Lagos will host leading music business executives, celebrities, and industry professionals from around the world as the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) partners with BridgeAfric and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the Showbiz101 Global Workshop and Music Creation Camp.
Scheduled for 26–29 March 2025, the event aims to train young creatives, encourage international collaborations, and enhance the capabilities of music creators and professionals across the industry’s value chain.
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AFRIMA’s commitment to industry development
Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of AFRIMA, highlighted the significance of the partnership with BridgeAfric, noting that it aligns with AFRIMA’s mission to empower Africa’s creative industry.
“As AFRIMA, part of our mission is building capacity and fostering cross-border collaborations by empowering Africa’s creative industry and by providing platforms for artists to collaborate, grow, and break boundaries. Partnering with BridgeAfric for the Showbiz101 Global Workshop & Music Creation Camp is a no-brainer. This initiative is about more than just music; it’s about equipping young creatives with the tools, knowledge, and global connections they need to thrive in the industry,” Niyi said.
She added that the event aligns with AFRIMA’s seven pillars: Music Awards, Music Festivals, AFRIMA Creative Academy, Talent Discovery and Promotions, Music Business Hub, Advocacy, and Advisory & Policy Debates.
“Our goal is to reinforce Africa’s position as a moving powerhouse on the global music scene—one hit, one artist, one opportunity at a time and we are excited to be at the forefront of driving this initiative,” she stated.
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Training and opportunities for young creatives
Victoria Nkong, President of BridgeAfric and Associate Producer for AFRIMA, said the workshop will focus on educating and training young talents to strengthen the future of Africa’s creative industry.
“We believe learning is essential to solving problems in the entertainment industry. This workshop will equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed,” she said.
The event will feature performances, training sessions, and recording opportunities for artists. Nkong added that the five-day programme will bring top musicians together for a three-day global music camp, where they will collaborate on creating songs.
“By the end of the camp, we will have a global EP featuring top African stars from different countries,” she stated.
The workshop also aims to connect artists with international music executives to expand their reach and audience.
“Another goal of the workshop is to help artists reach new audiences by connecting them with international music executives. This will open doors for them to promote their music in different parts of the world,” Nkong added.
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Top artists and industry leaders set to participate
Several artists and industry professionals have confirmed their participation. Among them are Juma Jux from Tanzania, Nadia Nakai from South Africa, and DJ Neptune from Nigeria. Ivory Coast will be represented by AFRIMA Award winner Didi B, alongside Himra, Suspect 95, Kikimoteleba, Goulam, and Gabin Bao.
Other notable participants include Bizzle Osikoya, Co-founder of The Plug Entertainment, and Sesan Adeniji, General Manager of Vybz FM. DJ MohGreen from Algeria will bring his expertise, while Eric Bellamy from Live Nation Paris, France will provide insights into the global music industry. Sonia Aimy from Canada and Wendy Harawa from Malawi are also expected.
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Industry party and free registration
A welcome industry party is scheduled for 26 March to officially receive participants. Nkong added that registration is free for music producers, songwriters, and artists who want to learn, network, and advance their careers.
The event is expected to provide a platform for African music talents to develop their skills, collaborate with international professionals, and enhance Africa’s global presence in the music industry.
