Yemi Alade
In celebration of African music and culture, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in league with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) has announced AFRIMA 2015 nominees and the multiple award-winning male choral group from South Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo to lead the invasion of over one hundred and sixty two (162) African superstars who have confirmed attendance to the 2015 AFRIMA Awards slated for Sunday, November 15 at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith is arguably the most decorated male group in Africa, having won multiple awards including four Grammys in 1988, 2004, 2009 and 2013 respectively. Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the group had been singing together since the early 1950s. However, it was Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 for the Graceland album that brought it the much needed international acclaim.
Confirming their performance at AFRIMA Awards, band’s manager, Majozi Christopher Zolisile, stated: “AFRIMA 2015 will be staged in November which coincidentally is the month for Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s 55th anniversary. It will be amazing and electrifying to perform on a big stage like All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2015 in Nigeria. We are looking forward to it.”
Other artistes billed to perform at the award ceremony include Yemi Alade from Nigeria, who broke records with her hit single, ‘Johnny’ in 2013. Her counterpart from Cameroon, Charlotte Dipanda, an Afro pop singer, who has worked with Congolese singer, Papa Wemba and provided background vocals for Manu Dibango, Rokia Traore and Axelle Red will also grace the AFRIMA stage. The duo of Diamond Platnumz, a Bongo Flava recording artist and dancer from Tanzania and Olamide from Nigeria will set the stage on fire at the AFRIMA 2015. Both have won numerous awards.
Diamond Platnumz
Other artistes and nominees that have confirmed attendance from Eastern Africa include Vanessa Mdee, Bebe Cool, Tsedenia, Alikiba, H_Art the Band, Dr. Jose Chameleone, Danny Kalima, Makadem, Lilian Mbabazi, Sauti Sol, Cindy, Lulu & the Zakaleo Band, Liron, Suzanna Owiyo, Ben Pol, THT, and Teddy Afro.
From Southern Africa are top acts like AKA, Busiswa, Amantle, Cindy Munyavi, Gazza, Blade Deep/Delura, The Soil, Kunle Ayo, Cassper Nyovest, and KO while representing Central Africa are Awilo Logomba, Stanley Enow, Charlotte Dipanda, NG Bling, Jovi, Daphne, M’vula, Betty Akna, Mani Bella, Featurist, Vumomse, Missy BK, and DJ Malvado.
Sarkodie
Confirming attendance from West Africa region are Sarkodie, Stoneboy, Toofan, Kiff No Beat, Dark Suburb “The Skeleton”, DJ Arafat, Wiyaala, Sekou Kouyate, Gangbe Brass Band etc. Representing the host, Nigeria include Davido, Wizkid, P-Square, Timaya, Nneka, Flavour, Darey, Brymo, Seyi Shay, Wande Coal, Praiz, Niyola, Patoranking, Adekunle Gold, Kiss Daniel, Aramide, Timi Dakolo, and J. Martins among others.
The Central and Northern Africa regions’ delegates will be led by Awilo Logomba, Stanley Enow, Charlotte Dipanda, NG Bling, Jovi, Daphne, M’vula, Betty Akna, Mani Bella, Featurist, Vumomse, Missy BK, and DJ Malvado, and Manal, Don Bigg, Monsif Jilali and Ahmed Soultan, Cheba Sabrine, Alsarah, Souad Massi, Samira Said, Gabacho Maroconnection among others.
The 2015 AFRIMA Awards will be broadcast live to 84 countries on 109 television stations across the world with the support of AFRIMA media partners.