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Ghana officially has been announced as the official host country for the 5th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The host country official announcement was made at a brief ceremony in Accra on Tuesday September 18, 2018. Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada made the official announcement and Ghana's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture,  Honourable Catherine Afeku duely accepted the responsibility on behalf of all Ghanaians. 
 
Proir to the announcement in Accra, the host country unveiling was conducted at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday, September 6 by the African Union’s Acting Director for Social Affairs, Mariama Cisse Mohamed; Head of Culture, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins, and  President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada.

The previous editions of the award were all organised in Nigeria. This is the first time it will be organised in Ghana.

The AU thanked the Lagos State Government for partnering and supporting the successful hosting of previous editions of the AFRIMA.

“We are counting on the Republic of Ghana to fulfil all requirements and efforts to make AFRIMA 2018 a huge success. The 2018 edition of AFRIMA is also the fifth edition of the continental awards and the 5th AFRIMA remains steadfast to the AUC’s values of promoting African unity and celebrating cultural uniqueness through the programme of events on the AFRIMA calendar between May and November 2018,” the AU said in a statement.

It added, “Music and entertainment are key sectors of the African culture industry stimulating the sustainable social development and growth of Africa. It is in this light that the AUC is determined to support these sectors to continue to contribute significantly to Africa’s development and favourable economic advantage on the global stage.”

Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku said Ghana is ready to take Africa by storm with a new narrative, and that is music.

“We are ready to take Africa by storm. The narrative of Africa must change, and changed through music. We can use music as a conduit for peace; we can use music to send a strong signal to the rest of the world… that our young people are talented, intelligent and the hope for the next generation”.

AFRIMA is slated for November 21-24 and Ghana will have main awards programme spanning four days of exhilarating activities.

The 2018 edition of AFRIMA is geared to increase the tourism and entertainment equity of the state as the country prepares to receive an influx of international and continental dignitaries.

She further entreated the media, and the people of Ghana to be an advocate for Africa through music.

“Let us in November carry the message of the Ghana Beyond Aid message through music. I entreat each and every one of you to be an advocate of Africa… This is going to be the Independence of music”.

Present at the launch was the deputy minister of Toursim, Dr Ziblim Barri Iddi, Samini, King Promise, Stonebwoy, M.anifest, Feli Nuna, Jupitar, Kuami Eugene, Steve Bedi and many other dignitaries from all other countries.

The African Union Commission, AUC announced the Republic of Ghana as the Official Host Country for the 5th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, following receipt of the Letter of Intent to Host AFRIMA dated April 18, 2018, addressed to the Commissioner of Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Mrs. Amira Elfadil and signed by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, Honourable Catherine Afeku.

The 5th AFRIMA Host Country unveiling was conducted at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday, September 6, 2018 by the African Union’s Acting Director for Social Affairs, Mariama Cisse Mohamed; Head of Culture, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins, and President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada.