Two
Gambian artists have attended the All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) on 6
November, 2016 in Nigeria Lagos.
The
duo are T Smallz has been nominated with his latest single “Guewel” under best
African reggae-ragga, while Jizzle has been nominated with his single “Man of
the year” feat Artenola under best African hip-hop song.
It was done via public voting for the nominees
in the different categories of the awards opens. However the two could not win
any awards in the categories they are nominated.
The
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Sunday November 6, at the Eko
Hotel and Suites, played host to over 5,000 guests and 2100 international
delegates at the third annual All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA which was
broadcast live to countries around the world.
The
event witnessed an array of officials of the African Union and African music
superstars; AFRIMA past winners; 2016 nominees; top government functionaries;
members of the diplomatic corps, corporate Africa, stakeholders in the
creative/ entertainment industry in Africa, media executives, and music
artistes.
With
42 countries of the African continent in attendance including African Union
officials, Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, was represented by
Senator Babafemi Ojodu.
Meanwhile,
an art-loving Ambode had on Saturday November 5, hosted foreign delegates and
nominees of AFRIMA, ambassadors and the Deputy Minister of Tourism and
Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe, Honorable Anastarcia Ndulovu, to a dinner at
the State House, Ikeja.
Also
present were artistes, AFRIMA nominees and a host of other media executives.
While
welcoming his guests at the Governor’s Lodge, Ambode reiterated Lagos State’s
vision of making the city an undeniable entertainment capital of Africa, as
well as being the hub of creative expressions in the continent. This, he opined, will open up the
economic-viable state for more foreign and local investors.
The
governor, who was accompanied to the November 6, AFRIMA 2016 awards ceremony by
his wife, (Mrs.) Bolanle Ambode; the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti
Adebule, and hundreds of government officials including commissioners, has
successfully placed Lagos as the first state in the country and on the
continent to officially host thousands of Africa’s stars in the city.
Prior
to the prestigious occasion, the African Union had targeted four cities as
potential hosts for the continental awards ceremony. These cities were: Calabar
(Cross River State), Lagos (Lagos State), Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Uyo
(Akwa Ibom State).
However,
having considered which state has the most motivation to host AFRIMA in line
with its values; which has the strongest vision in tourism, culture and
entertainment, the AU announced Lagos as the Host City for AFRIMA 2016 on
August 15, 2016.
