View source for AfriMusic Song Contest

{{short description|Panafrican song contest}}
{{Infobox music festival
| name         = AfriMusic Song Contest
| image        = AfriMusic Song Contest generic logo.jpg
| image_size   = 300px
| alt          = 
| caption      = AfriMusic Song Contest logo
| genre        = 
| dates        = August–April
| location     = [[Africa]]
| years_active = 2018–present
| founders     = Michelle Fernandes
Suzie Vicente
Victor Nunes
| website      = {{URL|afrimusicsongcontest.com}}
}}

The '''AfriMusic Song Contest''' is a [[Pan-Africanism|pan-African]] song contest inspired by the [[Eurovision Song Contest]]. It was first held in 2018, when [[Eswatini]] won with singer songwriter Symphony performing her original song "Sengikhona". The second edition of the event in 2019 was won by singer songwriter, Nonzwakazi from [[South Africa]] with her original song "Phakama Mbokodo". In 2020, [[Nigeria]] took the win with singer songwriter Dhortune That OndoBoy, with his original song "Yemi".  The contest will continue as an annual event, acting as an African counterpart to the continental song contests such as [[Eurovision Song Contest]], [[ABU Song Festivals]] or [[Caribbean Song Festival]].<ref name="About">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/about|title=About the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref> The contest runs on digital platforms, opening entries to all songwriters and artists across all 54 countries in Africa.<ref name="FAQ">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/faq|title=AfriMusic Song Contest FAQ|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/the-afrimusic-song-contest-pre-registration-phase-ended-on-the-3rd-october-2017-/10155016806611305/|title=The AfriMusic Song Contest pre-registration phase ended|date=6 October 2017|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/fr/leurovision-%C3%A0-lafricaine/av-43054771|title=L'Eurovision à l'africaine|last1=Durand|first1=Yann|date=20 March 2018|publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://showbiz.citifmonline.com/2017/08/07/afrimusic-song-contest-creates-platform-for-african-song-writers/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest creates platform for African song writers|date=7 August 2017|last1=Dadzie|first1=Kwame|publisher=City 97.3 FM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826222348/http://showbiz.citifmonline.com/2017/08/07/afrimusic-song-contest-creates-platform-for-african-song-writers/|archive-date=26 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==History==

Prior to the launch of AfriMusic Song Contest, several unrelated unsuccessful attempts to start a song competition involving countries of [[African continent]] took place, including:

