BENJAMIN NJOKU

The nine of the thirteen judges that will appraise entries for the maiden edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, have been unveiled.

They are world renowned veteran musicians and composers including, Nigeria’s Laolu Akins who has produced  for some  A- list musical artistes in the country, Rab Bakari, Delani Makhalima, Christian Syren, Tabu Osusa, Kawesa Richard, Rita Ray, Oscar J.F Kidjo and Robert Esong Ekukole who will chair the panel.

Speaking at a press briefing held at Ibis hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where the judges were announced, AFRIMA Country Director, Nigeria/Co-Producer, Mr. Kingsley James, said they are some of the most respected individuals in the African entertainment industry and they will bring in diverse experiences and expertise to the judging panel.

“What is most exciting is that we have a very diverse panel that will bring in their individual perspectives to the judging process. They are an accomplished panel with vast amount of experience in the music world,” he said.

Nigeria’s Laolu Akins said, “‘I feel privileged and I feel proud to be among the jury for the AFRIMA awards; obviously my contribution to the industry has been noted, so they feel there is something I can bring to the table.’

He is an accomplished musician, producer and composer who has produced for some Nigeria A- List musical artistes like Onyeka Onwenu, Shina Peters,Psquare, Orlando Julius, Ekemode and host of others. Akins is the head of operations at Excel Pro-Audio Resources, an independent artistes and music production enterprise.

AFRIMA is being organised in partnership with African Union Commission in a combined effort to promote African music worldwide.

The main awards ceremony will hold on November 9 in Lagos, where 32 categories will be competing for supremacy.