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YouTube Partners AFRIMA, Reiterates Support For African Music and Creative Economy

by Adewale Adenrele on

Ahead of the highly anticipated 8th edition of the All-Africa Music Awards AFRIMA tagged ‘Teranga Edition’ scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal on 12-15 January 2023, global entertainment service YouTube, has entered into a partnership with AFRIMA, to help provide artist-focused educational sessions and live streaming support for the awards.

AFRIMA, which is the pinnacle of recognition for African music globally is poised to ensure that the annual 4-day festival is broadcasted to music lovers and stakeholders across the globe.

Importantly, YouTube will be conducting workshop sessions for African creatives at the Africa Music Business Summit (one of the events at the 8th AFRIMA) to educate on visibility across the global creative ecosystem on a digital platform.

The global streaming service will also be partnering with the All Africa Music Awards on a special incubator programme dubbed, AFRIMA Creative Academy, which aims to empower one million Africans (and in the diaspora) in the music and creative industry in the next five years.

The YouTube link for live streaming will be available on AFRIMA’s YouTube page @Youtube.com/AFRIMAAWARDS. Subscribe for free to the channel and catch the African Music Business Summit live on Friday, Jan 13, 2023, from 9.00 am-4.30 pm (WAT); while the AFRIMA Music Village will be live later that day from 6.00 pm – Till dawn (WAT). Finally, the 8th AFRIMA main awards ceremony will be streamed live from the Red Carpet- 4.30 pm (WAT), while the main awards will start at 7.30 pm (WAT).

Speaking on the development, the Head of the Culture Division at the African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins said, “It is important that we spread our efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that the world can see the impact of AFRIMA at the global centre stage. It is easier for people to now follow up with the award ceremony via their smartphone or other devices. It is also vital we continue to create more education for creators to help them thrive in their crafts, and we are happy to align with YouTube on achieving this shared vision.”

On his part, AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, lauded the streaming service for their support of the African creative economy.

He said, “We have all seen the rise in circulation of short-form audio-visual content on these services and how they have helped to promote African music and creators on a global scale. We believe that sharing knowledge will be a veritable means to expand the revenue funnel for our creators at home and also boost foreign direct investment. In the spirit of uplifting the African creative ecosystem, we are excited to work with a driven and innovative team like YouTube.”

We have all seen the rise in circulation of short form audio-visual content on these services and how they have helped to promote African music and creators on a global scale

YouTube’s Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, Addy Awofisayo said, “YouTube has been consistent in its support for African creatives over the years and has played an essential role in the discovery and development of African music & culture and exporting it to audiences and listeners worldwide, enabling collaborations both locally and globally.

“We are excited for our partnership with AFRIMA and the African Union to deepen our relationship with the music stakeholders on the continent, provide educational support for African creatives, and to help music fans be a part of some of the most iconic music moments  as they unfold live on YouTube, wherever they are around the globe.”

As the whole world gears towards the 8th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, which will be held from January 12 to 15, 2023, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.AFRIMA.org and take part in the events on social media platforms (IG/TikTok – @ afrima.official ; Facebook – Afrimawards; Twitter – @afrimaofficial; LinkedIn – AFRIMA). The voting process that determines winners at AFRIMA is audited by a globally renowned auditing firm, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PWC).

As announced at the conference, the delegates are expected to arrive on January 11, 2023. The AFRIMA ceremony is scheduled to kick-start fully on Thursday, January 12, 2023, with a Host Country Tour, School visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility), as well as a Welcome Soiree in the evening, in Dakar.

The 4-day event continues on Friday January 13, 2023, with the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) at the Grand Theatre, in Dakar. The AMBS is Africa’s largest gathering of creative professionals in the music industry and it features workshops and panel discussions on issues and opportunities within the African music industry.

The 8th AFRIMA will continue with high momentum at the  AFRIMA Music Village at the Grand Theatre, which will be a free-to-enter concert featuring live performances from the biggest music stars across the continent.

On the eve of the awards ceremony, on Saturday January 14, 2023, the events will begin with Main rehearsals, Media engagements and a Courtesy Visit to the President of Senegal. There will also be a live recording booth at the venue for musicians across all five regions of the continent, and in the diaspora, to explore for collaborative recordings.  The day’s activities will climax with a Nominees exclusive party.

Finally, the 8th AFRIMA will wrap up on Sunday January 15, 2023, at the 15-000 capacity Dakar Arena, in Dakar, with the live Awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV Stations to over 84 countries around the world.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.

