Moroccan artists, including Manal Benchlikha and El Grande Toto, have been nominated fifteen times in different categories of the forthcoming All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
AFIRMA’s International Executive Committee, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), on Wednesday released the official list of nominees for its 2022 edition.
A total of 382 nominations across 39 categories were selected this year from a total of 9,067 musical entries released between August 20, 2021, to August 5, 2022.
Despite North African artists having the lowest representation rate among nominees with only 49 entries (12.8%), several Moroccan artists made it to the prestigious list Nominees included Manal Benchlikha who received a total of three nominations; artist of the year and best female artist in North Africa for her single Makhelaw Magalou and best female artist in African inspiration music for 3ari.
Three Moroccan artists received a double nomination in AFRIMA’s 2022 edition including Faouzia’s RIP, love which was shortlisted for best African act in the diaspora. The title also secured the artist a nomination for best female artist in North Africa alongside her Moroccan peer Manal.
Moha K and Marwa Loud received similar nominations as Faouzia, for the diaspora category and the best female artist in the region.
As for El Grande Toto, his single Salade Coco secured him nominations for breakout artist of the year and best male artist in North Africa awards. Alike Toto, Snor, and Draganov were also shortlisted for best male artist in North Africa for Kasseta and Chichi.
Meanwhile, Rym’s Stylo Warqa and Jaylan’s Oui Oui were nominated for the best female artist in North Africa award.
Additionally, Kouz1 was nominated for best artist, duo or group in the African pop category for his single Magic while Chaama & Eljoee were shortlisted for best female artist in Africa inspirational music award for Burakia.
Commenting on this year’s selection, AFRIMA jury member Adam Tiran, representing the southern African region said that the nominations accurately and inclusively represent “where the African music industry currently is.”
He added, “We have put in the effort to ensure that AFRIMA’s nominations remain as credible and authentic as always.”
West African artists topped the list of nominations with 134 shortlisted acts, representing 35% of the total selected songs. East Africa followed in second position with 69 nominations, ahead of Central Africa with 52 nominations, and North Africa with 49 nominations.
