Ugandan singer and music executive Eddy Kenzo will share the spotlight with Nigerian Afrobeats icon 2Baba at this year’s AFRIMA Music Conference, set for 13–14 May at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The two-day gathering, organised by the African Union Commission in partnership with the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), will see influential voices from across the continent converge to discuss the future of African music—and formally unveil the AFRIMA 2025 calendar, including the long-awaited announcement of this year’s host city.
Kenzo and 2Baba will be joined by a line-up of artists and industry leaders spanning regions and genres. Among them: South African hitmaker Makhadzi, rising Kenyan vocalist Nikita Kering, Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy, Ethiopian producer and Bana Records boss Bien Mekonnen, AFRIMA regional director Mike Strano, and UK-based Mamba Sounds founder Leo Fakhrul.
The conference is part of AFRIMA’s broader vision—a framework built around seven pillars that include awards, education, talent discovery, business development, and advocacy. And with growing international interest in African music, this year’s theme, Music Beyond Borders, feels especially timely.
“This is a pivotal moment for Africa’s creative industry,” said Eyob Alemayehu, AFRIMA’s Ethiopia country director. “We are bringing together some of the continent’s most respected voices to dissect the current landscape and chart a sustainable path forward for African music.”
The opening day will feature a series of high-level discussions, from the global impact of African genres to strategies for monetising music across the continent. Panel topics like Borderless Beats: The Future of African Music in a Globalised World and Unlocking and Monetising Africa’s Music Economy will explore policy, international partnerships, and the infrastructure needed to support long-term growth.
In the evening, delegates and dignitaries will gather for the AFRIMA Dinner & Social Networking Event—a more informal space to celebrate music, culture, and the connections driving the industry forward.
Day two shifts focus from business to culture, with a guided tour of Addis Ababa’s historic and artistic landmarks, offering guests a deeper look into Ethiopia’s rich heritage.
For Alemayehu, the unveiling of AFRIMA’s 2025 calendar marks more than just a date on the awards timeline. “It signals Africa’s unwavering commitment to elevating its creative industries and uniting the continent and diaspora in a shared celebration of music and culture,” he said.
