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AFRIMA 2018: African Union, Ghana partner for Calendar Unveiling

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The 2018 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) annual calendar of programmes
will be unveiled on Monday, May 21, 2018 by the African Union Commission
(AUC) in collaboration with Government of the Republic of Ghana, and the
International Committee of AFRIMA during a world media event and music
conference scheduled for Accra, the capital city of Ghana.
Part of the agenda for the Calendar Unveiling of the fifth annual
edition of AFRIMA is a Courtesy Visit to His Excellency, the President
of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is set to receive African
delegates and music stars attending the event from around Africa
including the Head of Culture, African Union, Mrs. Angela Martins;
President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand
Communications, AFRIMA; Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director;
Western Africa, Mr. Don Obilor, the Ghanaian-UK AFRIMA Juror,
(representing UK-Diaspora) and BBC-1 show host, Ms. Rita Ray and the
AFRIMA Country Director, Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku.
Also participating at the event are past AFRIMA nominees and winners,
music professionals and executives, creative/culture industry policy
makers, members of the media industry and other award-winning recording
artistes living in Ghana and in other African countries.
Commenting on the event in line with government’s objective to develop
sustainable tourism pivoted on Ghanaian arts and culture, Ghana’s
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku, said:
“Arts and culture, as a sector, remains one of Africa’s greatest
strengths. As well as being a source of values, identity and a sense of
belonging, the creative industries have become a driver of economic
growth and job creation. In agreeing to host the AFRIMA 2018 Calendar
Unveiling, the Government of Ghana is motivated by the need to harness
the potential of the creative sector of Ghana to promote national and
regional tourism. We congratulate the African Union for lending its
weight behind this laudable effort”.
Hon. Afeku added, “The Government of Ghana recognizes the potential of
the Creative Industries to shape and reinforce the country’s economic
growth. Studies show that by the end of the first decade of this
millennium, cultural activities contributed to 1.53% of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of our country.  Zeroing in on music industry, it
is reported with some justifiable pride that that sector alone adds
approximately GH¢100 million to GDP”.
Speaking on the collaborative work by the African Union and the
International Committee of AFRIMA to create inventive solutions to
achieving the AU Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan
of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, the Acting Director for
Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Madam Mariama Cisse revealed
that partnerships with member AU states such as Ghana further galvanise
the achievement of the AU policy on Africa transformation through social
integration.
In her statement, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union,
said: “The hosting by the Republic of Ghana of this unveiling event is
very important given that previous events were hosted by the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and it is crucial that the initiative rotates in the
AU Member States to ensure broader popularization and enhance its
Pan-African nature. We thus express our gratitude to the Government of
the Republic of Ghana for hosting the event and call upon all musical
artists to participate in the initiative by submitting their works once
the call for submissions is open”.
AFRIMA, Africa’s biggest music awards property, will roll out the 2018
calendar under the theme “Africa is Music”. The calendar features
back-to-back events traversing several countries in the five regions of
Africa. Some of these planned events include music/culture conferences;
country visits to converse with critical music/culture industry
stakeholders and high-octane music concerts tagged “Turn Up Africa”
which objective is to connect fans and followers of African music with
their favourite Africa music stars of the traditional and contemporary
genres.
In partnership with the African Union, the All Africa Music Awards is a
music property that recognises and rewards the work and talent of a
myriad of African artists from the old to the new generation of
musicians. Through its conference, AFRIMA also stimulates conversations
among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the
potential of the creative arts for real humanising enterprise on the
continent, contributing significantly to social cohesion, national,
regional and continental integration as well as sustainable development
in Africa. The award show is usually broadcast to over eighty countries
around the world

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Social Media Buzz as South African Label Reportedly Signs Fast-Rising Nigerian Artist Oscar Bankz

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Social Media Buzz as South African Label Reportedly Signs Fast-Rising Nigerian Artist Oscar Bankz

 

There are strong indications that fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, Oscar Blonde Azzun, popularly known as Oscar Bankz, has secured a major music deal with South African entertainment company, Astra Luvian Music Worldwide Ltd.

 

Industry insiders say the move is part of the label’s growing plan to push Afrobeats deeper into the international market by investing in emerging African talents with strong commercial potential.

