All Africa Music Awards 2014: Davido tops nominees list

The maiden edition of the All Africa Music Awards has thrown up names of top acts on the continent as the potential winners of the maiden edition of the AFRIMA African Artiste of the Year.

On the list are Nigeria’s Davido, P-Square and Tiwa Savage, who are squaring up with Angela Kidjo (Benin), Uhuru (South Africa), AmrDiab (Egypt), Maurice Kirya (Uganda), Mi Casa (South Africa), Dan Aceda (Kenya) and Mafikzolo (SA).

According to the nomination list released in Lagos on Wednesday, Davido and Mafikzolo have the highest nominations – six each.

They are followed by Uhuru (5), Mi Casa (4) and TemiDollFace (4).

Other popular acts on the list include Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) 2 nominations; AmrDiab (Egypt) 2; Zahara (South Africa) 3; Angelique Kidjo (Benin Republic) 2; FallyIpupa (DRC); Sakordie (Ghana) 1; Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) 2; Wiyaala (Ghana) 3; Patoranking (Nigeria) 2; Davina Green (Zimbabwe) 1 ; and Noura Mint Seymale (Mauritania) 2. Leading producer, Don Jazzy, also made the Africa Producer of the Year category for the song, ‘Eminado’, alongside Robbie Malinga&Mojela Thebe (South Africa) for ‘Impilo’; Oskido and Shizzi (Nigeria) for ‘Tchelete’; Mikky Me (Nigeria) ‘Down’ and Del’B (Nigeria) for ‘Pull Over’.

The organisers note that the five regions of Africa gave an impressive account of their respective music industries based on the judges’ assessment.

At the nomination conference held at Protea Hotel, Maryland, were one of the judges, Mr. Oscar Kidjo, a seasoned music producer; AFRIMA Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada; Director Brand Communication & Sponsorship, Matlou Tsotetsi; Chairman, International Media Committee, Steve Ayorinde; and Co-Producer/Country Director, Nigeria, Kingsley James

Matlou Tsotetsi explained that the jury adhered strictly to the entry submission requirements while being guided by AFRIMA’s core values of FACE IT – fairness, authenticity, creativity, excellence, integrity and transparency.

She said, “The jurors consisting of experienced names in the continental and global music industry were in Lagos in July to evaluate the submitted works. The entries which made the laid down criteria and qualified on merit were shortlisted based on their scores and this was sent to our Kenya-based auditors who then tabulated these scores. The result is what we are presenting today.”

Meanwhile, celebrated musicians from different parts of the continent have endorsed AFRIMA. These include Tuface, Wasiu Ayinde K1 De Ultimate, Ice Prince and Olamide, who, in a recorded message, variously called for support for it.