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Awards

AWARDS: Ufitfly Bags BCOS’ 40th Anniversary Recognition For Supporting Sports

by Adewale Adenrele on

The renowned destination management company, Ufitfly was part of corporate firms recognized by the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Television in the Service to Humanity award category during the event held over the weekend to mark the 40 years
anniversary of the media outfit.

The Chairman of BCOS, Prince Dotun Oyelade in his remarks said the awards, were given to the different categories of persons and organizations in recognition of their impacts on the society, while singling out Absolute Success Travels the owner of the Ufitfly brand for it big contributions to the Sports and tourism sectors of the country.

He recalled how the CEO of the tour broking firm (Ufitfly), Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede has sponsored staffs of BCOS on an all-expenses paid trip to many international assignments, such as pilgrimages, FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar 2020.

“This support to BCOS is worthy several millions of naira, and we cannot but to appreciate this travels firm for its good gesture to us, and we are proud to associate with its good name and unblemished services to the general public”, said Prince Oyelade.

Also awarded were the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the G.O of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi; Apostle Kayode Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura; Bishop TV Adelakun of Victory International Church; and Apostle Sunday Popoola of World Communication Ministry in the religious category

 

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Need for Meaningful Message of Sustainability

by Mohammed on

Photojournalism to the rescue 

Story: Mohammed ABU, ADM, Accra

Fiona Shields, head of photography at Guardian News and Media Group and one of the Judges of the Canon sponsored “MOMENTS THAT MATTER” photographic competition says that, the power of photojournalism in sparking a positive change is undeniable and as such photographers have a great responsibility that comes with this power and so must industry leaders.

Competitions like “Moments that Matter” Fiona said, provide an opportunity for photographers to evaluate and submit their work which is then further amplified by editors who will be keen to place their stories in publications around the globe.

So what may start as a mere photograph in one part for the world she observed, may very well become the topic of discussion for the entire world tomorrow, that’s the power of photography.

The point of this award, Fiona said, is to highlight meaningful images that can spark the passion for sustainability and call people to action.

She also noted, that beyond simply presenting the problem, photographers of today need to engage their audiences and establish means of visual communication that are direct and not abstract.

“For instance, we found if we published images of polar bears on melting ice-caps, people were not necessarily moved as they didn’t think the problem was affecting them, whilst in reality climate crisis affects all. In order to drive home our message, we seek out images that have the potential to stir a conversation in people’s mind further generating engagement by highlighting the relatability factor”

Telling authentic stories with a humanitarian angle through images that allow people to walk in the shoes of your subject thereby elevating emotions and accentuating that connectivity aspect, Fiona noted, is a recipe for meaning.

“Posing questions to your audiences such as “what if this was your child?” or “imagine being here!” are simple yet utterly powerful ways to not only incite a reaction but to invoke those deeper feelings that make an individual even consider taking an action…that’s where truly meaningful engaged photojournalism lies” she intimated.

Photography, Fiona said, certainly acts as a catalyst to motivate action and inspire change; however a vital component of creating this broader conversation lies in offering solutions.

As important as it is to engage people with thoughtfully captured images, it is also helpful to offer solutions to the problem to avoid being bearers of solely grim news.

” Photography as an art can induce emotion, endearment, and passion striking a chord with the audience. Finding new and original ways to reach people is the foundation of any good photograph especially in the context of sustainability.

“While the whole world has drawn attention towards the subject of sustainability, photographers can really dig deep into this arena with powerful visual communication to bring a unique but relatable perspective”, Fiona underscored.

Our aim through ‘Moments that Matter’ Fiona said, is to provide an opportunity to harness the power of visual storytelling and motivate meaningful change.

“We are looking for photographs that capture moments and make sense of a complex scene with well-crafted framing that masters the art of expression. While quality and originality certainly influence visual outcomes, a key ingredient is a photographer’s ability to connect to a story, gaining the trust and preserving the dignity of the people/situation they are documenting.

“In fact, many photographers actually spend days or weeks just comprehending an overall scenario, understanding the context and gaining trust of their subject before ever lifting their cameras to take a picture. And of course, having a good eye for aesthetics helps to set the context whilst doing justice to the situation at hand” Fiona intimated.

Fiona recounting the early days of her career, discloses, “My encounter with the world of photography began as a journalism student. I found my passion and skills lay in the creative arena of visual expression rather than verbal expression, so led by my talents rather than an aspiration to write I entered the world of photography”.

