Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Others Come To Town For AFRIMA 2015

AS artistes and music stakeholders from different part of the continent gear up for the grand party in Lagos Nigeria for the celebration of African music and culture, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in association with the Africa Union Commission (AUC), has announced that AFRIMA 2015 nominees and the multiple award-winning male choral group from South Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will lead the invasion of over one hundred and sixty two (162) African superstars who have confirm attendance to the 2015 AFRIMA Awards slated for Sunday, November 15 at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Arguably the most decorated male group in Africa, having won multiple awards including four Grammys in 1988, 2004, 2009 and 2013 respectively, the music group formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, had been singing together since the early 1950s. However, it was Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 for the Graceland album that brought it the much needed international acclaim.

Confirming their performance at AFRIMA Awards, band’s manager, Majozi Christopher Zolisile, said, “AFRIMA 2015 will be staged in November, which coincidentally is the month for Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s 55th anniversary. It will be amazing and electrifying to perform on a big stage like All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2015 in Nigeria. We are looking forward to it.”

Other artistes billed to perform at the award ceremony include Yemi Alade from Nigeria, who came to limelight with her hit single, Johnny in 2013. Her counterpart from Cameroon, Charlotte Dipanda, an Afro pop singer, who has worked with Congolese singer, Papa Wemba and provided background vocals for Manu Dibango,  Rokia Traore and Axelle Red will also grace the AFRIMA stage. The duo of Diamond Platnumz, a Bongo Flava recording artiste and dancer from Tanzania and Olamide from Nigeria will set the stage on fire at the AFRIMA 2015. Both have won numerous awards.

Other artistes and nominees that that have confirmed attendance from Eastern Africa include Vanessa Mdee, Bebe Cool, Tsedenia, Alikiba, H_Art the Band, Dr. Jose Chameleone, Danny Kalima, Makadem, Lilian Mbabazi, Sauti Sol, Cindy, Lulu & the Zakaleo Band, Liron, Suzanna Owiyo, Ben Pol, THT, and Teddy Afro.

From Southern Africa are top acts such as AKA, Busiswa, Amantle, Cindy Munyavi, Gazza, Blade Deep/Delura, The Soil, Kunle Ayo, Cassper Nyovest, and KO while representing Central Africa are Awilo Logomba, Stanley Enow, Charlotte Dipanda, NG Bling, Jovi, Daphne, M’vula, Betty Akna, Mani Bella, Featurist, Vumomse, Missy BK, and DJ Malvado.

Confirming attendance from West Africa region are Sarkodie, Stoneboy, Toofan, Kiff No Beat, Dark Suburb “The Skeleton”, DJ Arafat, Wiyaala, Sekou Kouyate, Gangbe Brass Band etc. Representing the host, Nigeria include Davido, Wizkid, P-Square, Timaya, Nneka, Flavour, Darey, Brymo, Seyi Shay, Wande Coal, Praiz, Niyola, Patoranking, Adekunle Gold, Kiss Daniel, Aramide, Timi Dakolo, J. Martins and others.