Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria Join Race to Host 10th AFRIMA Awards

Algeria has opened discussions on the possibility of hosting a future edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in a move that could extend the African Union Commission-backed music platform into North Africa for the first time.

The signal of interest emerged during a meeting in Abidjan between Algeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdelaziz Bouguetaia, and AFRIMA’s 9th Best African DJ winner, DJ Moh Green.

The visit turned symbolic as the Algerian-born DJ presented his AFRIMA trophy to the ambassador, underscoring the growing recognition of Algerian music within the continental awards platform.

Commending the artist’s achievement, Ambassador Bouguetaia said the honour reflected Algeria’s rising presence in Africa’s creative space.

“DJ Moh Green has made Algeria proud. He has carried our flag high and demonstrated that Algerian music has a strong voice in Africa and beyond. AFRIMA’s reach across the continent and its influence on youth and cultural policy are impressive. Algeria is open to hosting AFRIMA in the future and ready to explore that possibility.”

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The development comes shortly after Côte d’Ivoire also indicated readiness to host a future edition of the awards, highlighting growing competition among African countries seeking to stage the continent’s premier music event.

Associate Producer of AFRIMA, Victoria Nkong, who accompanied the DJ to the meeting, said the growing interest from African governments reflects the platform’s expanding influence across the continent’s cultural and creative industries.

“AFRIMA was created to unite Africa through music and to project our creative industry as a global economic force. We have witnessed the transformative impact of hosting in countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. The growing interest from countries across the continent affirms that AFRIMA is not just an awards ceremony, but a Pan-African institution.”

For DJ Moh Green, the moment carried both national pride and personal significance.

“For me, this is bigger than an award. Presenting my AFRIMA trophy to my country’s ambassador is a proud moment,” he said. “It shows that African music connects governments, creatives and young people. Seeing Algeria show interest in hosting AFRIMA proves that we believe in African music and in our place in the continental conversation.”