AFRIMA Unveils Hosts For Fifth Edition
Pearl Thusi will co-host AFRIMA
Vanessa Obioha
The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana, have announced Michael Blackson, Pearl Thusi and Anita Erskine as the host and hostesses of the fifth edition of AFRIMA in Ghana, scheduled for Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Accra International Conference Centre, AICC, Ghana.
The dynamic trio will add their unique hosting abilities and on stage chemistry to the spectacular offerings for the fifth edition of AFRIMA that is geared to be a glittery, star-studded, world-class event with exhilarating performances from A-list artistes, including some of the fifth AFRIMA nominees and past AFRIMA nominees and winners.
Renowned Ghanaian-born American actor and comedian, Blackson, popularly referred to as ‘The African King of Comedy’, started his career in stand-up comedy and acting where he moved up the ladder despite challenges faced as a young black man in America.
The talented comic entertainer has featured in several on-screen performances, TV series, comedy shows, and tours. Some notable ones include; The Mo’Nique Show, Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand-up, Meet the Blacks, One Night in Vegas, and Hip Hop Squares. Blackson hosted the first ever BET Social Awards in Atlanta in February 2018.
South Africa’s fierce and talented TV personality, Thusi will also co-anchor the awards event. The actress, model, radio and television personality has earned accolades for her top-notch acting, television and radio hosting skills.
She is a former host of ‘Lip Sync Battle Africa on MTV’, ‘Moments’ on EbonyLife TV, and currently the new host of the third season of MTV Base’s ‘Behind the Story’. Her international acting career includes her role in Universal’s ‘The Scorpion King: The Book of Souls’ alongside Zach McGowan, and her recurring role in ABC’s Drama Series ‘Quantico’.
This has appeared on magazine covers like Elle, Cosmopolitan, True Love, Grazia, Glamour and Women’s Health in both South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Also bringing her admirable skills to the AFRIMA stage is Ghana’s media personality, Erskine. A Radio/TV presenter, producer, writer and oral narrator applauded for her hosting skills. She has anchored several live events as well as radio and television programmes including popular shows on the DSTV platform such as “The Making of a Mogul”, “Cooking with Anita” and “Pamper Your Mum”.
Erskine is also known for her vibrant role in the advancement of women empowerment and girl-child rights using her various TV and radio programmes. The award-winning multilingual media entrepreneur will bring her charm and feistiness to play at the 5th AFRIMA main awards.
Sharing her excitement, Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA; Matlou Tsotetsi said; “It has been an exciting journey for AFRIMA. AFRIMA-GHANA 2018 gets more exciting as we are in Ghana for the first time.
“In the lead up to preparations, we have felt the Akwaaba warmth and welcome of the Ghana people, I am certain that the rest of the world will feel this – even through our live broadcast. May the best of Africa win”.
