AFRIMA and African Union Sign Landmark MoU to Strengthen Collaboration in Promoting African Music

 The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the African Union (AU) have taken a significant step towards solidifying their long-standing collaboration, as they recently formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Since its inception in 2014, AFRIMA has been dedicated to celebrating and promoting African music on a global scale, recognizing outstanding talents across the continent. This MoU serves to reinforce the mutual commitment between both organizations in fostering Africa’s creative and cultural industries, with a particular focus on the music sector.

Over the years, the AU and AFRIMA have worked together on various initiatives aimed at amplifying African music and integrating it into the broader agenda of cultural and creative development. Their notable collaborations include the 2020 ‘Stronger Together’ virtual concert, which was organized to support the AU COVID-19 Response Fund, as well as advocacy for key AU programs in alignment with Agenda 2063—Africa’s blueprint for social and economic transformation.

During the signing ceremony, H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the significance of this renewed agreement. She highlighted that the partnership would continue to nurture African musical talent, expand opportunities for artists, and leverage music as a tool for social integration, economic development, and cultural diplomacy.

“This agreement signifies a new chapter in our collaboration, ensuring that African music continues to flourish, uplift communities, and contribute to the well-being of artists and the continent’s development agenda,” Ambassador Cessouma stated.

Echoing her sentiments, AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, expressed his enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership, extending his appreciation to both past and present AU Commissioners for their visionary leadership and unwavering support of Africa’s creative industry.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone and a great step forward in our shared mission to elevate African music and culture on the global stage. We look forward to the continued growth of this collaboration for the benefit of our continent,” he said.

AFRIMA has played a crucial role in spotlighting African music on the world stage, rewarding exceptional talents, and fostering cultural appreciation across different African regions. The upcoming 2025 edition of AFRIMA is expected to further celebrate the diversity and brilliance of African music, uniting artists and fans from all corners of the continent.

With this formalized MoU, the AU and AFRIMA have reaffirmed their commitment to using music as a unifying force, promoting African culture, and ensuring that the continent’s artists receive the recognition they deserve on a global scale.