Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was honored as
The Pillar of Arts and Culture in Africa for social change at the 2015
All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA on Sunday night of November 15 at Eko
Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria. The 23.9karat gold-plated AFRIMA
trophy was presented to Senator Tinubu by Ambassador (Dr) Wale Maiyegun,
Director of Social Affairs, African Union on behalf of the African
Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA.
The former governor, who expressed his appreciation to the African
Union Commission for the honor, said AFRIMA has shown that there are
assets of cultural variables that can be harnessed and appreciated in
the African diversity. And that AFRIMA has demonstrated how Africa
talents can be brought together to promote peace, wealth and prosperity
in the country. He then called on the audience to stand on their feet
and observe a minute silence for the victims of Paris disaster.
Giving his inspiring acceptance speech, Tinubu highlighted the
benefits of a united Africa through arts, culture and entertainment. “It
is with very humble respect that I accept this honour on behalf of my
country. It’s a gift for all the talents in Africa. Tonight is a night
of culture, a night of Africa. It is a night of talent, a night that
shows that we all belong to one single humanity. We had the situation
some years back where artistes were not rewarded, but tonight, we are
demonstrating to the rest of the world that culture, talent and artistry
are unifiers. The unity of Africa is demonstrated here tonight."
“This is a great opportunity and demonstration that the young ones,
the youth across Africa are our future and you can do more to unite us
with culture around the world. We can walk out of poverty. We can defeat
and break the shackles of ignorance and disease by recognizing and
promoting our talents. Each time you turn on the television and open
your heart to the need of our youths, you will see the economic
opportunity of these talented youths blossoming. In the last five years,
the contributions of the youth and culture increased tremendously. The
contributions from our artists are phenomenal now.”
“I believe you believe in what I believe. You share my values for
African renaissance. It is not only the faces of shrinking ugly children
infested by famine that is the face of Africa. We’ve seen the faces of
talents here. If we work hard and forge together, we can bring Africa
back with pride, talent and culture. We believe that Africa will
continue to be great and will take its pride of place across the world
and its talents and culture will be promoted.” Tinubu told thousands of
cross sections of guests.
The president and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, stated
that, ‘’AFRIMA 2015 is a great improvement when compared to last year in
terms of participation from more African countries. AFRIMA is where you
can find Africa’s top 300 artistes under one roof. Everyone is here!
Thanks to the African Union Commission and our committed and selfless
members of the production crew and the International Committee of
AFRIMA. Again, congratulations to Asiwaju Tinubu for this honor and new
responsibility on the continent.
There were over 20 earth-shaking performances at the award night led
by a collaborative performance by multiple award winning Ladysmith Black
Mambazo and Cobhams as well as Diamond Platinum (Tanzania), Kimani,
Vanessa Mdee, Waje, Darey, Charlotte Dipanda, Kunle Ayo, Olamide,
Stanley Enow, Dark Suburb, Wiyaala, AKA, Busiswa, sauti Sol, Betty Akna
among others.
34 awards were handed out at AFRIMA 2015, with Cameroonian artistes
and Tanzania artistes, Charlotte Dipanda and Diamond Platnumz, emerging
the winner with three awards respectively.
Nigeria artiste came out smoking on the night with 1 award each to
Olamide and Yemi Alade, who won the Best Male and Best Female artistes
in West Africa respectively. Darey won the Best Male Inspirational
Artiste, while Flavour is the Best Artiste in African Electro. Kunle Ayo
was the "Best Artist in African Jazz." Kiss Daniel and Adekunle Gold
won the Most Promising Act in Africa and Revelation of the Year
respectively. Praiz was the Best Artiste in African RnB & Soul. Oris
Aigbokhaevbolo was the Music/Entertainment Journalist of the Year in
Africa. Ghana and Morocco went home with two awards each while South
Africa went home with three awards.
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