As preparations intensify for the 2025 adjudication process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union, has unveiled the appointment of new music professionals to its International Jury panel. This move comes as anticipation grows for the forthcoming edition of Africa’s premier music awards event.
The newly inducted Jury members are Marwane Fachane (representing Morocco for Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado (Kenya, Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou (Congo Brazzaville, Central Africa). Their appointments reflect AFRIMA’s continued commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and culturally diverse evaluation process.
Fachane, Ilado, and Mboukou bring a wealth of experience in music, culture, and youth development to the 14-member panel. They are expected to play a key role in identifying and celebrating exceptional musical talent from across the continent and the diaspora.
Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, one of Morocco’s leading cultural institutions, oversees strategic programmes that support youth in the creative arts, including music and film.
Commenting on his appointment, Fachane said: “I am honoured to be part of AFRIMA’s Jury. This platform is crucial in celebrating African creativity and sharing our talent with the world.” He further highlighted the need to nurture the continent’s fast-growing creative sector.
Messie Mboukou, a prominent figure in music communication, events, and digital media, has supported numerous African artistes both on the continent and in the diaspora through his France-based consultancy. With a track record of organising over 1,000 events globally, Mboukou remarked: “It is a privilege to join AFRIMA. Africa’s greatest assets are its youth and cultural wealth. By investing in young talent and fostering collaboration, we can shape a brighter future.” He pledged his commitment to ensuring a fair and impactful adjudication process.
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Asma Lucy Ilado, an established journalist and cultural development consultant, described herself as a passionate advocate for African culture. She paid tribute to late Ghanaian music executive Rab Bakari and celebrated Kenyan producer Tabu Osusa both former AFRIMA jurors.
Expressing her excitement for the judging process, Ilado stated: “African music is bursting with potential, but there is still a pressing need for investment in areas such as distribution, production, training, and intellectual property protection.” She added, “AFRIMA is not only about honouring excellence it is a vital platform that fosters regional integration and drives growth within the industry.”
AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, welcomed the new jurors with enthusiasm. “We are delighted to have Lucy, Marwane, and Messie join our esteemed International Jury. They bring valuable regional perspectives and deep professional insight to an already diverse panel. I look forward to receiving them in Lagos this August as we begin the 2025 adjudication. It is always a rigorous, inspiring, and collaborative process.”
Other Jury members include Olisa Adibua (Jury-in-Charge/Associate Producer); Vicensia Shule (African Union Representative); Emil Ngumbah (Cameroon, Central Africa); Joett (Tanzania, Eastern Africa); and Hossam El Gamal (Egypt, Northern Africa). Also on the panel are Adam Tiran and Delani Makhalima (Southern Africa); Guy Neza (Côte d’Ivoire, Western Africa); Motolani Alake (Nigeria, Western Africa); and Hadja Kobele (North America, Diaspora).
Meanwhile, AFRIMA has reminded artistes, producers, choreographers, and record labels that the deadline for entries into the 2025 edition is 8 August 2025. This marks the final opportunity for creatives across Africa and the diaspora to submit their work for consideration. All entries must be submitted via the official AFRIMA website.
AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 25 to 30 November, and will be broadcast across more than 84 countries.