Africa came together Sunday night to celebrate one of its shining glories, artistry in the form of music, as the third edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, practically shutdown Lagos.
Political stalwarts, economic bigwigs, legendary artistes were among the thousands who thronged the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, venue of the annual award ceremony to celebrate. From Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, the AFRIMA fever could be felt.
Inside Eko Hotel, venue of the show, it was a different ball game as entertainers from all over Africa set the AFRIMA red carpet alight.
Although the show was off to a slow start, once it gained momentum, there was no stopping. Interspersed with music, dance and other forms of entertainment, one after the other, winners were called to receive their plaques.
A night of surprises, rapper and actor, Falz emerged AFRIMA 2016 Revelation of the year, while Diamond Platnumz bagged the award for Song of the Year. Phyno was named African Fans Favorite award with Fada Fada and Aramide beat Yemi Alade to clinch the Best Female West Africa.
Nigeria’s Flavour Nabania took home two awards; Best Artiste/Duo/Group/Band in African Contemporary and Best Male West Africa.
Continuing in his winning streak, Nigeria’s Wizkid, beat Tiwa Savage, Tekno Diamond Platnumz, Sarkodie, Navio & Eddy Kenzo and South Africa’s Black Coffee to win the most coveted category; Artiste of the Year.
Nigeria Juju music legend, King Sunny Ade, together with Cameroun’s Manu Dibango, was presented with a Special Recognition Award.
Prior to Sunday’s superlative show, organisers put together two events; The Africa Music Business Roundtable and a Music Village. While the business roundtable featured discussion on African music and it’s economic benefits, the Music Village is the paraded a Femi Kuti-led array of stars, numbering over forty at the Lagos Bar Beach Waterfront.
Featuring the likes of Tanzania’s Diamond Patinumz, Ghana’s Sarkodie, Nigeria’s Patorankin and a host of others, the show starting from 8pm on the day, through the night to the wee hours of the morning. Nneka, World acclaimed Europe based Nigerian Afrorock Star became the surprise of the night was simply Awesome.
Among dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode; his wife, Bolanle; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Presidential Adviser of Political Matter, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and Senator Olamilekan Yayi and a host of others.