COME 13 December, Namibia, more specifically Windhoek, will be abuzz with excitement and activity as the Kora All-Africa Music Awards make their way back to where it all started.
‘Back Home’ is the theme for this year’s internationally acclaimed celebration of African music. The prestigious event was officially launched in the capital city at an information dinner held in the capital city last week.
The launch was attended by Libertine Amadhila, minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta as well as South African Afro-pop sensation Mafikizolo and a number of Namibian artists.
“We have so much to offer as a nation. We need to be competitive and innovative in how we grab opportunities such as this,” Shifeta said.
Many people only found out recently that the awards are actually closer to home than they had thought. According to the history books, the event is the brainchild of President Hage Geingob and Ernest Adjovi, who at the time of its conception, was a resident of Namibia. The event was aimed at creating a cultural and entertainment spectacular that would showcase excellence in African musical culture.
“The Kora awards have been unwavering in our commitment to rewarding and celebrating excellence in African music,” said founder and executive producer Adjovi.
“From the beginning, we have been clear on this goal. We are delighted to be back home in Namibia, and look forward to delivering an extravaganza that the entire world will tune in to watch. We have little doubt that the powerful partnerships we have forged will help us realise an awards ceremony to remember.”
Since its inception in 1996, the Kora’s have been hosted by South Africa, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. It has also seen icons such as the late Nelson Mandela receiving the Lifetime and Legendary Award that has also been awarded to Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra, Kofi Annan and Graca Machel.
Growing bigger and better with each ceremony, the stage has hosted regional, continental and international acts like Thandiswa Mazwai, the legendary Michael Jackson and Grammy award winners like Rihanna and Angelique Kidjou, to name a few.
The organisers will host various activities in the countdown to the event, one of which is a fashion show planned for two days before the awards ceremony. The fashion show will host six fashion designers from across Africa including one from Namibia.
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