AfriMusic contest preregistration ‘successful’

The competition, which is in its first edition, closed its preregistration phase on 3 October and its rules state that US entrants will have to find African artists to perform the songs they have submitted.

The figures, which AfriMusic released last week, are expected to increase with a second window of submissions opening in the entries phase where preregistered artist will submit their songs. The organisers of the contest have confirmed that if an artist has not preregistered for the competition, they will still be able to submit their songs during the entries phase. However, no entries will be accepted after 5 January 2018. Entries will open on 1 November.

Voting process

The public from each country can listen to the approved songs via AfriMusic digital platforms and vote for their favourite song. Winning artists will represent their countries in the finals. Further information on the voting process will be released in early 2018.

“In order for a country to make it through to the national selections and the finals, there needs to be a minimum of two approved songs from the country,” an AfriMusic press statement said. “Therefore, in a country where there is one artist who has registered when they enter, that artist may submit a maximum of three songs therefore qualifying the country to go through to the national selections and finals.”

South Africa leads the list of preregistrations with 53 followed closely by Gabon with 51. Other notable participants are Ghana (19), Mozambique (15), Nigeria (14), Cameroon (12) and Botswana (11).

For further information, email info@afrimusicsongcontest.com or visit the official website. For any queries contact Michelle Fernandes on +27 83 506 6698.