Africans music lovers will on September 25 begin to vote for the musicians who will go home with the golden plaques at this year’s All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) holding from December 8-11, 2022.
According to the organisers, those within the continent and around the world can visit the AFRIMA website: HYPERLINK “http://www.afrima.org/” \t “_blank” www.afrima.org to vote. Voting closes at 12 (CAT), December 10, 2022. Culled from a total of 9,067 entries submitted – the highest number ever recorded by the awards – the AFRIMA jury selected a total of 382 nominations across 39 categories, representing all five regions in Africa as well as the Diaspora.
Leading the nominations on a regional basis this year is the West African region, with 134 nominations, representing 35 percent; while the East African region follows closely with 69 nominations, representing 18 percent; the Southern African region races closely with 68 nominations, representing 17.8 percent; while Central Africa pulls its weight with 52 nominations, representing 13.6 percent; as the North African region follows closely with 49 nominations, representing 12.8 percent.
South African maverick, Costa Titch, with six nominations for his 2021 smash hit, Big Flexa in Song of the Year, Breakout Artiste of the Year, Best African Collaboration, Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Electro and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in Use of African Dance/Choreography.
Interestingly, Congolese maestro, Dadju, ties with six nominations as well in Best Male in Central Africa, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Best African Act in the Diaspora, and Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary. Ranking closely with the third highest nominations is the Ivorian rapper, Didi B, who bags five nominations in Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best African Rapper/Lyricist, and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop.
Also tying with five nominations is the Algerian deejay and record producer in Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa, Song of the Year, Best African DJ, Best African Act in the Diaspora and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Electro. Ranking equally with the third highest nominations is another Algerian singer, Soolking, with five nominations in Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Video and Best African Act in the Diaspora.
However, closing the tie with the third highest nominations is the Egyptian rapper and record producer, Wegz who has five nominations in Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Artiste of the Year and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary.
Other artistes with four nominations are the Nigerian mavericks, Burna Boy in Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Artiste of the Year; Fireboy in Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Artiste of the Year and Best African Collaboration. There is Kizz Daniel in Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Song of the Year, Artiste of the Year, Best African Collaboration and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop and Tiwa Savage in Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, Best African Collaboration and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B/Soul.
Other African superstars with four nominations are Zakes Bantwini (South Africa) in Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, Best African DJ, Artiste of the Year and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Electro; Marwan Moussa (Egypt) in Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa, Best African Rapper/Lyricist, Breakout Artiste of the Year and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop; and Nomfundo Moh (South Africa) in Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, Album of the Year, Breakout Artiste of the Year and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul.
Commenting, AFRIMA jury member representing the Southern African region, Adam Tiran, said: “The sheer breadth of music from all over the continent that we considered at the AFRIMA adjudication, for this year’s awards, is mind blowing. It’s really encouraging to see so many African superstars on the list, as well as other rising stars who have had an amazing year, and, finally, a lot of brand new music discoveries. The future is bright for the continent!”