Ahead of the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Adjudication Process, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in partnership with the African Union has appointed new music experts to join its International Jury panel, even as excitement continues to build toward this year’s edition of the continent’s biggest music event.
The three new Jury members are: Marwane Fachane who represents Morocco (Northern Africa), Asma Lucy Ilado from Kenya (Eastern Africa), and Messie Mboukou sitting in for Congo Brazzaville (Central Africa). Their appointment is in line with the operational model of the Jury structure as part of AFRIMA’s effort to make sure that the judging process remains professional, fair, and reflects Africa’s rich cultural diversity.
Fachabe, Ilado, and Mboukou bring years of experience in music, culture, and youth development to their role on the 14-Man AFRIMA Jury. They will help choose the best musical talents from across Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that only the most deserving artists are nominated and awarded.
Marwane Fachane, Executive Director of the Hiba Foundation, leads the people and strategy at one of Morocco’s top creative and cultural organisations. The Foundation supports young people in the creative industry and helps them build careers in music, film, and other art forms. Speaking about his new role, Fachane said, “I’m honoured to be part of AFRIMA’s jury. This platform is key to celebrating African talent and showing the world what our continent can offer.” He also noted that African creativity is growing fast and deserves to be supported and promoted on global platforms.
Young and vibrant, Messie Mboukou is a well-known executive in music communication, events, and digital media, and has supported several African artistes in the diaspora and on the continent through his France-based consulting agency. He has also helped organise over 1,000 events around the world.
Mboukou said, “It’s a privilege to be part of AFRIMA. I believe Africa’s greatest wealth is in its youth and culture. If we support young talent and work together, the future will be even brighter.” He promised to contribute to a fair judging process that strengthens the beauty of African music.
Asma Lucy Ilado, a respected journalist and cultural development consultant, also labels herself as a culture advocate. In her remarks upon her appointment, Ilado paid glowing tributes to former AFRIMA Juror and fellow Kenyan, the legendary producer Tabu Osusa. She also paid tributes to the late Ghanaian Music Executive, Rab Bakari, who served on the AFRIMA Jury (2014-2016). Ilado stated she was looking forward excitedly to discovering new voices and talents across the continent during the Adjudication Process. It is her belief that ‘although African music is full of energy and promise, more investment is still needed in key areas like distribution, production, training, and rights protection’.
