Despite the present boom in the culture and music industries of Africa, the major challenge facing the industries has been linked to how to sustain the growth and spread the benefits to larger layers of the society through significant job creation and poverty alleviation. This submission was made by the President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mr. Michael Dada. He made the remark during his presentation at the 4th Pan African Cultural Congress, PACC4, on May 26, at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. Organised by the African Union Commission, AUC, in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa, the three-day event with the theme “Unity in Cultural Diversity for Africa’s Development”, began on Monday, May 25 to May 27.
The congress featured thematic presentations and plenary and panel discussions encouraging participatory interactive discussions moderated by carefully selected moderators, just as the presentations were prepared by expert in each of the themes and sub-themes. Addressing participants on the theme: “AFRIMA: A tool for promoting African Culture and Identity for Development”, Mr. Dada described music as an integral part of African culture to promote brotherhood, solidarity and the struggle for liberation.
He recalled how African musicians over the years had produced rich and inspirational songs on political independence for Africa, the problem of apartheid in South Africa, and the need for African countries to unite; and ultimately, the development of the continent. His words: “African musicians have also composed different songs that challenged hegemonic nations and organisations such as the United States, France, United Kingdom and most importantly the United Nations on policies, which affect Africans at home and in the Diaspora. They also support the campaign for enthronement of democracy in Africa and sing against any policy of governments that is anti-people.”
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