AFRIMA PARTNERS BRIDGEAFRIC, UNESCO FOR LAGOS GLOBAL MUSIC WORKSHOP

Top music leaders, celebrities, music business executives, and creative industry professionals from around the world will be arriving in Lagos for a workshop organised by the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The Showbiz101 Global Workshop and Music Creation Camp in Lagos is being organised by AFRIMA in partnership with BridgeAfric and UNESCO. The event is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, March 26th to Saturday, 29th, 2025, and it aims to train young creatives, foster international collaborations, and further enhance the capabilities of creators and professionals within the value chain of music production and business. AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, said the partnership with BridgeAfric on the event underlined the institution's commitment to empowering 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. The AFRIMA CXO added that the event aligns with AFRIMA's seven pillars, which include the 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 fore front of driving this initiative," she concluded. On the part of BridgAfrica, the President of the organisation, Victoria Nkong, who doubles as an Associate Producer for AFRIMA, said the workshop aims to support the future of Africa’s creative industry by focusing on key areas including the need to educate young talents.  Nkong said "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. "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." She added. A statement by AFRIMA listed some top artists who have confirmed their participation in the conference and recording camp as Juma Jux from Tanzania, Nadia Nakai from South Africa and DJ Neptune from Nigeria. It further noted that Ivory Coast will be well represented by global music superstars like the AFRIMA Award winner Didi B, 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. From Algeria, DJ MohGreen will bring his expertise, while Eric Bellamy from Live Nation Paris, France will contribute his knowledge of the global music industry. Sonia Aimy from Canada and Wendy Harawa from Malawi are also expected. In addition to the workshop and music camp, Nkong said a welcome Industry party is scheduled for Wednesday to officially receive the participants.  She added that registration is free for music producers, songwriters, and artists who want to learn, network, and advance their music careers.