Abidjan has declared its ambition to host a future edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), as Francophone stakeholders gathered for the Road to the 10th Edition Media and Stakeholders’ Parley on Tuesday.
The event, held in Côte d’Ivoire, marked the second stop in the global build-up to AFRIMA’s milestone 10th edition, following an earlier engagement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
It brought together government officials, cultural industry leaders, artistes and media practitioners, underscoring the city’s growing profile as a creative hub in Francophone Africa.
Serge Akpatou, Deputy Director-General of the Ivorian Bureau of Copyright (BURIDA), said the awards platform continues to strengthen the continent’s creative ecosystem.
“AFRIMA adds real value to Africa’s creative ecosystem. It promotes our artistes, strengthens intellectual property awareness and connects us to the rest of the world. Abidjan has the capacity and the cultural depth to host a future edition, and we sincerely hope that opportunity will come,” Akpatou said.
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Representing the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Hein Sie described AFRIMA as a driver of cultural diplomacy and economic growth.
“Events like AFRIMA are important for our continental visibility. They celebrate African excellence, create opportunities for our creatives, and reinforce our identity.
“Côte d’Ivoire is proud of its artistes who have done us proud on a massive platform like AFRIMA, and we are ready to support initiatives that position our country as a creative force,” he said.
Members of AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee, including Associate Producer Victoria Nkong and International Jury member Messie Mboukou, led discussions on the awards process and collaboration with Francophone stakeholders.
Mboukou emphasised the importance of transparency and partnership as preparations intensify for the landmark edition.
“This gathering is not only about celebration. It is about dialogue, transparency and building stronger bridges between artistes, the media, cultural institutions, policy makers and AFRIMA.
“As we approach the 10th edition, continuous collaboration with Francophone Africa is vital for us not to be left out in the AFRIMA movement,” Mboukou said.
Addressing questions on adjudication, he added that the process is supervised by the African Union and independently audited to ensure credibility.
The parley featured several winners from the ninth edition, including Ivorian stars Didi B, Morijah and the group Team Paiya, alongside DJ Moh Green and Axel Merryl.
Receiving her trophy for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational, Morijah said, “This award represents years of sacrifice and dedication. I am grateful to AFRIMA and Africa for recognising my work on such a respected global African platform.”
Didi B described the awards as a networking platform that expands opportunities for collaboration across borders, while other winners highlighted the exposure and confidence gained from the recognition.
10th Edition
Although the official dates are yet to be announced, the International Committee noted that preparations are underway for the 10th edition in partnership with the African Union Commission and host city Lagos.
Meanwhile, celebrations continue following the successful ninth edition held from January 7 to 11, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre.
At that ceremony, top honours went to Rema, who emerged Artiste of the Year, while Burna Boy won Album of the Year. Other major winners included Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Juma Jux, Wendy Shay and Element Eléeeeh.
The ceremony, hosted by Falz and French-Senegalese presenter Liliane Maroune, featured performances by Stonebwoy, Mr P, Seyi Vibez and Adewale Ayuba.
Founded in 2010 by the AFRIMA International Committee in partnership with the African Union, the awards remain Africa’s longest-running continental music platform, dedicated to celebrating and promoting African music globally.
