In anticipation of the 2025 adjudication process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in collaboration with the African Union, has announced the appointment of new music experts to its International Jury panel. This development comes as excitement continues to build around the forthcoming edition of the continent’s premier music event.
The newly appointed Jury members are Marwane Fachane (Morocco, Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado (Kenya, Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou (Congo Brazzaville, Central Africa). Their inclusion aligns with AFRIMA’s commitment to a professional and inclusive evaluation process that reflects the continent’s rich cultural diversity.
Fachane, Ilado, and Mboukou bring extensive experience in music, culture, and youth development to the 14-member panel. Their role will involve identifying and rewarding outstanding musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora.
Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation one of Morocco’s leading creative and cultural institutions guides strategic development and youth empowerment in the arts, including music and film.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the appointment, Fachane said, “I’m honoured to join the AFRIMA Jury. This platform is vital for celebrating African creativity and showcasing the continent’s talent to the world.” He emphasised the need to support Africa’s rapidly growing creative sector.
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Messie Mboukou, a dynamic figure in music communications, events, and digital media, has supported numerous African artistes globally through his France-based consultancy. With over 1,000 international events to his credit, he remarked, “It’s a privilege to serve on the AFRIMA Jury. Africa’s greatest asset lies in its youth and culture. By nurturing young talent and fostering collaboration, we can build an even brighter future.” He pledged his commitment to an equitable and impactful adjudication process.
Cultural advocate and media professional Asma Lucy Ilado, a respected journalist and development consultant, paid tribute to the late Ghanaian music executive Rab Bakari and renowned Kenyan producer Tabu Osusa, both former AFRIMA jurors. Ilado expressed eagerness to discover new voices during this year’s process, noting, “African music brims with promise, but further investment is needed in distribution, production, training, and rights protection.” She added, “AFRIMA plays a vital role not only in recognising excellence but also in connecting regions and strengthening the industry.”
Adenrele Niyi, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), warmly welcomed the new jurors. “We are thrilled to have Lucy, Marwane, and Messie join the International Jury. They bring strong regional insights and professionalism that will enrich our already diverse panel. I look forward to receiving them in Lagos this August as we commence the 2025 adjudication a rigorous, engaging, and inspiring process.”
Other members of the Jury include Olisa Adibua (Jury-in-Charge/Associate Producer), Vicensia Shule (African Union Representative), Emil Ngumbah (Cameroon, Central Africa), Joett (Tanzania, Eastern Africa), and Hossam El Gamal (Egypt, Northern Africa). Also serving are Adam Tiran and Delani Makhalima (Southern Africa), Guy Neza (Côte d’Ivoire, Western Africa), Motolani Alake (Nigeria, Western Africa), and Hadja Kobele (North America, Diaspora).
Meanwhile, AFRIMA has reminded musicians, producers, choreographers, and record labels that entry submissions for the 2025 edition will close on 8 August 2025. This is the final opportunity for creatives across Africa and the diaspora to submit their works for recognition on AFRIMA’s prestigious stage. Submissions must be made via the official AFRIMA website.
AFRIMA 2025 is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 25 to 30 November, and will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries.
