2baba, Nikita, others storm Ethiopia as AU unveils AFRIMA 2025 calendar, host city

Celebrated African music icon 2baba Idibia will headline a dynamic line-up of artists and global music industry leaders as panellists at the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference.

The conference forms part of a two-day event organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to unveil the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 13 to 14, 2025.

Joining 2baba on the panels are top names such as South African superstar, Makhadzi; the vibrant Kenya music sensation, Nikita Kering; Ugandan multiple-award winner, and music executive, Eddy Kenzo; international pop star and ARIMA 2018 best artist in Raggae/Ragga from Ghana, Stonebwoy; Founder and CEO of Bana Records, Ethiopia, Bien Mekonnen; AFRIMA’s Regional Director and CEO of Yekwatu, Mike Strano; and Leo Fakhrul the Founder and Managing Director, Mamba Sounds, Edinburgh, UK amongst others.

The panellists will together engage in forward-thinking conversations around the future of African music, and the continent’s evolving creative economy.

A statement by Eyob Alemayehu, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Ethiopia, said the excitement surrounding the hosting rights bid will hit its peak after the winning city is officially announced and awarded a certificate during the event.

Alemayehu added, “The official theme for this year’s Africa’s global Music Award and the biggest music event in Africa, AFRIMA 2025 will be revealed during the two-day event, which will feature other exciting activities and programs that speaks to the seven (7) pillars of AFRIMA; (1) Music Awards (2) Music Festival (3) AFRIMA Kreative Academy (4) Talent Discovery and Promotion (5) Africa Music Business Hub (6) Policy Debate and Advisory (7) Advocacy.”

“The unveiling of the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City is not just the beginning of another award season, it is a strong statement that Africa’s creative industry is moving forward. This moment starts the journey to another exciting edition in 2025, where the continent and the diaspora will come together to celebrate our music and culture,” Alemayehu stated.