The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially invited the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to take advantage of the hosting rights benefits of the next 2 editions of the prestigious annual All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA.

In a letter bearing reference number HHS/CUL/16/170.23 and signed by the AUC’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Her Excellency, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the AU said the call aligns with its policies for the strategic transformation of Africa through social integration, as outlined in AU Agenda 2063, the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, and the AU Plan for Action on Cultural and Creative Industry.

The AU describes AFRIMA as a global platform for celebrating and developing Africa’s diverse musical talents and cultural heritage, highlighting the significant opportunities hosting the prestigious awards presents for the selected host country

“Since 2014, the African Union has been partnering and working successfully with AFRIMA to develop, celebrate and promote African music globally for the purpose of integration/inclusivity, economic prosperity and world peace via its seven core pillars: (1) Music Awards, (2) Music Festivals; (3) AFRIMA creative Academy; (4) Talent Discovery and Promotions; (5) Music Business Hub; (6) Advocacy; (7) Advisory and Policy Debates,” the letter reads.

“AFRIMA is the biggest and longest-running music award and platform in Africa, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans. The main event events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global roadshow, with thousands of music artists, actors, celebrities, members of the diplomatic corps, professionals in the creative space, tourists, media and fans from all over the world converging on the host country.”

A letter received by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa,  on behalf of the Nigerian government, a copy of which was seen by our correspondent, reads, “Nigeria, as a beacon in African music with huge young population, should it accept to host AFRIMA, stands a promising chance in elevating the country’s positive global presence, bolstering artistic, tourism and economic growth, fostering cultural exchange and job creation, and reinforcing a positive perception of our continent’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale.”

The successful last edition of AFRIMA was hosted and partnered by the government of the Republic of Senegal in the city of Dakar. The hosting rights of AFRIMA are usually bestowed on a country that shows capacity and commitment to meet up with the requirement and conditions.

The Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sports Division, African Union Commission, Ms. Angela Martins confirmed the invitation and request to bid for the hosting rights extended to the two countries.

She said that AFRIMA provides a unique opportunity for the host country to showcase its rich cultural heritage, develop her music sector, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.

“This call to action comes as part of the AU’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange, unity, and economic development across the African continent. We urge the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to seize this opportunity to strengthen intra-African collaboration (in line with AFCTA) within the music industry and enhance their international visibility positively.

“AFRIMA serves as a premier platform for African artists in Africa and diaspora to showcase their talent, gain international exposure, and connect with audiences worldwide,” she said.

She added that as the bidding process is itching towards its deadline, the African Union remains committed to providing support and guidance to ensure a successful hosting of AFRIMA.

She also reiterated the AUC’s readiness to work closely with the selected host country to maximize the impact of the event on the African music industry, tourism, general economy growth, and socio-cultural landscape.

How does one describe Uncle Pete Edochie?

He is an Actor’s Actor

He is a Cultural Ambassador

On Thursday, we had an early evening date, before the date, I had a very bad day and I almost cancelled. Even though I really wasn’t in the mood to see anyone, I felt that it would be rude to cancel on him, so I set out for his Enugu home.

It was easy locating his beautiful house and I was ushered into his private living room upstairs where he was busy watching EPL reviews. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Uncle Pete is a Man U supporter by the way, and he shared with me that this started during his training in the UK.

My appointment with Uncle Pete was for 30 minutes, but the 77 year old man lectured us on the importance of friendships. He spoke almost with tears in his eyes on his friendship with Uncle Olu Jacobs and the good times they shared, including how Uncle Olu met Aunty Joke. He spoke about the wonderful acting skills of Uncle Bimbo Manuel and his love for Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade, and Stella Damasus

As he grows Uncle Pete is pained with the way our society is today especially the LGBTQ trend and the way youths no longer favour hard work.

He further expressed that he is upset with bloggers and he wonders why they twist his words all the time.

I say thank you to my Uncle Pete for adding to the knowledge in my upcoming documentary on Nollywood. I thank him for praying for the success of BON 2024, and also for speaking so passionately from his heart in the interview which will be on my YouTube Channel next week. I thank him for the gift too.

Seun Oloketuyi

Chairman, Advisory Board BON Awards,

Producer, ‘This is Nollywood’ Documentary.

Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo has died.

According to reports, four actors including Junior Pope fell into Anam River in Anambra State, on their way to a movie location and their bodies have been recovered.

The actor had earlier shared a video of himself and others on a boat, on their way to the movie location.

Captioning the video, he wrote: “See me lamenting….The risk we take to entertain you; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket…. Na wahooooo Who does that ??”

Some of his colleagues reacted in the comment section of the video shortly after his death was announced.

“Jesus! Oh Lord! Oh Lord,” Tana Adelana wrote.

“I’m so sad. can’t believe this. Big Sam where are you? am shaking,” Yvonne Jegede wrote.

The 39-year-old was married to Jennifer Awele.

They have three children together.

I don’t say much here anymore for a lot of reasons but I’ll say this, this was all preventable deaths if the minimum standards of safety was followed. If we in this business take ourselves a bit more seriously and practice this profession with all the seriousness it deserves. Nobody should go into a boat without a life jacket. Period. No producer should send people into one nor should anybody cast/crew enter anyone. How many deaths are enough?…… Richerd Mofe Damijo….

What a tragedy ! What a shame ! How could these young men take this kind of risk. No life jackets and you can’t swim. Ahhh. This is so,so sad.

May God receive their souls. Amen🙏….. Zik Zulu Okafor