Although AFRIMA is striving to position itself as Africa’s version of the Grammys, history reminds us that the continent once had a stronger contender, the Kora Awards.
For years, Kora held its ground as Africa’s biggest celebration of music, drawing continental attention and even competing in relevance with the Grammys. But contractual disputes and funding shortfalls soon became its undoing. The last edition was held in 2012, a sad marker of another promising African idea lost to mismanagement and neglect.
That story captures a recurring theme across Africa’s creative landscape: a tendency to undervalue our own initiatives and let them fade.
Many African music and film awards start with lofty ambitions but rarely stand the test of time. Internal politics, greed, and an enduring inferiority complex often cloud the vision. Everyone wants a piece of the presumed largesse that comes with organizing an award, and soon enough, the focus shifts from excellence to entitlement.
Of course, the problem isn’t peculiar to Africa. Around the world, some awards have been accused of bias or influence-peddling. But in many African contexts, the issue runs deeper. Recognition too often depends on who you know or how much you can offer, rather than on genuine merit.
Still, awards play an important role. They reflect a spectrum of human motivation, from those who simply value acknowledgment, to those who crave the spotlight, to those who appreciate recognition most when it comes unexpectedly. This dynamic also fuels corporate sponsorship, as brands align themselves with the celebration of excellence and visibility.
But it’s worth remembering: the Grammys, often seen as the global gold standard, didn’t earn its prestige overnight. Like ancient Rome, it was built over time, surviving storms known only to its organizers. Its endurance lies in a clear mission, consistency, adaptability, and, most importantly, an institutional system that believes in and supports it.
African and Nigerian music awards, on the other hand, often fail not for lack of talent or creativity, but because of poor management and shortsightedness.
Ironically, this decline comes at a time when African music, especially Nigerian sounds, is dominating the global stage.
Now more than ever, Africa’s creative community must rally together to build a credible, all-inclusive award system that transcends regional and national divides. One that represents every genre, upholds integrity, and earns at least 85 percent credibility in the eyes of the people.
And perhaps most crucially, African artistes themselves must learn to value and support what is theirs, through their presence, their platforms, and their voices. Because without their buy-in, even the brightest ideas will keep fading before they find their light. (#VoicesInMyHead By Omogbolahan Akinwumi, renowned journalist formerly known as Kazeem Popoola)