Business

AFRIMA 2017 Calendar Unveiling: African music stars confirm attendance

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2017

An impressive array of African music stars have confirmed attendance at the 2017 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Calendar unveiling event scheduled to hold in partnership with the African Union Commission and the ONE Campaign on Tuesday, May 2, at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Confirmed music stars who will be joining members of the International Committee of AFRIMA, AU officials and ONE executives at the event include Jimmy Dludlu, (Winner, AFRIMA 2016 Best Jazz); Mi Casa (AFRIMA 2016 Nominee); Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Winner, AFRIMA 2015 Legend Award); Busiswa (Winner, AFRIMA 2015 Best Female Artiste, Southern Africa); The Soil (AFRIMA 2015 Nominee); Heavy K (Winner, AFRIMA 2014 Best Male Artiste, Southern Africa); Cindy Munyavi (Winner, AFRIMA 2014 Best Female Artiste, Southern Africa) and Fungisia (AFRIMA 2014 Nominee), among others.

Other dignitaries expected at the event are Head of Culture Division, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins; members of the International Committee of AFRIMA represented by: President and Executive Producer AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communication, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi, Regional Director, Central Africa, Mr. Ernest Ewane; Member, AFRIMA Jury, Mr. Chris Syren and Associate Producer, Adenrele Niyi, including representatives of ONE Campaign led by Executive Director (interim), ONE in Africa, Ms. Nachilala Nkombi.

The music, media and entertainment sectors of Southern Africa will also have a strong representation with the presence of Managing Director, Vth Season, Mr. Raphael Benza; Director, Vth Season, Ms. Ninel Musson; Founder Native Rhythms Productions, Dr. Sipho Sithole; CEO, Planet TV, South Africa, Ms.Mabel Mabaso, and MD, Content Connect Africa, Mr. Munya Chanesta amongst many others.

In a letter dated April 10, 2017 with Ref. DSA/CUL/16/632.17 on the AFRIMA 2017 programme of activities, the Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union, Her Excellency Ms. Amira Elfadil said that her office will work closely with AFRIMA in promoting the cultural and creative industries to provide meaningful contribution to the economic development of Africa.

“We propose the joint efforts of AU and AFRIMA for the popularization of AU policy instruments, such as the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, the AU plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, the African Union agenda 2063 Aspiration 05 on heritage and culture amongst others, through AFRIMA platform”.

ONE in Africa, Executive Director, Ms Nachilala Nkombo, similarly reiterated the global campaign organisation’s commitment to partnering with AFRIMA. “We are delighted to continue working with AFRIMA and the African Union. In the past, ONE has collaborated with various artists to engage African citizens on issues that affects us collectively these have included food security, health, economic opportunity and gender. These artists have also used their voices to get the attention of our governments too. This year, ONE will use its partnership with AFRIMA and the AU to call on African governments to prioritise the demographic dividend recommendations focusing we have developed with our partners to seek urgent action on education, employment and empowerment for it rapidly growing youth population. We look forward to have Africa’s brightest musicians play a role on this agenda and be recognised for their social impact”.

AFRIMA is the biggest and number one music property in Africa developed to celebrate, reward and showcase the rich musical heritage of Africa. Stimulating conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the globe, about the great potentials and values for the purpose of reducing poverty through job creation. AFRIMA seeks to promote the positive image of Africa to the world for global competitiveness.

Official event partners for the AFRIMA 2017 Event Calendar Unveiling are The African Union, ONE, The Maslow Hotel, Content Connect Africa and PRM Africa.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.