Starting from the red carpet to the stage embellishments,
Africa’s enduring cultural heritage and creativity were on display at the
highly-anticipated awards ceremony that also welcomed guests which included
African Union Commission, AUC, officials, government officials from ministries
of culture, ministries of trade and industry and captains of industry across
Africa.
The ceremony,
produced by PRM Africa, a Lagos-based PR, Brand Communication and Event
Production Agency, was conceptualised around African cultural themes ranging
from the rich Egyptian heritage of the Pharaoh era to the earthy depth of the
artistically intricate Benin Kingdom, the folklore and oratory skills of the
West Africans and the fierce power of the Zulu Kingdom.
AFRIMA 2014 opened
with a dramatic appearance on stage of the 11 feet high ‘Adagbe’ drum; arguably
the world’s tallest drum -rhythmically beaten by drummers on stilts while fire
breathers brought a fiery glow to the performance.
The capacity audience
was further awed by the presence of veteran Nigerian culturist and actor, Pa
Peter Fatomilola who emerged on stage to chant a litany of prayers and proverbs
in Yoruba language.
The event’s 14 ushers wore the Benin queen and Egyptian
queen attires –seven apiece, while the 16-man strong security team wore the
traditional regalia of Zulu warriors of South Africa to man the event venue and
the red carpet area where guests were treated to assorted drinks, finger foods,
photo shoots and interview sessions.
The costumes donned
by the awards’ hosts, globally renowned African music star, 2Baba Idibia and Togo’s bilingual radio and TV
personality, Marisse Akotie, remained true to the cultural concept of AFRIMA
2014. The event’s first music performance by 2Baba saw him wear the royal
outfit of a Pharaoh -a ruler in ancient Egypt- to perform his hit single Odi Ya
to backing choreography by 54 children representing the 54 countries on the
African continent. Marisse, complemented 2Baba in her Egyptian queen outfit as
she joined her co-host on stage after his performance for the formal opening of
the night’s event.
Other sizzling
performances came from top African performing artistes such as Dear Zim from
Zimbabwe; Wiyaala from Ghana; Radio and Weasel from Uganda; Bez, TemiDollface,
Niyola, Timi Dakolo, Oritsefemi, Davido all from Nigeria among others.
Nigeria artistes also
took home the highest number of trophies, 13 in total, with O.B.O crooner, Davido, carting away four
of the coveted 29.3 carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophies. 2Baba won the Best
African R’n’B & Soul category endorsed by Channel O, while Afrobeat
creator, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti received the AFRIMA Legend Award. The legend
award was presented by the Head of Culture
Division, Social Affairs Department, African Union Commission, Mrs.
Angela Martins (who also represented the AUC Chairperson at the awards
ceremony) and received on Fela’s behalf by his first daughter, Yeni Kuti. Some
presenters of awards for night include Rikki Stein, international adviser of
AFRIMA (UK), Kenny Ogungbe (Nigeria), Delani Makhalima (Zimbabwe), Peter Mscheu
(Tanzania), OJB Jezreel (Nigeria), Tee Mac (Nigeria), Ahmed Soultan (Morocco),
Steve Ayorinde (Nigeria), Davina Green (Zimbabwe), Richmir Totah (Republic du
Benin)among others.
Reacting to the
awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren has this to say about AFRIMA,
“Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are proud of her and this is a
challenge for her to do more and we promise she will live up to it. AFRIMA was
bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote AFRIMA in Ghana”.
Wiyaala is from Ghana
and she won the Revelation of the African Continent and Most Promising Artiste
in Africa award.
‘’It was an excellent night. We had fun all the way. Every
scene or performance was fabulous. While there is room for improvement, I still
find it difficult to believe that this beautiful show happened in Africa. It
was awesome! I will definitely make the AFRIMA 2015 with my family and
friends”, enthused Emmanuel Satuyi who came from United States of America to
see the AFRIMA 2014 in Lagos, Nigeria.
AFRIMA, in
partnership with the African Union Commission, is a platform to reward the
creative excellence of African talents and provide a platform to showcase the
culture of Africa globally. The 2014 awards ceremony was supported by ONE.org,
Africa 2.0, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation.
Corporate sponsors are Kenya Airways, Procter and Gamble, Peugeot and Diamond
Bank.
Reacting to the awards won by his artiste, Jonathan Sherren
has this to say about AFRIMA, “Wiyaala really appreciates this award, we are
proud of her and this is a challenge for her to do more and we promise she will
live up to it. AFRIMA was bigger than we expected, we will definitely promote
AFRIMA in Ghana”.
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