Before the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 judging process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in collaboration with the African Union, has selected new music specialists to join its International Jury panel, as anticipation grows for this year's largest music event on the continent.
The three new judges are: Marwane Fachane, representing Morocco (Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou, standing in for Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa).
Their selection aligns with the operational framework of the Jury system, as part of AFRIMA's initiative to ensure the evaluation process stays professional, equitable, and representative of Africa's diverse cultural heritage.
Fachabe, Ilado, and Mboukou contribute extensive expertise in music, culture, and youth empowerment to their position on the 14-Man AFRIMA Jury. They will assist in selecting top musical talents from throughout Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most worthy artists are recognized and honored.
Marwane Fachane, the Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, oversees the team and strategic direction at one of Morocco's leading creative and cultural organizations. The Foundation provides assistance to young individuals in the creative sector, aiding them in establishing careers in music, film, and various other artistic disciplines. When discussing his new position, Fachane stated, "I am proud to be a member of AFRIMA's jury. This platform plays a crucial role in honoring African talent and showcasing what our continent has to offer to the world." He further emphasized that African creativity is advancing rapidly and deserves encouragement and promotion on international stages.
Dynamic and energetic, Messie Mboukou is a prominent figure in music communication, events, and digital media. He has provided support to numerous African artists both in the diaspora and across the continent via his France-based consulting firm. Additionally, he has been involved in organizing more than 1,000 events globally.
Mboukou stated, "It's an honor to be involved with AFRIMA. I feel that Africa's most valuable asset lies in its young people and cultural heritage. By backing emerging talent and collaborating, the future looks even more promising."
He vowed to support a just evaluation procedure that enhances the richness of African music.
Asma Lucy Ilado, a well-known journalist and cultural development advisor, also considers herself a champion of culture. In her comments following her appointment, Ilado expressed high praise for the former AFRIMA juror and Kenyan colleague, the renowned producer Tabu Osusa. She also honored the late Ghanaian music executive, Rab Bakari, who was part of the AFRIMA jury from 2014 to 2016.
Ilado expressed her excitement about uncovering fresh voices and talents throughout the continent during the Judging Process. She believes that 'while African music is full of energy and potential, additional funding is still required in critical areas such as distribution, production, education, and copyright protection.'
"Platforms such as AFRIMA play a crucial role, not only in acknowledging outstanding achievements but also in connecting different areas and supporting the industry's development," she stated.
Greeting the newly joined Jurors, Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of AFRIMA, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Lucy, Marwane, and Messie to the AFRIMA International Jury. We have already begun on a friendly and respectful note, and I am hopeful about the enthusiasm and expertise they will contribute to the group. Each of them is a well-regarded music industry professional with extensive experience in their respective areas, and their addition this year brings a new and valuable perspective to our already varied and highly competent Jury.”
"Personally, I am excited about welcoming the beautiful lady and distinguished gentlemen to Lagos, Nigeria, this August for the 2025 AFRIMA Adjudication Process. It's always a unique occasion—challenging, interactive, and highly motivating—and I believe they will feel completely comfortable," mentioned the AFRIMA CXO.
Other jury members are Olisa Adibua, Jury-in-Charge/Associate Producer; Vicensia Shule, representative of the African Union; Emil Ngumbah from Cameroon, who represents Central Africa; Joett from Tanzania, representing Eastern Africa; and Hossam El Gamal from Egypt, representing Northern Africa.
Additional jurors include Adam Tiran from South Africa, who represents Southern Africa; Delani Makhalima from Zimbabwe, also representing Southern Africa; Guy Neza from Cote d’Ivoire, representing Western Africa; Motolani Alake from Nigeria, representing Western Africa; and Hadja Kobele, from the Diaspora, representing North America.
In the meantime, AFRIMA, Africa's international music awards, has reminded artists, producers, choreographers, and record labels that the submission period will end on August 8, 2025. This marks the final chance for creative individuals throughout Africa and the diaspora to submit their music in hopes of being honored at the esteemed AFRIMA event. All entries need to be submitted via the official AFRIMA website prior to the deadline.
The AFRIMA 2025 event is set to occur in Lagos, Nigeria, between November 25 and 30, and will be aired across over 84 nations globally.
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