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| L-R: Tanzanian music director Folex (Best Music Video of the Year), Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer of AFRIMA, Juma Jux (Best Male Artiste, Eastern Africa), and Selemani Mabisso, Acting Assistant Director, Music Department, National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), during the AFRIMA Media and Stakeholders Parley at Urban by City Blue Hotel, Dar es Salaam, reviewing the impact of the awards on East Africa’s music industry. |
Tanzanian music stars Juma Jux and Folex have described their wins at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos as career-defining, highlighting the awards’ role in boosting African creatives’ global visibility.
The artistes shared their experiences during a Media and Stakeholders’ Parley hosted by AFRIMA’s International Committee in Dar es Salaam, which brought together artistes, regulators, music executives, and media professionals to discuss opportunities for East Africa’s music industry.
Juma Jux, winner of East African Artiste of the Year (Male), said:
"Winning AFRIMA changed a lot for me. People who never spoke to me before now reach out. Performing on a stage watched in over 84 countries gives you a new level of visibility and responsibility."
He called for stronger partnerships between AFRIMA and government agencies in Tanzania to enhance exposure, training, and knowledge sharing for artistes.
Folex, winner of Best Music Video of the Year for Juma Jux’s Ololufemi, said:
"Being nominated alongside international names like Pink and TG Omori and then winning was life-changing. It showed that East Africans can compete and win at the highest level. This award validates the work of music video directors in Tanzania and strengthens confidence in our creative industry."
Victoria Nkong, Associate Producer of AFRIMA, emphasized the awards’ broader role in industry development.
"AFRIMA is more than a celebration of talent. We focus on promoting artistes, developing the music industry, and creating pathways from local recognition to global visibility," Nkong said. She added that the engagement in Tanzania aims to deepen collaboration with local institutions and creatives.
Selemani Mabisso, Acting Assistant Director at Tanzania’s National Arts Council (BASATA), reaffirmed the council’s readiness to support initiatives that position Tanzanian artistes globally.
The 9th AFRIMA, held from January 7–11, 2026, in Lagos, featured seven major events, including the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village, and a grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, broadcast to audiences in 84 countries. Over 25 top artistes performed to more than 30,000 fans during the five-day celebration.
The awards, organized by the African Union Commission in partnership with the Lagos State Government, continue to serve as a platform for recognition, growth, and global positioning of African music talent.