“In my experience, learning the art of seeing, evaluating and identifying a good image is as important as the craft of photography itself. What’s fascinating is that as a photo editor your talents are different to those of a photographer – who truth be told, are often too close to their work to be able to see it objectively.

“As a photo-editor, you view the work through the eyes of a reader understanding the dynamics of the image with the overall story much like a jigsaw puzzle, while the photographer sees only a part, the editor’s role is to assemble the whole puzzle” she further noted.

 

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Awards

Masari, Bindawa, CEO Max Air, others honoured with achievement and commendation awards

by Adewale Adenrele on

Batagarawa local government unity and development forum has honoured His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari CFR, Executive Governor of Katsina State, Ambassador Abdullahi Bindawa DSC, Youth Advisory Council Member United States Institute of Peace (USIP),  Alh.Dahiru Bara’u Mangal (CEO Max Air) among others with achievement and commendation awards.

The recipients were presented with their different awards during the 30th Year Anniversary of the creation of Batagarawa local government area of Katsina State with a paper presentation titled “ SECURITY: EVERY CITIZEN IS A STAKEHOLDER” presented by Dr. Sirajo Yakubu, HOD Department of International Law, Nile University Abuja.

Cross-section of participants

One of the award recipients and discussant Ambassador Abdullahi Bindawa DSC, enlightened the audience on the Role of Traditional Rulers & Religious Institutions, the Role of women and Youths, the Role of Civil Society Organizations in Preventing Violent Extremism & Banditry within the Northwest, The importance of Information Gathering/Sharing Information and Motivating our Securities Personnel’s and also The Positive impact and negative impact of Social Media toward National Security.

Award Recipients are His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari CFR, Executive Governor of Katsina State,  Alh.Dahiru Bara’u Mangal (CEO Max Air). Grand Khadi Ahmad Muhammad Batagarawa OFR,  Mallamawan Katsina, District Head of Batagarawa Alh.Muhammad Dikko Dalhatu. Barden Katsina, District Head of Ajiwa Alh.Bello Kabir Usman Nagogo. Deputy Director Ministry of Defence (MOD) Hajiya Hussaina Musa Dangiwa Fdc.

Presentation of certificate of commendation to Amb. Bindawa

Others are Professor Mamman Musa Adamu HOD Department of Arts & History, Ahmadu Bello University.  Dr Sirajo Yakubu HOD Department of International Law, Nile University Abuja. Assoc.Prof.Aminu Galadima HOD Department of Linguistic Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina.  Dr Hindatu Salisu Abubakar.   Ambassador Abdullahi Bindawa DSC, Youth Advisory Council Member United States Institute of Peace (USIP).  Sheikh Ishak Nuhu Batagarawa.  Dr Muttaka Maude.  Dr. Garba Idris Yar’gamji. Dr Habibu Ibrahim.  Professor Mamman Sule Malumfashi, VC Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina

 

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Awards

For the promotion of peace in the world: Sr. Wildanie Cupidon appointed Interfaith Ambassador in New York

by Adewale Adenrele on

Within the framework of the 35th Anniversary Fobana Convention Washington DC, Sr. Wildanie Cupidon has just been appointed inter-religious ambassador. The nun is thus identified among the personalities who militate for peace in the world.

It is moreover to strengthen her in this divine mission that she is now made an ambassador for peace and inter-religious dialogue. For the nun, it is the place to invite the different religious denominations to unity for peace in the world. Sr. Wildanie Cupidon says she is happy and proud to assume this heavy responsibility which she calls “a vocation in another vocation”. According to her, we can not have the same religious beliefs and militate together for a common idea: to save humanity from hatred, animosity, war.

The scourges are at the base of the conflicts and the misery which rages in the world. It is the responsibility of the religious to find a solution to these scourges. And this is the reason why Sr. Wildanie Cupidon calls for unity between religions to lead together this vital humanitarian struggle. It should be noted that a total of six religious denominations in the United States are signatories of the Certificate which consecrates Sr. Wildanie Cupidon as inter-religious ambassador.

Two other figures of peace were also appointed ambassadors, as was Sr. Wildanie Cupidon. They are Dr. Natacha J. Clerger and Ms. Edwina Paul. Abbas T.

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Awards

How Ajebi Tradomedical Bagged NUJ’s Best Alternative Medicare Award

by Adewale Adenrele on

In recognition of efforts towards the advancement of the efficacy of alternative medicine, the Oyo State Chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred an award of recognition on the CEO of the Ajebi Tradomedical, Alhaji Isiaka Awujoola during the celebration marking 2021 Press Week of the union.

