In celebration of African music and culture, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in league with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) has announced AFRIMA 2015 nominees.
The multiple award-winning male choral group from South Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will lead the over 162 African superstars who have confirmed attendance to the 2015 AFRIMA Awards. Ladysmith is arguably the most decorated male group in Africa, having won multiple awards including four Grammys.
Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the group had been singing together since the early 1950s. However, it was Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 for the Graceland album that brought it the much needed international acclaim. Confirming their performance at AFRIMA Awards, band’s manager, Majozi Christopher Zolisile, stated: “AFRIMA 2015 will be staged in November which coincidentally is the month for Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s 55th anniversary.
It will be amazing and electrifying to perform on a big stage like All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2015 in Nigeria. We are looking forward to it.” Other artistes billed to perform at the award ceremony include Yemi Alade from Nigeria, who broke records with her hit single, ‘Johnny’ in 2013.
Her counterpart from Cameroon, Charlotte Dipanda, an Afro pop singer, who has worked with Congolese singer, Papa Wemba, and provided background vocals for Manu Dibango, Rokia Traore and Axelle Red will also grace the AFRIMA stage.
Both have won numerous awards. Artistes and nominees that that have confirmed attendance include Vanessa Mdee, Awilo Logomba, Stanley Enow, Charlotte Dipanda, NG Bling, Jovi, Daphne, Bebe Cool, Tsedenia, Alikiba, H_ Art the Band, Dr. Jose Chameleone, AKA, Busiswa, Amantle, Cindy Munyavi, Gazza, Blade Deep/Delura, The Soil, Kunle Ayo, Cassper Nyovest, Awilo Logomba, Stanley, DJ Malvado, Sarkodie, Stoneboy, Toofan, Kiff No Beat, Dark Suburb “The Skeleton”, DJ Arafat and many others. Representing the host, Nigeria, are Davido, Wizkid, P-Square, Timaya, Nneka, Flavour, Darey, Brymo, Seyi Shay, Wande Coal, Praiz, Niyola, Patoranking, Adekunle Gold, Kiss Daniel, Aramide, Timi Dakolo, and J. Martins among others. The event is slated for November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
