Akon to host AFRIMA awards

The ‘Ghetto’ singer will be joined by Sophy Aiida, a Cameroonian-French entertainment broadcaster, at the event which will take place on 12 November in Lagos, Nigeria.

In recent times, Akon has moved from recording music to running his record label Konvict Music and Kon Live Republic. He has also been involved in providing electricity to over a dozen countries on the continent through his ‘Light Africa’ project and helping young Africans through the Konfidence Initiative.

Akon has been associated with Nigerian music, appearing in venues in Lagos and recording songs with Nigerian acts including Wizkid, Banky W and P-Square. In a much reported move, he recently signed Nigerian producer Samklef and his compatriot video director Patrick Elis.

Akon’s partner during the award show Sophy Aiida was born in Paris and lived in New York for 15 years. A notable presenter in the Central Africa, she is expected to cater to French viewers and attendees at the award ceremony.

The forthcoming AFRIMA ceremony is touted as the biggest edition of the awards. According to a statement from the organisers, over 700 acts will attend events leading to the final award ceremony taking place at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.