The President of Senegal, Macky Sall, recently hosted the executive producer and president of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Mike Dada, at his official residence in the country’s capital, Dakar.
Recall that Senegal was announced as the host country for the event by the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA after a world media conference/unveiling ceremony held at the King Fahd Royal Palace Hotel, in Dakar, on November 4, 2022.
At the meeting, President Sall pledged his government’s support towards a successful hosting of the awards ceremony.
President Sall, who is also the 2022 Chairperson of the African Union, stated that the people of the country were honoured to host the show.
He said, “The present and future of Africa, particularly Senegal, is very important to our government, and the youths represent that future. AFRIMA speaks to the empowerment and engagement of young people in the creative economy, as well as the celebration of our continent and global promotion of our cities for tourism benefits, hence the support and partnership from the Republic of Senegal.
“I am very happy and honoured to host the Teranga edition of the biggest music award in Africa right here in Senegal. The people of Senegal are excited about this historical feat, given that this is the first time the awards will be held in a francophone country.”
The president also assured the AFRIMA team and the rest of the world of premium hospitality and support from the Senegalese government.
In his response, Dada thanked Sall, as well as the government and people of Senegal, for undertaking to partner and host the event for the benefit of the music industry in Africa in general, and the creative economy in Senegal, in particular. He promised, on behalf of the international committee of the awards, to ensure the Teranga edition will go down in history as the best and biggest so far.
The eighth edition of the award is scheduled to commence on January 12, 2023, with a host country tour, courtesy visit to the president of the host country, school visit and gift presentation, as well as a welcome soiree.
The four-day event will continue the next day with the Africa Music Business Summit at the Centre International de Conference Abdou Diouf, and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest at the Grand Theatre. This will be followed by the main rehearsals, media engagements and nominees’ exclusive party on Saturday, January 14.
