Tanzanian music stars Juma Jux and Folex are celebrating their victories at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, describing the platform as a major catalyst for expanding the global visibility of African artistes.

The duo shared their experiences at a stakeholders’ meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where music industry professionals gathered to examine AFRIMA’s influence on the growth and positioning of East Africa’s music scene. The event was held at Urban by City Blue Hotel and focused on collaboration, capacity building, and opportunities for regional artistes.

Juma Jux, who won East African Artiste of the Year (Male) at the 9th edition of AFRIMA, described the recognition as a turning point in his career. According to him, the exposure that comes with winning the continental award has opened new doors and heightened his sense of responsibility as an African creative.

“Winning AFRIMA changed a lot for me,” Jux said. “People who never spoke to me before now reach out. Being on a stage watched in over 84 countries gives you a new level of visibility and responsibility.”

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between award platforms and public institutions in Tanzania, noting that such partnerships could further strengthen the creative ecosystem.

“When institutions work hand in hand with platforms like AFRIMA, artistes benefit more through exposure, training, and knowledge sharing,” he added.

Also speaking at the meeting, Tanzanian music director Folex, who won Best Music Video of the Year for his work on Juma Jux’s Ololufemi, said the award had been life-changing. He explained that his participation in AFRIMA in Lagos exposed him to new professional networks and valuable learning opportunities that have continued to shape his career.

Adding perspective, AFRIMA’s Associate Producer, Victoria Nkong, said the awards had evolved beyond a celebration of musical excellence into a broader development platform for African creatives. She noted that AFRIMA now plays a strategic role in capacity building, networking, and positioning African talent for global relevance.

The discussions at the stakeholders’ meeting highlighted the growing importance of continental platforms like AFRIMA in amplifying African voices, fostering cross-border collaboration, and strengthening the music industry across regions.