Music Growth Must Benefit Larger Society- Michael Dada

One of the major challenges facing the music industry in Africa despite the present boom in the culture and music industries of Africa, remains how to find ways to sustain the growth and spread the benefits to larger layers of the society through significant job creation and poverty alleviation.

This submission was made by the President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mr. Michael Dada, during his presentation at the 4th Pan African Cultural Congress, PACC4, on May 26, 2015 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Organised by the African Union Commission, AUC, in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa, the three-day PACC4 with the theme “Unity in Cultural Diversity for Africa’s Development”, opened on Monday, May 25 and was brought to a close on Wednesday, May 27. The congress featured thematic presentations and plenary and panel discussions encouraging participatory interactive discussions moderated by carefully selected moderators. The presentations were prepared by expert in each of the themes and sub-themes.

Addressing participants on the theme: “All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA: A tool for promoting African Culture and Identity for Development”, Mr. Dada described music as an integral part of African culture to promote brotherhood, solidarity and the struggle for liberation. He referenced history saying African musicians over the years had produced rich and inspirational songs on political independence for African countries, the problem of apartheid in South Africa, the need for African countries to unite, and ultimately, the development of the continent.