As the D-Day for the 2017 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) approaches, anticipations are expected to heighten across the continent. AFRIMA celebrates Africa’s A-list artistes, who are changing the narratives about Africa through music.
For this year’s edition and for subsequent editions, Lagos will remain the host city as African Union (AU) awarded the hosting right for the Pan-African music initiative to Nigeria for another three years (2017-2019), following its successful hosting of the 2014-2016 editions.
And among categories for this year’s showdown, it seems the nominees for the Best Male Artistes in West Africa will be keenly contested. The nominees include, Davido (Nigeria), DJ Arafat (Cote d’Ivoire), MHD (Guinea), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Runtown (Nigeria), Sarkordie (Ghana), Tekno (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), YCEE (Nigeria). Everyone on this list is hot.
However, there is no doubt that Davido’s ‘Fall’ has made a lot of impression on the continent’s music scene than any song churned out this year. It has equally generated lots of support for him from music lovers, raising his clout beyond the continent. Davido who is currently on the African leg of his 30GB tour will be hard to defeat as the voting process lapses.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Dj Arafat is another hot head running for the 33 carat gold. ‘Agbangnan,’ his popularly song portrays a unique and danceable African’s vibe and value. This song is definitely going to give him an edge over most of the contenders as it breathes Africa in all ramification.
Another big artiste on the ladder is Guinea’s MHD. His single ‘La Puissance’ a French banger, has created lots of buzz most especially in Guinea and West Africa, the song has also been welcomed in many European speaking countries. It is expected that the French speaking parts of West Africa would okay this song for the top prize.
Leg Over by Mr Eazi became an incredible success in West Africa, inspiring a lot of followings and emulations. Though Mr Eazi is not a particular favourite of his countrymen, his songs have won hearts across African and beyond. And if harnessed adequately could tip him for the awards.
Needing no further ado, Runtown’s “Mad Over You” is perhaps the game changer. The song which has been accredited with the capacity to melt stony hearts, has also transited Runtown from an A-list artiste to an African icon. With its influence in Ghana, South Africa, among other African countries, MOY will most likely be plated in gold at the awards.
Meanwhile, this year has also been great for Tekno. His songs have not stopped creating ripples across the continent especially among young ladies. Rara is most definitely going to tip the scale just in his favour.
Having reached the peak of success, winning loads of awards and topping charts globally, Wizkid’s feature in Drake’s hit pop-single, ‘Come Closer’ cannot be ignored at this stage also.
Ycee’s ‘Juice’ featuring Maleek Berry is slow and sensational. The song has also created a lot of buzz and a credible fan base for the African artiste.
Ghana’s respected rap artiste and most rappers’ favorite, Sarkodie will be a hard choice to take a rain check on at the votes. Loved in Nigeria and Ghana, his team work, Painkiller, featuring Runtown, has made a remarkable impression this year and should count for a lot at the awards.
No matter who goes home with the awards in the end, 2017 will remain an incredible year for music excellence and artistry because of these African icons.
The 2017 edition of AFRIMA is scheduled to hold 10-12 November 2017.
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