get In Da Picture (Selfie remix)

Yemi Alade + Dil - "Temperature"

Bryomo - "1 Pound"

Charlotte Dipanda - "Elle N'a Pas Vu"

Diamond Platumz Feat. Khadija Kopa - "Nasema Nawe"

Linah - "Ole Themba"

Mani Bella - "Face à Face"

Blade Deep feat. Delura & Liez - "Perfectly"

Boddhi Satva feat. Kaysha - "Mama Kosa"

Busiswa Feat. DJ Buckz + Uhuru - "Lahla"

Flavour - "Power To Win"

Gazza Feat. Uhuru + DJ Buckz - "Shuna"

Cassper Nyovest - "Ghetto"

Edem Feat. Sway- "The One (Remix)"

Jovi - "Big Vulture"

Juliani - "One Day"

M.Anifest - "Forget Dem"

Stanley Enow - "King Kong"

NG Bling - "Parle a ma Main"

Kiff No Beat - "Ça gate coeur"

DJ Arafat - "Gbobolor"

Don Bigg - "Ghadi Bellour"

Meezo L Fadly - "M'Woppy"

Toofan - "Orobo"

Vanessa Mdee - "Hawajui"

Wande Coal - "Hello"

Ycee - "Condo Feat. Patoranking"

Cindy - "Dat Dat"

Erick Kristal - "Ile Ife Africa"

Nneka - "My Love, My Love"

Timaya - "Sanko"

Patoranking - "Daniella Whine"

Stonebwoy - "Pull Up (Remix) Feat. Patoranking"

Teddy Afro - "Korkuma Africa"

Aziz Sahmaoui - "Mazal"

Gangbe Brass Band - "Yoruba"

Irene Namatovu - "Okuzaala Kujagaana"

Saava Karim - "Akalulu"

Sekou Kouyate - "Dela"

Simo Lagnawi - "Bolami"

Bebe Cool - "Love You Everyday"

Dark Suburb - "I Dey Feel You Die"

Lulu & The Zakaleo Band - "Thembassa"

M'vula - "Volume 10"

Prime Circle - "Doors"

Wiyaala - "Angel"

Becky Joe - "How Great"

Betty Akna - "Africa United"

Lab'l - "Ma Ve Wa Ngan"

MoniQue - "Na You Dey Reign"

Ogecha - "Dumimaja"

Darey - "Pray for me"

Difference - "Hosanna"

Juliani - "One Day"

Prince Eyango - "Merci Seigneur"

Timi Dakolo - "Wish Me Well"

Vumomse - "Rakata"

Stanley Adjetey for Wiyaala - "Africa"

John Njaga Demps + Unlimited LA for J Martins & Youssou N'Dour - "Time Is Now"

Enos Olik for Sauti Sol - "Sura Yako"

Clarence Peters for Flavour - "Golibe"

Gyo Gyimah - Edem Feat. Sway - "The One"

Clarence Peters for P-Square - "Shekini"

Adekunle Gold - "Sade"

Amantle - "Moratiwa"

Daphne - "Gunshot"

H_Art the Band - "Uliza Kiatu"

Kiss Daniel - "Woju"

THT - "Week End"

Alikiba - "Mwana"

Charlotte Dipanda - "Elle N'a Pas Vu"

Davido Feat Meek Mill - "Fans Mi"

Diamond Platnumz Feat Kadija Kopa - "Nasema Nawe"

Flavour - "Golibe"

Dr. Jose Chameleone - "Wale Wale"

Olamide - "Shakiti Bobo"

Sarkodie Feat. Castro - "Adonai (Remix)"

Wizkid - "Ojuelegba"

Yemi Alade - "K-I-S-S-I-N-G"

"Adonai (Remix)" by Sarkodie & Castro

"Elle N'a Pas Vu" by Charlotte Dipanda

"Fans Mi" by Davido & Meek Mill

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G" by Yemi Alade

"Mwana" by Alikiba

"Nasema Nawe" byDiamond Platnumz & Kadija Kopa

"Ojuelegba" by Wizkid

"Shekini" by "P-Square"

"Sura Yako" by Sauti Sol

"Wale Wale" by Dr. Jose Chameleone

Aramide - "Iwo Nikan"

Ben Pol - "Sophia"

H_Art the Band - "Uliza Kiatu"

Joy Gitau - "Are You Gonna Love Me?"

Kiss Daniel - "Woju"

Liron - "Loneliness"

Lulu & The Zakaleo Band - "Thembassa"

Ben Pol - "Sophia"

Danny Kalima - "Dusty City"

Efya - "Forgetting Me"

Joy Gitau - "Are You Gonna Love Me?"

Liron - "Loneliness"

Praiz - "If I Fall"

Ruby Gyang - "Good Man"

The Soil Feat. Khuli Channa - "Susan"

Abdullah Ibrahim - "The Song Is My Story"

Abel Mulugeta - "Leb Barbamet"

Kunle Ayo - "Joromi"

Joel Sebunjo - "Nakato"

Gabacho Maroconnection - "Moussaoui"

Gangbe Brass Band - "Yoruba"

Recipients of the AFRIMA Legendary Award and the Africa Entertainment/Music Journalist Award will be decided by the International Committee of AFRIMA and revealed at the main awards ceremony on Sunday, November 15 while album, songwriter and producer of the year will be wholly decided by the academy.

Album of The Year

Songwriter of the Year

Producer of the Year

AFRIMA, in partnership with African Union Commission, AUC, announced the nominees for the 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at an international media conference which took place on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Nominees are contending for the coveted AFRIMA 23.9 karat gold-plated trophy in 33 categories divided into the regional and continental categories and including the AFRIMA Legend Award and music/entertainment journalist of the year award.

Jury members and AFRIMA International Committee were present to unveil the nominees after a rigorous six day screening exercise which started on Sunday, August 9 and ended on Friday, August 14 which Rab Bakari participated in. Also present at the conference were media practitioners, artistes’ managers, label owners, artistes and other stakeholders who were all excited and expectant as the nominees were being announced. 

Giving insight into the criteria by which the nominees list was reached, AFRIMA juror and BBC Radio 3 presenter, Rita Ray explained that the jury panel adhered strictly to the entry submission requirements while being guided by AFRIMA’s core values of FACE IT –Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency. The voting process began on the Friday, August 21, 2015 and also said the AFRIMA voting online platform will open for an 11 week voting process, while encouraging the public, fans and followers of African music to visit the AFRIMA website, www.afrima.org, to view the nominees in the 29 (open for public voting) categories of the award and vote for their favourite artiste (s).

Revealing programmes of AFRIMA 2015 event, the President/Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada said: “Recipients of the AFRIMA Legendary Award and the Africa Entertainment/Music Journalist Award will be decided by the International Committee of AFRIMA and revealed at the main awards ceremony on Sunday, November 15 while songwriter and producer of the year will be wholly decided by the academy.

AFRIMA 2015 will be held in Nigeria to be broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations across the world with the support of its media partners on 15 November 2015.