*Song of Africa – was planned to be held on May 25, 2011, in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]] as the [[European Broadcasting Union]] licensed version of the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] with the participation of nine to ten countries of the [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]. The overall contest cost was estimated between 15 and 20 million South African rand ($1.7–2.3 million) with the final deal for the license priced "some hundred thousand" US dollars yet to be signed, which was called by the organizing team in face of Brenda Sakellarides<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kwikweb.co.za/doiliefoundat/docs/Brenda%20Sakelarides%20CV.docx|title=Brenda Sakellarides CV|date=15 May 2014|website=kwikweb.co.za|publisher=Doilie Foundation|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181323/http://www.kwikweb.co.za/doiliefoundat/docs/Brenda%20Sakelarides%20CV.docx|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> at the moment of the announcement in May 2009 a financial challenge to put together.<ref name="reuters">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eurovision-business/eurovision-song-contest-eyes-up-africa-and-mideast-idUSTRE54E36M20090515|title=Eurovision Song Contest eyes up Africa and MidEast|date=15 May 2009|last1=Kilner|first1=James|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> 
*Africa Song / Le Chant de l'Afrique – was due to take place in December 2014, organized by Africa Song Holdings Limited legally registered in [[Mauritius]] with the key personnel from [[South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africasong.com/downloads/Africa%20Song-The%20Team-Eng.pdf|title=Africa Song The Team|date=20 January 2014|publisher=Africa Song|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715160200/http://africasong.com/downloads/Africa%20Song-The%20Team-Eng.pdf|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was planned that each participating country would hold a national competition to select a song to represent them. The final was supposed to be a state-of-the-art, world class television production, consisting of live televised performances of each countries' selected song. Nine countries were believed to confirm their participation: [[Benin]], [[Burundi]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DR Congo]], [[Ghana]], [[Madagascar]], [[Nigeria]], [[Republic of the Congo]], [[Rwanda]] and [[Zambia]] with private television station [[Muvi TV]], with ten further expressing initial interest in the competition. Event was eventually cancelled due to the lack of funding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africasong.com/downloads/Africa%20Song-Introduction-Eng.pdf|title=Africa Song Introduction|date=30 December 2013|publisher=Africa Song|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715092524/http://africasong.com/downloads/Africa%20Song-Introduction-Eng.pdf|archive-date=15 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://africasong.com/|title=Africa Song|publisher=Africa Song|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516222635/http://africasong.com/|archive-date=16 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-africa-song-to-bring-eurovision-to-africa/|title=Africa: Africa Song To Bring Eurovision To Africa?|date=11 July 2015|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331065536/https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-africa-song-to-bring-eurovision-to-africa/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-song-hits-hurdles-on-its-journey-to-start/|title=Africa Song: Hits Hurdles On Its Journey To Start|date=5 February 2016|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331065532/https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-song-hits-hurdles-on-its-journey-to-start/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*All Africa Song Contest – was due to be hosted in [[Addis Ababa]], [[Ethiopia]] in 2015, organized by Kush Communications, [[London]] based production company led by [[Zeinab Badawi]]. Each country in Africa was supposed to be represented by a singer selected by its Ministry of Culture, and the show was due to contain five heats with entries presented in the form of a pre-recorded video, and the live final. Entries from [[Botswana]], [[Gambia]], [[Guinea-Bissau]], [[Malawi]], [[Rwanda]], [[Somalia]], [[South Sudan]] and [[Eswatini]] were already chosen for the competition that was said to have the backing of [[UNESCO]], the [[African Union]], and was being sponsored by [[Coca-Cola]] at this initial stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kushcom.co.uk/portfolio-posts/all-africa-song-contest/|title=All Africa Song Contest|access-date=20 March 2019|publisher=Kush Communications}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-all-africa-song-contest/|title=Africa: All Africa Song Contest|date=18 July 2015|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331065534/https://eurovoix-world.com/africa-all-africa-song-contest/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/entertainment/98595-swazi-artist-for-%E2%80%98all-africa-song%E2%80%99-contest.html|title=Swazi Artist For 'All Africa Song Contest'|date=19 August 2014|last1=Mathunjwa|first1=Nhlanhla|publisher=Times of Swaziland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.times.co.sz/entertainment/98980-mozaik-chosen-for-%25E2%2580%2598all-africa-song-contest%25E2%2580%2599.html|title=Mozaik Chosen For 'All Africa Song Contest'|date=12 September 2014|last1=Mathunjwa|first1=Nhlanhla|publisher=Times of Swaziland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201501081133.html|title=Malawi: Lawi to Represent Malawi At All Africa Songs Contest|date=8 January 2015|last1=Bisani|first1=Luke|publisher=All Africa}}</ref>

[[Arab world#Arab Africa|Arab states]] from Africa have the opportunity to take part in [[Arab States Broadcasting Union|ASBU]] organized Arab Song Festival that was hosted at its headquarters in [[Tunis]] biennially since 2001 to 2013, and which was planned to revive in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asbu.net/doc.php?docid=134|title=Arab Song Festival|access-date=20 March 2019|publisher=Arab States Broadcasting Union}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://broadcastprome.com/tech-features/asbus-new-cloud-of-hope-for-the-arab-world/|title=ASBU's new cloud of hope for the Arab world|last1=Cherian|first1=Vijaya|date=30 July 2018|publisher=BroadcastProMe.com}}</ref> In 2008 the [[European Broadcasting Union|EBU]] has announced signing a deal to license the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] format to Nibras Media company from [[Riyadh]], [[Saudi Arabia]] that was supposed to produce in partnership with Tanweer Group from [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], a Eurovision equivalent for the [[MENA]] region called Arabian Vision with a participation of eight or nine broadcasters, which was not established since.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/a-eurovision-song-contest-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa|title=A Eurovision Song Contest in the Middle East and North Africa|date=7 January 2008|publisher=Eurovision.tv}}</ref><ref name="reuters" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/eurovision-goes-global-the-arabvision-song-contest/|title=Eurovision Goes Global: The "Arabian Vision Song Contest"|date=28 May 2016|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331092550/https://eurovoix-world.com/eurovision-goes-global-the-arabvision-song-contest/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Algeria]], [[Egypt]], [[Libya]], [[Morocco]] and [[Tunisia]] currently have broadcasters – Members of the [[European Broadcasting Union]], which makes them eligible for the [[Eurovision Song Contest]], like with the participation of [[Morocco]] competing in [[Eurovision Song Contest 1980|Eurovision 1980]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ebu.ch/about/members|title=71 Members Representing 117 Organizations In 56 Countries|access-date=21 March 2019|publisher=EBU}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dziennik-eurowizyjny.pl/2017/08/17/afryka-bedzie-miala-swoja-internetowa-eurowizje/|title=Afryka Będzie Miała Swoją Internetową Eurowizję|date=17 August 2017|last1=Błażewicz|first1=Maciej|publisher=Dziennik Eurowizyjny|language=pl}}</ref> while artists from [[Benin]], [[Sudan]], [[Tunisia]] and [[Zambia]] have taken part in various [[ABU Song Festivals]] as [[African Union of Broadcasting]] invited acts.