 

Sources close to the development revealed that the deal has already been finalized quietly, with preparations underway for Oscar Bankz’s first official project under the label, expected to drop later this summer.

 

The Cape Town-based company is reportedly putting a strong promotional structure behind the artist, with plans targeting audiences across Africa, Europe, and other international markets.

 

Music observers believe the partnership could become a major breakthrough moment for Oscar Bankz, whose sound and style have continued gaining attention among Afrobeats listeners.

 

Although full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, insiders within the entertainment space say Astra Luvian Music Worldwide Ltd sees Oscar Bankz as one of the promising new voices capable of making significant waves in the evolving Afrobeats movement.

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Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

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Top Music Producer, Gbenga Leo Marks 45 Years in Music with Lagos Celebration

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

Otunba Gbenga, popularly known as Leo Taiwo, will be celebrated for his 45-year journey in the music industry at a special event scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Lagos.

 

The event, set to hold at the Radio Lagos Marquee Hall in Agidingbi, Ikeja, is expected to bring together friends, family, and associates to honour a career defined by longevity and consistent contribution to Nigeria’s Fuji music scene.

 

Though not widely in the public spotlight, Leo Taiwo is regarded within industry circles as a respected figure whose work has spanned decades. His role as a music producer and collaborator has positioned him among the quiet contributors who have supported the growth and continuity of Fuji music over the years.

 

The celebration is slated to begin at 2 p.m., with guests expected to observe a white dress code. Attendance will be by access card, with caps and gele serving as entry identifiers.

 

Fuji star King Sule Alao Malaika is billed to lead the music for the occasion, while popular hosts Ifankaleluyah and Tokunbo Marvins will anchor proceedings.

 

The choice of venue underscores the cultural relevance of the event. Radio Lagos has long been associated with the promotion of indigenous music, making it a fitting location for a milestone rooted in tradition and legacy.

 

Reaching 45 years in any creative industry is a notable achievement. In a genre that has evolved across generations, such longevity reflects both resilience and sustained relevance.

 

As preparations continue, the event is shaping up to be not just a celebration of one man’s journey, but also a moment to acknowledge the enduring community behind Fuji music.

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BREAKING NEWS: Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy

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*BREAKING NEWS

*Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

Lagos, Nigeria – In a stunning display of talent, leadership, and philanthropy, Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo has been crowned winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award. This remarkable achievement cements her status as a powerhouse in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

 

Amb. Chelsea Nwodo, the newly crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026, has extended her heartfelt gratitude to all who supported her in this remarkable achievement.

 

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to announce that I have been crowned the winner of the prestigious NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 award,” Amb. Nwodo said. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who voted for me, including my loving family members and TOSA to NAGA , I am honored to be part of this prestigious award and I appreciate the recognition.”

 

Amb. Nwodo, a multifaceted personality, has proven herself as an acclaimed actress, dedicated philanthropist, and visionary business leader. Her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.

 

As CEO of the Chelsea Nwodo Foundation, she drives transformative initiatives empowering women and children, fostering growth and opportunity. Her leadership skills extends to Chy-kas Travels and Tour, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen.

 

Recently appointed Chief of Staff to the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Yakubu, Amb. Nwodo’s exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing Nollywood is undeniable.

 

Amb. Nwodo’s philanthropy resonates deeply. Her impactful “Operation Feed 5000 Street Children” program, in partnership with Regal Connect Foundation-Ghana, delivered food, shelter, and skills training to vulnerable children in Ghana, attracting high-profile support.

 

Her NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 win celebrates not just her achievements but her dedication to uplifting others, making her a beacon of hope across industries. This recognition solidifies her position as a role model and influencer, inspiring a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs.

 

The NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA award is a testament to Amb. Nwodo’s hard work, talent, and commitment to excellence. Her win is a proud moment for Nigeria and the African continent, showcasing the best of Nollywood’s talent and philanthropy.

 

BREAKING NEWS *Amb. Chelsea RC Nwodo Crowned NAGA Nollywood FACE OF AFRICA 2026 – A Triumph of Talent, Leadership, and Philanthropy*

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