Alh. Awujoola, who is also the Aare Musulumi of Ologuneru, Ibadan was presented with the award on Thursday at Press Centre Iyaganku Ibadan, during the Family and Veteran Day, where a lecture was also delivered by Dr. Festus Adedayo.

CEO of the Ajebi Tradomedical, Alhaji Isiaka Awujoola

Sen. Soji Akanbi, who advised the recipient to keep up the good work he’s doing to attract such exalted honour from the NUJ.

Sen. Soji Akanbi, who chaired the occasion and presented the award to Awujoola in his speech, noted that the recipients must have done something significant to be so recognised, urging them to do more by continuing to promote the efficacy of the alternative Medicare.

The Chairman of Oyo NUJ, Demola Babalola in his remarks said “there is no gainsaying to the fact that as the fourth estate of the realm, we have been keeping a tab on all hardworking individuals and well-meaning Nigerians who have contributed greatly to their immediate environment and that is why am going to shower encomiums on this recipient for his creditable feat”.

Alh. Awujoola in his response thanked the NUJ for the honour while describing it as proof of recognition of the relevance of African traditional medicine in health care delivery services in Nigeria.

“Firstly, African traditional medicine practitioners provided the earliest medical care in Nigeria. Secondly, the World Health Organisation has recognized the need to integrate traditional medicine on orthodox medicine when it defines it, as the total combination of knowledge and practices. And thirdly, there are claims by the practitioners that since orthodox medicine cannot cure all diseases; hence, they can intervene in the areas where orthodox medicine is weak”, Awujoola noted.

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Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT: Fatima Boubakdi, Glory Mununko wins awards as Ecrans Noirs film festival celebrates the richness of African cinema

by Adewale Adenrele on

Moroccan film director Fatima Boubakdi won first prize at the Ecrans Noirs film festival held in Yaoundé, capital of Cameroon.

Glory Mununko received the prize for best African actress and Narcisse Wandji won two prizes, for best Cameroonian film and best script at the Ecrans Noirs. African news reports

“It’s really all the ingenuity but more so all the passion that animated us, that drives us, guides us throughout the making of the film. And the fact that we are receiving it at home is doubly important for us, I mean the prize” confessed Cameroonian director, Narcisse Wandji.

Several special prizes were also awarded to great applause.

Film screenings, debates, and contacts between producers, directors, and actors were also part of the 25th edition of the Ecrans Noirs festival.

The need to support African cinema was one conclusion that emerged from these meetings.

“I had a lot of discussions with several young people and it hurts my heart because there are not many ways to help them. The State must invest a lot in this field”, claims film director Bouchaib El Messaoudi.

In normal circumstances, the festival would attract thousands of spectators.

The pandemic however forced the organisers to reduce the number of visitors.

“Coronavirus has had an impact on the attendance here at the Palais des Sports this year compared to the previous year. But you know that at the moment there are many events that Cameroon is organising, preparing the CAN. And there are many people who preferred to reserve themselves to better invest in the CAN”, said filmmaker Gerad Bessoko.

More than 70 films were screened and 25 films were in competition at this edition which highlighted the richness of African cinema.

Africanews correspondent Lambert Ngouanfo adds:

“The great event for film lovers ends on a note of hope. A hope that prefigures a better future for African cinema. However, we noticed less enthusiasm from visitors this time compared to previous editions. For the organizers of the festival, the pandemic of Covid-19 has left a mark.

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2021 Africa’s Business Heroes Winners Announced (See List)

by Adewale Adenrele on

Entrepreneurs from Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria make the Top Three; top 10 Finalists pitched live in a virtual grand finale connecting 14 locations across the world.

The 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/) winners were announced last night during a virtual live Grand Finale, with US$1.5 million in grant funding awarded to the top 10 finalists. The Top 10 represent seven African countries, with 80% operating businesses in rural areas and half of the finalists are female.

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is a flagship philanthropic programme established by the Jack Ma Foundation to help foster an inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. The annual competition, now in its third year, shines a spotlight on talented African entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference in their communities and helping to build a more sustainable, inclusive future. The ABH competition is grassroots-oriented as well as age, gender, language, and sector agnostic.

This year, over 12,000 applications were received from all 54 countries in Africa. The finalists were chosen after several rounds of rigorous evaluation conducted by over 230 judges. They were selected after demonstrating that they are visionary entrepreneurs who embodied innovation, resilience, growth potential, and impact on Africa.

