By Uriel Ihotu
African music heavyweights including Nigeria’s 2Baba, South Africa’s Makhadzi, Ghana’s Stonebwoy, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo, and Kenya’s Nikita Kering are set to converge in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) unveil the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City. The two-day event takes place at the African Union Headquarters from May 13 to 14, 2025.
The AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference, a key part of the unveiling ceremony, will feature a stellar lineup of panelists including celebrated African artists and global music industry leaders. Among the speakers are Bien Mekonnen, Founder and CEO of Bana Records, Ethiopia; Mike Strano, AFRIMA’s Regional Director and CEO of Yekwatu; and Leo Fakhrul, Founder and Managing Director of UK-based Mamba Sounds.
These top voices will participate in high-level discussions around the future of African music and the continent’s rapidly evolving creative economy. Themed “Music Beyond Borders,” the conference will explore pivotal issues such as international collaborations, policy development, and strategies for maximizing Africa’s cultural and economic potential in the global music scene.
Eyob Alemayehu, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Ethiopia, highlighted the excitement surrounding the host city bid, noting that anticipation will peak with the official announcement and certificate presentation to the winning city. The two-day event will also unveil the official theme for AFRIMA 2025 and spotlight the award’s seven strategic pillars which include: Music Awards, Music Festival, AFRIMA Kreative Academy, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Africa Music Business Hub, Policy Debate and Advisory, Advocacy
According to Alemayehu, the first day will kick off with an intellectually charged panel titled “Borderless Beats: The Future of African Music in a Globalized World,” followed by “Unlocking and Monetizing Africa’s Music Economy,” where leading industry stakeholders will share insights on boosting Africa’s creative industries for sustainable development.
“This year’s unveiling isn’t just another event; it’s a milestone for the African creative economy,” Alemayehu said. “We’re bringing together the continent’s brightest minds and most influential artists to shape the future of music in Africa.”
The day will conclude with the AFRIMA Dinner & Social Networking Event, a high-level gathering of AU officials, award-winning artists, and key stakeholders to foster connections and explore potential collaborations.
Day two will take participants on a cultural city tour across Addis Ababa, visiting heritage sites, museums, and local art hubs, offering delegates an immersive experience of Ethiopia’s rich cultural tapestry.
“The unveiling of the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City signals the start of a new and exciting journey,” Alemayehu added. “It reflects AFRIMA’s commitment to spotlighting Africa’s creative excellence and connecting it with global audiences.”
