Self-proclaimed first-sonic artist Olawale Ashimi, better known as Brymo, has recently opened up about his feelings regarding a loss at the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). In the 8th edition of the award, titled βTeranga Editionβ, Brymo went up against stiff competition, yet ultimately lost out in both Best Songwriter and Best Album of the Year categories.
In an interview with The Cable, Brymo was asked about what his reaction was to the loss and if he felt that the petitions lodged against him for his comments about the Igbo tribe during the election season of 2020 had anything to do with it.
In the run up to the general elections of 2023, Brymo made comments about the Igbo tribe, stating that they did not deserve the chance to contest the presidency. Although Brymo stood by his comments, they were met with considerable criticism from fellow celebrities and his fanbase.
In response to the aforementioned criticism, Charles Ogundele launched a petition to have Brymo`s nomination cancelled. Despite the subsequent furor and the petitions, Brymo still looks back at the whole experience with a positive outlook and has a very pragmatic attitude towards his loss. He maintains that although he may not have won the awards, he still views it as an amazing accomplishment given the huge amount of competition and that he now has the time to focus on his upcoming album.
The interviewer asked,Β What did you make of it; seeing over 40,000 people suddenly signing this petition to strip you of your nominations for the 8th AFRIMA over a social media talk? Did the award contact you about it?
He said,Β I think, months before, I`d announced that I was no longer a musician and that I was instead a sonic artist. It meant I was no longer eligible for awards that musicians get. However, AFRIMA nominated my work βΛEsan`, so I forgot all that and looked forward to the event. But in truth, I`m no longer a singer so I didn`t want it.
There`s a songwriting category but they shouldn`t nominate sonic artists. I was looking forward to it anyway, and then something happened. I got into trouble talking about Biafra leaving and staying. So I stayed out of AFRIMA and didn`t attack the award afterward. Not winning had nothing to do with the southeast fracas. Everything only just came together.
