THERE is no doubting the fact that the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is the biggest musical event that would continue to reverberate in the African music scene for a long time to come. Not only has the awards redefined the place of Africa in the world music scene, but also what the continental event represents.
This year’s edition of the prestigious awards would go down in history as one of the biggest things that ever happened to Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene, especially as the country grappled with the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, which has continued to ravage the world.
Not only does the event celebrate African music and the stars who churn out great records and sound annually, it also showcases the cultural heritage of the black race to the rest of the world.
From the red carpet session to the Convention Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of this year’s awards, it was a sheer display of the continent’s rich culture, glamour and fashion, as artistes and guests turned out in defining styles.
Indeed, music stars from across Africa and entertainment buffs within the country thronged the event venue in their tens of thousands. While some bagged awards, those who didn’t showed support to their colleagues and also expressed their love for African music.
Grammy award winner and Nigeria’s rave of the moment, Ayodeji Balogun professionally known as Wizkid or Starboy as he had been recently called by fans and admirers, again made history and put Nigeria in the spotlight, as he took home three out the four awards he was nominated in — Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Best African Collaboration for his effort with Tems.
The Made in Lagos singer defeated other African music heavyweights including fellow countrymen like Burma Boy, Davido, and Omah Lay, as well as Blaq Diamond, Focalistic, Makhadzi (all South African), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), MHD (Guinea), and Aya Nakamura of Mali to clinch the highly contested Best Artiste of the Year award.
This is barely one week after he won the Best African Act at this year’s edition of the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA). Other Nigerians who shone at the awards include FireBoy DML, who carted home two awards — African Fans’ Favourite and Best Duo African Hip-Hop, which he won alongside Cheque.
In the keenly contested ‘Best Producer of the Year’ category, Legendary Beatz enacted his claimed as the continent’s best as he defeated other strong beat makers like Blaq Diamond (South Africa), DJ Tarico (Mozambique), Kolber Prod (Ivory Coast), Lizer Classic (Tanzania), Virgo Deep (South Africa) and fellow countrymen such as Napji, Olakira, P. Prime and Telz.
Also, Flavour Nabania showed that he was not on the same ‘level’ with the other contenders in the Best Artiste or Duo in African Dance or Choreography category as he took home the award alongside his compatriots — Diamond Platnumz and Fally Ipupa.
Tems proved that she is one artiste that is to be reckoned with as she took home the keenly contested Best Artiste Duo/Group African Hip-Pop award, while Rotimi, a U.S based artiste bagged the Best African Act in the Diaspora (Male). Also, Cheque put Nigeria in the spotlight with their winning of the Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip-Hop.
The biggest winner of the night was Malian Ibaone, who won four awards — Album of the Year, African Male Artiste in Inspirational Music, Best Song Writer and Best Male Artiste from Western Africa.
Other major winners on the night include Kenyan rising star, Nikita Kering, who won in the two categories she was nominated in — Best Female Artiste Eastern Africa and Best Artiste Duo, or Group in African R&B, Soul, which was highly contested.
Guinea born Djelykaba Bintou won the Breakout Artiste of the Year, just as his Morocco born counterpart, El Grande Toto, went home as the Most Promising African Artiste. Tanzania born disc jockey, DJ Sinyorita showed he is Africa’s best with his winning the Best African DJ.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to 95 years old United States retired teacher, counselor, and activist, Opal Lee for her passionate commitment for better human existence, while Beyonce, a one time lead singer of best-selling girl group, Destiny’s Child, and DR Congo music legend, Koffi Olomide were honoured with Best Global Act and Legend Award respectively.
Despite the awards being held in Lagos, it was however a dismal outing for Nigerian acts that put in for the awards as they were defeated by other African artistes in their soil.
It was crystal clear that while the other African acts went all out to campaign and scout for votes from their fans, Nigerian artistes perhaps went to bed with the illusion that they are the best in everything. Alas they were defeated flat by even younger artistes from other African countries.
Also, it could be deduced that Nigerian fans only show to their favourite artistes by mouth and not by deeds or action. This was clearly evident at the award ceremony, where they only shout at the mention of a Nigerian artiste a name but couldn’t go all out to vote for them despite the hype, glamour and attention the organisers gave to awards.
