Results of the 11th edition of the African Music Rostrum
In the wake of the cultural renaissance launched by the African Union since 2008, the African Music Council (AMC) – regional group of the International Music Council – organized the 11th session of the African Music Rostrum in the framework of the 5th edition of « FEUX DE BRAZZA ».
The African Music Rostrum was initiated in 1975 and is bound to highlight the music of the African continent by means of the radio, taking into account not only the continent's diversity and the wealth of musical traditions as a whole, but also the various popular and art music styles which were inspired by these traditions.
The competition is open to every musician and music institution and association in Africa. The music could be submitted in one of the following categories:
- Traditional African music
- Urban popular music
- Folk music
- Western classical music
- Experimental music
56 entries were received by the Secretariat for this year's edition. A pre-selection by the Technical Secretariat of the Rostrum led to a shortlist of 21 entries in 3 categories which was submitted to the appreciation of an international jury composed of:
Josephine MOKWUNYEI (Nigeria), President
Felicité BOSSIBIAKA (Congo)
Prosper GOGOYI AKOUEGNON (Benin)
Joe TABULA (Uganda)
Tony VAN DER EECKEN (Belgium)
Fred ZINDI (Zimbabwe)
After listening and deliberation, the jury decided to grant two prizes.
Category African traditional music: AGLANME JAZZ by Don Metok (Benin)
Category Urban popular music: SITYA LOSS by Eddy Kenzo (Uganda).
These two artists will be promoted by the African Music Council over the next years.
The African Music Rostrum is an activity of the African Music Development Programme, a three-year project aiming to help building a sustainable music sector in Africa. AMDP is led by the International Music Council with Feux de Brazza and the African Music Council among its partners.
The African Music Development Programme is implemented with the financial contribution of the European Union and the assistance of the ACP Group of States.