The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Catherine Afeku, has urged Ghanaians to help make the country’s hosting of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) successful.
According to her, the four-day event, which will run from Wednesday, November 21 to Saturday, November 24 can only be successful if Ghanaians give it massive support.
Speaking at a press conference to address pertinent issues about AFRIMA at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Monday, November 19, the Minister said Ghana is ready to host the event and make a comfortable home for other nationals who will be attending the event.
In her opinion, the occasion is a good one for Ghanaians to show their hospitality as well as promote the Pan African agenda while selling brand Ghana on the international scene.
“Let us all be ambassadors of our nation because we are putting Ghana on the map and that is good for us. We should offer the necessary help to foreigners and be extra courteous.
“We take pride in ourselves in hosting this continental awards between November 21 to 24 which is consistent with our national development agenda for the growth of culture and the creative arts.
“We project a boost to the tourism economy of Ghana and the creation of opportunities for artists and investors in the culture and creative arts industry of Ghana,” she stated.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer of AFRIMA, Michael Dada, put to rest any doubts about the successful organisation of this year’s event.
He said the annual awards scheme was a big deal for the continent and nothing could stop it. He also urged stakeholders to help make it successful.
The Country Director for AFRIMA, Francis Doku, entreated Ghanaians to vote for artistes nominated from the country. He said it will not be a good image for Ghana should its acts perform poorly when they are hosts of the biggest music event in Africa.
Some Ghanaian artistes nominated in various categories for AFRIMA are KiDi, Kuami Eugene, King Promise, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Efya, Ebony, Joe Mettle and Becca.
AFRIMA ACTIVITIES
The 2018 AFRIMA seeks to reward and celebrate musical works, talents and creativity around the African continent while promoting Africa’s cultural heritage.
The four-day event, according to organisers, is packed with various activities which starts on Wednesday, November 21 with the Welcome Soiree, a reception in honour of arriving AFRIMA nominees and delegates, African Union officials, members of the International Committee of AFRIMA, media and other invited guests.
This will be followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on Thursday, November 22, at the Ballroom, Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, Accra.
Later in the day, African music lovers will enjoy performances by artistes across the continent at the AFRIMA Music Village, “a festival-style music concert” at the Black Star Square in Accra.
There will also be a nominees’ party on Friday, November 23, at the Kempinski Hotel and then the main awards will take place on Saturday, November 24, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