Hundreds of viewers from 49 countries worldwide registered to watch the live online grand finale and visit the virtual exhibition, following the finalists as they pitched their businesses to a final panel of esteemed judges: Ibukun Awosika, Founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group; Victor Williams, NBA Africa CEO; and Joe Tsai, Executive Vice Chairman of Alibaba Group.

The top three Africa’s Business Heroes for 2021 are:

1st – winning $300,000 – Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy – Founder, PraxiLabs (www.praxilabs.com) (Egypt)

2nd – winning $250,000 – Ikenna Nzewi – Co-founder and CEO, Releaf (www.releaf.africa) (Nigeria)

3rd – winning $150,000 – Navalayo Osembo-Ombati – Co-founder and CEO, Enda Athletic (www.EndaSportswear.com) (Kenya)

All of Africa’s Business Heroes are inspiring leaders who are actively pursuing their passions and helping Africa take its rightful place on the world stage

“I’m very humbled to be named Africa’s Business Hero. This competition has been an incredible journey. I have learned important lessons from each judge and from my fellow talented entrepreneurs. I hope that this win inspires many young Africans to believe, that we have what it takes to make an impact where we are. It has been a challenging year for many businesses, but challenges are key to building our resilience. PraxiLabs is solving pressing issues around education and training, and we will remain focused and determined to change how Africa learns and teaches science, one virtual lab at a time,” said the winner, Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy, Founder at PraxiLabs.

The other finalists will each receive $100,000 in prize funding, and an additional $10,000 will be allocated to each finalist for a training program to be hosted in Alibaba Group’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China.

The finale judges were impressed with the caliber of the finalists and their businesses, commenting:

“This is the third time I have been a Grand Finale judge for Africa’s Business Heroes competition, meeting many exceptional business women and men from across Africa. Each year, I’m struck by their sheer talent and the commitment to developing creative, innovative solutions to the challenges we face on the continent. It truly is “Africa’s time” and these outstanding entrepreneurs are the ones who embody its future of growth and relevant solution-based innovation,” said Ibukun Awosika, Founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group.

“I want to congratulate the winners of this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes competition.  Entrepreneurship – like sport – is a transformative force for positive social change and economic growth.  All of Africa’s Business Heroes are inspiring leaders who are actively pursuing their passions and helping Africa take its rightful place on the world stage. I look forward to engaging with all of them as they continue their entrepreneurial journeys on the continent,” highlighted Victor Williams, NBA Africa CEO.

“This year’s Top 10 finalists came from inspiring personal stories that is invaluable not only to their teams and communities but to many would-be entrepreneurs across the continent who are thinking about pursuing this path. The kind of talent and passion I saw among this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes is unrivaled around the world. They are innovators and problem-solvers, but most importantly, they have a driving sense of mission and social impact. Congratulations to all of our winners and we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next,” said Joe Tsai, Executive Vice Chairman of Alibaba Group.

Africa’s Business Heroes TV show will air in 2022. The show will follow the finalists in their exciting journey to the grand finale and feature their on-stage pitches as well as behind-the-scenes moments from the competition. The award ceremony from the 2021 finale will soon be available to watch on ABH official YouTube (https://bit.ly/3oF8j5R).

Applications for the 2022 ABH prize will open in early 2022. For news and updates visit africabusinessheroes.org

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Awards

Sister Wildanie Cupidon wins Global Humanitarian Excellence Award 2021.

by Adewale Adenrele on

Sister Wildanie Cupidon has won the GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN EXCELLENCE AWARD 2021 which is constituted for the peculiar people in a year only.

The award was bestowed on her at the occasion of the death anniversary of St. Mother Teresa and International day of Charity through the Award Committee of URF World Records and URB..

This was confirmed and announced by Wildanie Cupidon in a chat with African Development Magazine.

” This award is the recognition of my loyal humanitarian service, dedications with a great heart to spread the Love, Peace, Humanity, and Harmony in the Society and around the world in International level.”. she said.

Sister Wildanie Cupidon devoted her life to the poor and downtrodden after receiving her consecration as consecrated Virgin.

She founded Wildanie Cupidon foundation n 2009 with the aim of uplifting the homeless, the sick, and the orphaned around the world. Today, she is a world-renowned social activist. She is also the Foundress of the missionary brothers and sisters of our Lady of Victory with the dedication to work in the abandoned area where people are scared.

Congratulations !!!

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