Algeria AFRIMA hosting bid gains momentum after ambassador backs proposal following Abidjan meeting with DJ Moh Green

The Government of Algeria has formally expressed interest in hosting a future edition of the All Africa Music Awards, marking a potentially significant expansion of the African Union Commission-backed platform into North Africa.

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The development followed a meeting in Abidjan between Algeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mohamed Abdelaziz Bouguetaia, and the 9th AFRIMA Best African DJ winner, DJ Moh Green.

The award-winning artiste, accompanied by AFRIMA Associate Producer Victoria Nkong, presented his trophy to the ambassador during the visit.

Algeria’s expression of interest comes shortly after Côte d’Ivoire signalled its own readiness to host a future edition of the continental awards.

Commending DJ Moh Green’s achievement, Ambassador Bouguetaia described the recognition as a proud moment for Algeria and a testament to the country’s cultural influence.

“DJ Moh Green has made Algeria proud. He has carried our flag high and demonstrated that Algerian music has a strong voice in Africa and beyond. AFRIMA’s reach across the continent and its influence on youth and cultural policy are impressive. Algeria is open to hosting AFRIMA in the future and ready to explore that possibility,” Ambassador Bouguetaia said.

Victoria Nkong welcomed the Algeria AFRIMA hosting bid as further evidence of the platform’s growing continental relevance and institutional weight.

“AFRIMA was created to unite Africa through music and to project our creative industry as a global economic force. We have witnessed the transformative impact of hosting in countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. The growing interest from countries across the continent affirms that AFRIMA is not just an awards ceremony, but a Pan-African institution,” Victoria Nkong said.

DJ Moh Green described the meeting as emotional and historic for him as an Algerian artiste, calling the presentation of his trophy to his country’s envoy a deeply symbolic moment.

“For me, this is bigger than an award. Presenting my AFRIMA trophy to my country’s ambassador is a proud moment. It shows that African music connects governments, creatives and young people. Seeing Algeria show interest in hosting AFRIMA proves that we believe in African music and in our place in the continental conversation,” DJ Moh Green said.

With Algeria exploring the possibility of hosting, the move signals sustained momentum for Africa’s premier music awards platform as it expands its footprint and strengthens cultural integration across the continent.

In partnership with the African Union since 2014, AFRIMA has grown into one of the continent’s most influential cultural institutions, uniting Africa across geographical, linguistic and cultural lines while projecting its creative industry from a position of strength.

Beyond celebrating musical excellence, the awards serve as a catalyst for youth empowerment, tourism and creative industry growth.

Previous host countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, have demonstrated the measurable economic and cultural impact associated with hosting.

Each AFRIMA Awards Week attracts more than 5,000 visitors to the host city, including nominees, government officials, international delegates and media professionals.

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The week-long programme, featuring the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village and the flagship Main Awards ceremony, is broadcast live to audiences in over 84 countries, delivering substantial global visibility and economic activity to host destinations.