== Winners by year ==
In three competitions, only representatives from three countries won: these are Eswatini, South Africa and Nigeria. The table below shows the announcement dates of the winners.
{{clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%"
! rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Dates
! rowspan="2" | Host city
! colspan="2" | Entries
! rowspan="2" | Winner
! rowspan="2" | Song
! rowspan="2" | Performer
! rowspan="2" | Language
! rowspan="2" | Points
|-
! Songs
! Countries
|-
! style="text-align:central" scope="row" | [[AfriMusic Song Contest 2018|2018]]
| 29 March
| rowspan="3"| {{center|''Online only''}}
| 19
| 19
| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| "Sengikhona"
| Symphony
| [[siSwati language|siSwati]], English
| 10
|-
! style="text-align:central" scope="row" | [[AfriMusic Song Contest 2019|2019]]
| 12 April
| 20
| 10
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| "Phakama Mbokodo"
| Nonzwakazi
| [[isiZulu language|isiZulu]], English
| 10
|-
! [[AfriMusic Song Contest 2020|2020]]
| 27 April
| 28
| 24
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| "Yèmi"
| Dhortune ThatOndoBoy
| [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]], English
| 6.5
|}

=== Winners by country ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%"
|-
!Wins
!Country
!Years
|-
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | 1
| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| [[AfriMusic Song Contest 2018|2018]]
|-
|{{flag|South Africa}}
|[[AfriMusic Song Contest 2019|2019]]
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| [[AfriMusic Song Contest 2020|2020]]
|}

==Organizers==

Organizing team of the event, AfriMusic Executive Body [EXCO], includes: Co-founder and Co-CEO Michelle Fernandes<ref>{{cite web|url=https://za.linkedin.com/in/michelle-fernandes-60147655|title=Michelle Fernandes profile on LinkedIn|access-date=19 March 2019|publisher=LinkedIn}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> (who has prior experience of working on some of Africa's largest events such as the [[South African Music Awards]] (SAMAs),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itweb.co.za/content/nkLgB1MeZkxq59N4|title=The MTN South African Music Awards reaches a new summit with Summit Pro from NFS Technology|date=20 July 2012|publisher=IT Web}}</ref> SA Sport Awards, [[MTV Africa Music Awards]] (MAMAs), [[Namibian Music Awards]], Zambia Music Awards and others),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.herald.co.zw/zima-maps-way-forward/|title=ZIMA maps way forward|last1=Mandizvidza|first1=Reckson|date=19 June 2014|publisher=The Herald}}</ref> Co-founder and Co-CEO, Suzie Vicente (who has worked with some of the biggest events globally recognised, such at the Gucci Chime for Change Music Concert in London, the London 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, London, Paris and New York Fashion Week, the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, the 2015 England Rugby World Cup, The 2016 Rio Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella Music Festival]], Glastonbury Music Festival and others) and West Africa Producer Samuel Moses Opoku-Agyemang (Kwabena Poku).<ref name="organizers">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/organisers|title=Organizers of the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181457/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/organisers|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gh.linkedin.com/in/kwabenapoku|title=Samuel Moses Opoku-Agyemang profile on LinkedIn|access-date=19 March 2019|publisher=LinkedIn}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/node/30403|title=About the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=Music In Africa}}</ref>

