world,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, Mr Alioune Sarr, said: “Now Sénégal is also positioning herself to become the champions of music because we are hosting the eighth AFRIMA.
“We are happy knowing that Senegal becomes the third country and the first francophone country to host this great event.
“I can tell you that our ministry (tourism) and the Senegalese government will partner and collaborate with you (AFRIMA) for a great success of AFRIMA in Senegal.
“This is because our President, Macky Sall, is not only the president of the African Union but also wishes to position himself as the President of all African lovers of culture which AFRIMA exudes,” he said.
Senegal’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Aliou Sow, said, “I feel honoured to be representing the Minister of Culture, alongside my colleague at this event in preparation for the eighth edition of AFRIMA Awards in Senegal.
“We are honoured to welcome this huge event to this country for the benefit of the young people in Senegal and the image of the country.
“The eighth AFRIMA in Senegal is officially tagged the Teranga edition which encompasses the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is core to Senegalese life,” he said.
Also Mike Dada, AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, said that the values of Senegalese people would be celbrated globally through the AFRIMA platform.
Dada said youths, the central focus of the eighth edition, would be exposed to opportunities in the creative economy and new music business models, monetisation in music, intellectual property rights and licensing.
“They will also be exposed to collaborations with other global African music superstars that will be participating in the eighth AFRIMA in Dakar,” he said.
Matar Diop, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Senegal, said: “I am excited that the International Committee of AFRIMA and the African Union listened to our plea and pitch to bring AFRIMA to Senegal for the benefits of the tourism and music industry in Senegal.
“I thank the President and the government of Republic of Senegal for supporting this project that will change the creative industry and the tourism landscape of Senegal for good.”
As the whole world gears toward the eighth edition of the awards, AFRIMA, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org.
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