The International Committee of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has charged the newly-elected leadership of the African Union Commission (AUC) on the significance of uniting the continent through culture and music integration and exchange.
The President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, made the call in his congratulatory message to the newly-elected chairman of the African Union, President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea; and the chairperson elect of the African Union Commission, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Chad Republic.
Mr Conde, Mahamat and other AU officials were elected during the final round of elections held recently at the 28th Ordinary Session of Heads of State Summit at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dada expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the election, which saw the emergence of new leaders in Africa’s highest decision making body. He also called for support for the development and integration of culture, music and entertainment in the economic mainframe of the continent.
He said: “We are pleased to receive the news of the newly-elected AUC Chairperson, His Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat and pledge our support as we foster peace and unity on the continent.
“AFRIMA remains committed to her partnership with the leadership of the AUC to promote the pan-African agenda of integration for Africa through the instrumentality of music, culture and entertainment for prosperity for its entire people.
“It is worthy of note that African artistes and personalities are breaking stereotypical and geographical boundaries to make their mark on the music, culture and entertainment scene around the world.”
The African Union Commission is one of the major partners of the All African Music Awards, which hosted its 4th edition last year in Lagos. Dada said that the integration of entertainment will enhance the economic development of Africa.
“Africa’s culture and entertainment is a largely untapped resource that could give its economic development a welcome incentive. Artistic and cultural activity is also proving a driver of democratisation and can help prevent violent conflict,” he said.