An impressive list of Ghanaian artistes have been shortlisted in the 2017 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) event scheduled to be held on the 12th of November in Lagos, Nigeria

Suave-singing music sensation Rebecca Acheampongmaa Acheampong, popularly known as Becca, has been shortlisted in two categories namely the “Best Female Artiste in West Africa” and the “Best African Collaboration” category, which also has another Ghanaian-born UK-based star Fuse ODG. The ‘Beshiwo’ crooner shares this enviable feat with two other musical acts namely Dark Suburb and R2Bees.

Dark Suburb, who describe themselves as an ‘alternate rock’ band group, picked up two nominations in the “Album of the Year” and “Best Artiste in African Rock” slot, a category they share with Wiyaala, whilst Tema-based R2Bees have also been shortlisted in the “Best African Collaboration” and the “Best African Group” with their hit track “Tonight.” Multiple award-winning star, Sarkodie looks poised to take home the “Best Male Artiste in West Africa” award with his hit track ‘Painkiller’.

Other categories where Ghanaian artistes have been shortlisted include the “African Fans’ Favourite” category which has Hip life hottie Ebony; the “Best Artist in Jazz” category with Khalisax; and the “Best Artiste/Group in African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall” which features Jah Phinga with his track “One World, One People” and self-acclaimed Dancehall King, Shatta Wale with his “Taking Over” hit track.

Commenting on the awards event, Don Obilor, Chief Executive Officer of Adams 360, a brand communication agency, who also doubles as an International Committee member and the West African Regional Director of AFRIMA, believes the awards represent the biggest platform for high-flying African musicians to be rewarded and recognised for their talents. “African musicians create some of the best music in the world but their toils, hitherto, went unrewarded due to the absence of a huge, credible and home-grown awards platform” he says. “So the solution to this is AFRIMA, and since 2014, AFRIMA has been rewarding exceptional talent all across the African continent.”

“By rewarding talent and hardwork”, Don reiterates, “not only is AFRIMA contributing to growing and developing talents on the continent, but it is also promoting cultural development with a direct link to economic growth.”

The bevy of Ghanaian musical acts shortlisted in this year’s AFRIMA Awards is not only a demonstration of the growth and development of Ghana’s music industry but a testament to the extensive reach and appeal of Ghanaian music on the continent and beyond. With such abounding talent in music, there is the need for the Ghanaian government to develop strategic state policies to grow the music industry in the country.

AFRIMA is designed to promote the distinct rich African music worldwide, engaging millions of fans by propelling African music to glorious pinnacles beyond the borders of Africa.

As a result of its underlying objective to promote and grow African music and culture, the awards body has been partnered by the African Union (AU) and this year’s programme will see the AU playing a key role.

This year’s AFRIMA Awards is a full-package programme spiced with a lot of pre-event activities including a one-day open festival-like music concert, and a one-day conference dubbed “Africa Music Business Roundtable” which will be a platform for players in the music industry to engage and deliberate on how the industry can contribute to the growth of the respective economies of countries on the continent.