Celebrated Ugandan music executive and Grammy-nominated artist Eddy Kenzo joined a host of African stars and global industry leaders at the AFRIMA 2025 World Media Calendar Unveiling and Music Conference, held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa from 13 to 14 May.
Organised by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the International Committee of AFRIMA, the two-day event brought together stakeholders from across the continent to launch the official calendar and unveil the host city for the 2025 edition of the All-Africa Music Awards.
Kenzo headlined the programme alongside notable African artists including 2Baba, Makhadzi, Nikita Kering, and Stonebwoy, participating in key discussions around the future of African music and the challenges artists face on the global stage.
In a message shared on his social media platforms, Kenzo reflected on the wealth of talent across Africa, while issuing a call to action for the continent’s creatives to invest in their own infrastructure and platforms.
“Africa is a continent bursting with vibrant rhythms, soulful melodies, and unparalleled creativity,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Yet, despite owning the art and the culture, we often find ourselves fighting for space in the global market.”
Kenzo highlighted the lack of African ownership over music distribution channels as a major barrier to growth and global recognition, advocating for increased collaboration and unity across the industry.
“The biggest challenge isn’t just about competing—it’s about collaboration. Instead of fighting for limited space, we should be working together as Africans to build our own streaming platforms, protect our rights, and invest in our craft,” he said.
Reinforcing the role of culture as both a historical record and a vision for the future, he added:
“Our music is more than entertainment—it’s a reflection of our history, resilience, and future… Let’s encourage each other to stay true to our identity, because no one else can tell our story the way we must and know it.”
Kenzo concluded with a note of gratitude to AFRIMA for consistently offering a platform where African music and creativity can be celebrated on a global scale.
The AFRIMA 2025 conference is part of broader efforts by the African Union and AFRIMA to promote African cultural expression, strengthen the continent’s creative economy, and amplify African voices in global entertainment spaces.
