Ghana: The African Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2018

Yesterday, Saturday November 24 at night, the fifth edition of Afrima, the African Music Awards, was held in Accra. Nigerian or Algerian, young talent or star to success, from Master Gims to Davido, the artists of the continent faced each other in more than thirty categories. But the event is also a springboard for exporting African music beyond its borders.

This long-animated night has had its share of winners; Davido, named best artist of West Africa, or Sandra Nankoma, best female artist of the year. But for the Algerian artist DJ Moh Green, Afrima’s trophies are more than a litany of prizes… “It’s huge,” he says, “because in the end we gather all the countries of the world, Africa, I was with people from Chad, etc., we are talking about collaborations, I am also preparing the sound of the CAN 2019 where I place the great African artists, we have the same message to advance music all over the world and show an image of Africa that is strong.”

If Gaz Mawete bowed as promising artist of the year against Ghanaian Kuami Eugene, the Congolese singer will not come in vain: “It’s a great light for artists, we see each other very easily here, we have direct exchanges. Same: “Oh, I like your title Olingi Nini, I saw it on YouTube…” At the moment we had ideas, why not do something together? We’ll reserve it right after Afrima, it’s full of collaborations. the names are calm, but there will be surprises.” Again, this year, Afrima focused on African unity through the arts.

Part of the album was published by AFP: Betty G from Ethiopia won the album of the year, while the best African DJ was for Afrotronix, which has its roots in Chad. Nigerian Falz was crowned the best rapper in Africa after provoking controversy this year with his “This is Nigeria”, a rebirth of the children’s tube and the satire of modern Nigeria. “Akwaaba”, a collaboration between GuiltyBeatz, Mr Eazi, Patapaaa and Pappy Kojo won the title of the song of the year and the best African collaboration.

Nigerian 2Baba won the Best African Pop Award, the Ghanaian Stonebwoy for the best reggae and the South African Sibusiso Mashiloane for the best jazz.