AFRIMA launches creative academy to empower 1.2 million young Africans

In a bold move to transform Africa’s creative sector, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced the launch of the AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA).

The initiative aims to equip 1.2 million young Africans with the skills and tools needed to thrive in the global music industry over the next five years.

Unveiled under the theme “Learn and Prosper,” the program targets youth aged 18 to 35, with a special focus on underserved and vulnerable communities across the continent.

Speaking at the launch during the 2025 AFRIMA Music Conference and Host City unveiling in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AFRIMA Founder and Executive Producer Mike Dada said the academy will address a critical skills gap in Africa’s growing music ecosystem.

“Despite the wealth of talent, there is still a significant lack of structured training and access to opportunities,” Dada said at the African Union Commission (AUC) headquarters on May 13.

TAKA will offer training in music production, business and entrepreneurship, event technical production, digital technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Each year, the academy will run three training cycles, each lasting four months.

To deliver high-quality education, AFRIMA will bring together leading industry professionals—including top producers, successful artists, sound engineers, and event managers from Africa and the diaspora—as trainers and mentors.

“Beyond skill acquisition, TAKA aims to deliver social and economic impact—creating jobs, empowering creatives, and promoting African culture,” Dada added during the announcement of Lagos as the Host City for AFRIMA 2025.

“This is our response to the urgent need for practical learning and job creation in the music and creative industry. If Africa is to compete globally, we must invest in preparing our youth for real opportunities,” he said.

Dada called on investors, governments, corporate organizations, and development partners to support the initiative.

AFRIMA also plans to secure long-term sustainability by building partnerships in the global creative and tech industries, establishing an endowment fund, and promoting generational impact through the academy’s services.

Meanwhile, AFRIMA is preparing to expand its reach with the launch of a Global Tour in 2026.

AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, revealed the plan, noting that the tour will feature live music events, performances, and cultural showcases in major cities across Africa and globally.

“Many fans and stakeholders have been calling for this. Concerts and tours are crucial—they connect artists with fans, generate income, and build stronger industry skills,” Ndifonka said.

The global tour will become a major annual fixture for AFRIMA starting in 2026, opening new doors for African music on the world stage.

AFRIMA 2025 officially launched on May 13 in Addis Ababa and will culminate in an action-packed Awards Week from November 25 to 30.

Key events will include the Diamond Showcase, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, Music Village Festival, and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on over 84 television stations and streamed across various digital platforms.