In January 2016, the African Union
identified and nominated four cities in the host country, Nigeria
including Cross Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Lagos to present itself
for the hosting of continental music awards, which is having its
third edition in Nigeria.
The AU’s interest in these four
cities emanated from the visions of their state governments in
promoting tourism and preserving Africa’s rich culture while also
inspiring African youths. The parameters of security, infrastructure
and facilities, availability of appropriate venues among others are
key factors of assessment.
According to the African Union
Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Dr
Mustapha Sidi Kaloko, the main purpose of host city partnership is to
shore up Africa’s image of a great continent imbued with unequaled
tourist attractions and also to showcase economic potential of cities
in Africa. He said, “It is to promote Africa’s strengths to the
global audience which in turn adds to the GDP of the state and the
continent at large.”
Dignitaries expected at the Host City
Announcement Ceremony are top officials of the African Union,
nominated state government officials; music professionals; artistes
from the continent and the Diaspora; stakeholders in the
creative/entertainment industry and journalists from
all walks of life. Meanwhile, the
Associate producer of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Ms
Adenrele Niyi , stressed that transparency and fairness, as depicted
in AFRIMA’s ethos, will be highly employed in the choice of which
state emerges as host city of AFRIMA 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment