The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set to launch a new academy, TAKA, aimed at empowering 1.2 million young Africans in the music industry, alongside plans for a global tour commencing in 2026

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is embarking on a transformative journey, with the announcement of two major initiatives set to reshape Africa’s creative landscape: the launch of the AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA) and an expansive Global Tour starting in 2026.

Also read: AFRIMA, BridgeAfric to host global music workshop in Lagos

These ambitious plans were unveiled during the 2025 AFRIMA Music Conference, Calendar and Host City Unveiling event held at the African Union Commission (AUC) headquarters in Addis Ababa last Tuesday.

TAKA: Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Music Professionals

The AFRIMA Kreative Academy, themed ‘Learn and Prosper’, is designed to address the critical need for skilled professionals within Africa’s booming music scene.

AFRIMA Founder and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, emphasised that despite the continent’s abundant talent, a significant gap exists in structured training and access to opportunities.

TAKA aims to empower 1.2 million young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 over the next five years, with a special focus on underserved and vulnerable communities.

The academy will offer world-class training across key areas of the music ecosystem and value chain, including music production, music business and entrepreneurship, event technical production, and digital technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).

“This is our response to the urgent need for practical learning and job creation in the music and creative industry space,” Dada stated to an enthused audience.

“If Africa wants to keep competing at the global level in music and cultural industry, we must do more than just celebrate talent.

We have to invest in training and preparing our young people for real opportunities in the industry.”

The academy will operate three four-month training cycles annually for five years, bringing together top music producers, successful artists, expert sound engineers, and experienced event professionals from Africa and the diaspora as trainers, mentors, and potential employers.

Beyond skill acquisition, TAKA is expected to drive broader social and economic benefits, including increased job creation, promotion of African culture, and overall economic empowerment.

If Africa wants to keep competing at the global level in music and cultural industry, we must do more than just celebrate talent. We have to invest in training and preparing our young people for real opportunities in the industry.

AFRIMA Global Tour: Taking African Music to the World

Adding to the excitement, AFRIMA also announced plans for a grand Global Tour commencing in 2026.

Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, revealed that this tour will become a major part of AFRIMA’s yearly activities, featuring live music mega shows, performances, and cultural events in major cities across Africa and around the world.

“Many music fans and industry players have asked for something like this, and we’re happy to make it happen,” Ndifonka explained.

He highlighted the importance of concerts and tours in building a strong music industry, providing artists with opportunities to perform live, connect with fans, and enhance their stage skills.

“This tour will travel through many cities in Africa and beyond. We believe it will open new doors for African music and help it shine even more globally,” he added.

The AFRIMA 2025 calendar, which was officially unveiled in Addis Ababa, will serve as a lead-up to this even bigger dimension next year.

The AFRIMA 2025 Awards Week will culminate from November 25 to 30, featuring events such as the Diamond Showcase, Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, Music Village Festival, and the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30, which will be broadcast live on over 84 TV stations worldwide and digital platforms.

Also read: Lagos to host AFRIMA 2025

AFRIMA is actively seeking support from investors, development partners, governments, and the corporate world to help realise these initiatives and “unlock the full potential of our young people, elevate African music business and event production industry to new heights, and build a more prosperous future for the continent.”