Algeria has formally declared its interest in hosting a future edition of the All Africa Music Awards, widely known as AFRIMA, signaling a potential historic expansion of the African Union-backed platform into North Africa.
The development followed a diplomatic and cultural meeting in Abidjan between Algeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdelaziz Bouguetaia, and the 9th AFRIMA Best African DJ winner, DJ Moh Green. The celebrated DJ, accompanied by AFRIMA Associate Producer Victoria Nkong, presented his continental award trophy to the ambassador in what was described as both a symbolic and strategic moment for Algeria’s creative industry.
Ambassador Bouguetaia praised DJ Moh Green’s achievement, noting that his win represents not only personal success but also Algeria’s growing footprint within the African music landscape. He emphasized that Algeria recognizes the cultural and economic power of music and is open to exploring the possibility of bringing the prestigious awards ceremony to its soil.
Algeria’s expression of interest comes shortly after Côte d’Ivoire also signaled readiness to host a future edition of AFRIMA, highlighting growing competition and enthusiasm among African nations eager to leverage the platform’s cultural and economic benefits. If Algeria secures hosting rights, it would mark a significant milestone by extending AFRIMA’s reach further into North Africa, reinforcing its Pan-African identity.
Victoria Nkong described the interest as a testament to AFRIMA’s expanding continental relevance and influence. She reiterated that AFRIMA was founded not merely as an awards event but as a long-term cultural institution designed to unify Africa through music while positioning the continent’s creative economy as a global force. According to her, the platform has consistently demonstrated measurable impact in previous host countries by stimulating tourism, attracting international media, and empowering young creatives.
Since its partnership with the African Union in 2014, AFRIMA has grown into one of Africa’s most influential cultural properties. The awards aim to bridge linguistic, geographical, and cultural divides while projecting African creativity to the world from a position of strength and economic confidence.
Past host nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal have benefited from increased international exposure, hospitality sector growth, and expanded opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs during AFRIMA Awards Week. Each edition typically draws more than 5,000 visitors, including nominees, global production teams, policymakers, investors, media outlets, and fans. The week-long schedule features the Africa Music Business Summit, networking forums, music festivals, and the grand awards ceremony, all of which contribute significantly to the host city’s economy.
The awards ceremony itself is broadcast live to audiences in over 84 countries, amplifying the host nation’s global visibility and reinforcing Africa’s unified cultural narrative.
For DJ Moh Green, the meeting with the ambassador represented more than recognition. He described it as a deeply emotional moment that symbolized the connection between government institutions and the continent’s creative youth. By presenting his trophy to Algeria’s diplomatic representative, he underscored how African music continues to bridge cultural diplomacy and national pride.
As discussions progress, Algeria’s interest signals sustained momentum for AFRIMA as it deepens cultural integration across the continent. Should the North African nation officially host a future edition, it would further solidify AFRIMA’s role not just as a music awards platform, but as a catalyst for continental unity, economic development, and global cultural influence.
