Manu Dibango, Femi Kuti, Soweto Gospel Choir Lead Over 350 African Stars To AFRIMA 2016

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Manu Dibango

Cameroonian-born international saxophonist and vibraphone player, Manu Dibango; Nigeria’s Afrobeat king and four-time Grammy Award nominee, Femi Kuti and South Africa’s Grammy Award winning choral group, Soweto Gospel Choir have been revealed among the African superstars that will grace the stage during the main ceremony of 2016 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA holding in Lagos, Nigeria on 6 November.

In a statement by the International Committee of AFRIMA in association with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the Official Host City, Lagos State on Wednesday, these seasoned artistes will lead the stellar line up of over 352 African superstars during the award’s programme of events starting from 4 – 6 November.

Confirming their performance at AFRIMA 3.0 Awards, Executive Producer/Director Soweto Choir, Beverly Bryer, stated: “Soweto Choir is honoured to have been nominated at the AFRIMA in 2015 and to perform at the AFRIMA 2016; we look forward to returning to Lagos for this exciting event.”

Soweto Gospel Choir is unarguably the most decorated choral group in Africa, having won multiple awards including Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album, “Blessed” and “African Spirit,” in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The 22-member choir ensembles blend elements of African gospel, Negro spirituals, Reggae and American Popular Music.

While Manu Dibango, whose song “Soul Makossa” has influenced several popular music hits, including Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”, as well as his re-recording of that song with Akon, The Fugees’ “Cowboys”; Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music” and comedian Eddie Murphy in his 1982 parody song “Boogie In Your Butt”.

Billed to hold at the Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the main awards ceremony is preceded by the AFRIMA Music Village, a concert event at the Water Front, Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

In addition, AFRIMA 2016 nominees with six nominations, Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) will be in attendance with other top nominees from Eastern Africa including; Alikiba, Diamond Platnumz, Bebe Cool, Victoria Kimani, Jose Chamelone, Vanessa Mdee, Cindy Sanyu, Caniel Lubwama Kigozi, Evelyn Wanjiru, Irene Ntale, Kuseim, Navio, Papa Dennis and Rigan Sarkozi, Zina Daoudia, Ziza Bafana, While Northern Africa nominees include; DJ Van, Ayman Alatar, Ahmed Soultan, Sarah Ayoub, Zina Daoudia, Sarah Ayoub.

Nominees from West Africa include D’Banj, VVIP, Flavour, Tiwa Savage, Sakordie, Kiss Daniel. Aramide, Brymo, Clarence Peters, Dark Suburb, Phyno, Brymo, Wiyaala, Tekno, Fortune Dane, Mabiisi, Mex, Niniola, Nuru, Okyeame Kwame, Iyanya, Pascal Aka, Ric Hassani, Seyi Shay, Simi, Tjan, Ycee, Zeynab, Kiff No Beat, H Magnum.

Other confirming attendance from Southern Africa; Anatii, Cassper Nyovest, AKA, M’vula, Black Coffee, CiCi Bala, Dizu Plaatjies, Lizha James, Moreira Chonguica, Sally Boss Madam, Zani challe, Bruna Titiana, Kunle Ayo, with Central Africa region include,  Bruna Tatiana, Bruna Tatiana, Daphne, Franko, Icha Kavons, Jizzle, M” vula, Montess, Naomi Achu, Stanley Enow, Stypak Samo, Syssi Mananga, T smallz, Wax Dey among others.

The 2016 AFRIMA Awards will be broadcast live at 1930hr WAT to over 84 countries on 109 television stations across the world with the support of AFRIMA media partners in Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday November 6 with red carpet starting at 1630hr WAT.