The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has unveiled seven emerging artists selected through its talent discovery programme, marking the latest effort to support and develop new music talent across the continent.
The artistes; Ellacentric, Black Astro, Yamayeh Vibez, Mayowa Afolabi, DELLFIRE, El Nayaan and Blinkz Baba, were formally introduced during the AFRIMA Diamond Party and Prize Presentation held on June 3 at Voyage Lagos.
Known collectively as the AFRIMA Diamonds, the seven performers emerged from a continent-wide talent search that attracted entries from aspiring musicians across Africa. According to AFRIMA, the finalists were selected through a screening process conducted by its international jury.
•From left: Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA); Ellacentric, AFRIMA Diamond; Mayowa Afolabi, AFRIMA Diamond; Mike Dada, Executive Producer/President, AFRIMA; Black Astro, AFRIMA Diamond (represented by JacInth); Bolaji Onisiwo, representing Newmedia Technologies Nigeria (Distributor SE Electronics)’s management; Yamahah Vibez, AFRIMA Diamond; Dellfire, AFRIMA Diamond; (Front roll left) El Nayaan, AFRIMA Diamond; and Blinkz Baba, AFRIMA Diamond, during the AFRIMA Diamond Party and Prize presentation held at Voyage Lagos, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos on WednesdayAFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the organisation remained focused on identifying and developing new talent alongside recognising established artistes. He noted that the selected musicians had demonstrated potential during the competition and subsequent performances.
“You are not here by accident. You were chosen because we saw something special in you. We saw talent, passion, discipline and the potential to become stars not just in your countries, but across Africa and the world.
•From left: Black Astro, AFRIMA Diamond, (represented by JacInth); Ellacentric, AFRIMA Diamond; Mayowa Afolabi, AFRIMA Diamond; Mike Dada, Executive Producer/President, AFRIMA; Yamayeh Vibez, AFRIMA Diamond; El Nayaan, AFRIMA Diamond; Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer, (CXO), AFRIMA; Dellfire, AFRIMA Diamond and Blinkz Baba, AFRIMA Diamond, during the AFRIMA Talent Discovery & Promotion Initiative, (AFRIMA Diamond Party and Prize presentation) held at Voyage Lagos, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday.“I am challenging you today to go out and dominate the music space in the next two to three years. The opportunity is here. The platform is here. The spotlight is on you. The next move belongs to you,” he said.
The artists were first introduced to wider audiences through performances at the AFRIMA Music Village during the ninth edition of the awards before being formally presented at the Lagos event.
Dada also highlighted the growing role of the creative sector in Africa’s economy, arguing that investment in music, entertainment and digital content could create employment opportunities for young people across the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the selected artistes, Black Astro described the initiative as an important career opportunity, while Mayowa Afolabi said the recognition provided access to industry networks that many emerging artistes struggle to reach.
As part of the programme, the seven musicians will participate in the Showbiz 101 Workshop and Music Creation Camp organised by bridgeAFRIC, where they will receive mentorship and collaborate with established producers and artistes.
The artists also received music equipment during the event. Representing New Media Technologies Nigeria, Bolaji Onisiwo encouraged the recipients to continue developing their craft and make effective use of the opportunities provided.
The event attracted music industry executives, media personalities and entertainment stakeholders, including Olisa Adibua, Do2dtun and Nader Issa.
AFRIMA’s Talent Discovery and Promotion programme is designed to identify emerging African musicians and provide platforms for industry exposure, mentorship and professional development.