==Format==

Launching the event in August 2017, organizers promised it to be "a wonderful integration of musical styles, cultures and ethnicities that reflect the diversity and varying styles within the African continent" and to "provide established and aspiring songwriters the platform to showcase their best work".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enewsgh.com/2017/08/call-entries-afrimusic-song-contest/|title=Call for Entries: AfriMusic Song Contest|last1=Hansen|first1=Gabriel Myers|date=7 August 2017|publisher=EnewsGH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esccovers.com/the-afrimusic-song-contest-press-release/|title=The Afrimusic Song Contest – Press-release|last1=Van Der Merwe|first1=Roy|date=5 August 2017|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref> Aiming primarily to select "Best Song In Africa" and to "Shine the spotlight on the best songwriters in Africa", its declared goal is also establishment of "a platform that will educate, motivate and grow the music industry in Africa through its music room sessions and industry education programs".<ref name="About" />

The contest runs in five stages:<ref name="rules">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/2019-rules|title=Rules of the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref><ref name="process">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/process|title=Process of the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=4743|title=AfriMusic Song Contest: Quand l'Eurovision inspire l'Afrique|date=29 August 2017|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://escxtra.com/2017/08/16/afrimusic-song-contest-launch-digital-platforms/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest to launch on digital platforms|last1=KuKo|first1=Tony|date=16 August 2017|publisher=ESCXTRA}}</ref>
*'''Pre-Registration''': Interested songwriters or artists need to complete pre-registration forms with their contact details to obtain official regulations (available in English, French and Portuguese languages) and entry submission instructions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/registration-form|title=AfriMusic Song Contest Pre-Registration Form|access-date=19 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331141950/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/registration-form|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Entries submission''': Complete package of the required documents has to be digitally submitted including: Full track, Vocals only track, Instrumental track, Lyrics sheet, Music video of the song (if available), Professional images and Biography of the artist, Biography of the songwriters, Written consent of both artist and songwriters to the rules of the contest, Clearance letter from the record label (if the artist is signed to any). 
*'''Vetting''': The AfriMusic Song Contest EXCO reviews all entered songs to ensure they comply with the contest rules and regulations. 
*'''National or Regional Selections''': Competing entries are published on the contest's digital platforms in the form of presentation, lyric or music videos and are judged by the Expert Jury panels and the Public on the Votality platform with a predetermined number of entries from each Country/Region being chosen to qualify to the Final. Each National/Regional Expert Jury formed by AfriMusic EXCO should include 3–4 key members from the music industry of the African Continent and 1 international expert or member of the [[Eurovision]] community. While any interested member of the public from any part of the world can vote for any song in any National/Regional Selection, corresponding Expert Jury votes only in its pre-set Region. 
*'''Final''': Predetermined number of entries compete in the Final, and are judged in a similar way by one large Expert Jury and the Public. The result of each discipline first is calculated separately: Entry receiving the most Public or Jury votes respectively gets 12 points, second most – 10 points, third – 8 points etc., ninth-rated entry gets 2 points and all entries ranked ten and below – 1 point, which makes infamous [[nul points]] impossible in AfriMusic. An average from the Jury voting score and Public voting score is then calculated to determine the Winner. In case of a tie, public voting takes precedence. Votes are audited by an independent auditing firm.

==Eligibility==

Eligible entries are original songs which have not been commercially released or published with a maximum duration of 4.5 minutes. Performing artist must be at least 18 years of age and be citizen or permanent resident in the participating country (any of 54 sovereign countries of [[List of sovereign states and dependent territories in Africa|Africa]] or partially recognized [[Sahrawi Republic|Western Sahara]],<ref name="rules"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://escpedia.info/noticias/saiba-como-funcionara-versao-africana-do-eurovision/|title=Saiba Como Funcionará A Versão Africana Do Eurovision|last1=Javarini|first1=Marcus|date=17 August 2017|publisher=ESCPedia|language=pt|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401043107/https://escpedia.info/noticias/saiba-como-funcionara-versao-africana-do-eurovision/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> not depending on [[African Union of Broadcasting]] membership). If born in another country and qualifies for dual citizenship, an artist may enter the competition representing a country of family origin. Each songwriter can enter up to 3 songs. No lyrics of political nature, unacceptable language or messages promoting any organization or institution are allowed.<ref name="rules"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esccovers.com/afri-music-song-contest-questions-over-some-rules/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest – Questions Over Some Rules|last1=Van Der Merwe|first1=Roy|date=5 August 2017|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref>

==AfriMusic Song Contest 2018==

{{Infobox song contest
| name       = AfriMusic Song Contest 
| year       = 2018
| logo       = 
| final      = 15–29 March 2018
| exsupervisor = 
| winner     = {{SWZ}}<br>Symphony – "Sengikhona"
| vote       = An average is calculated from the Expert Jury and Public votes, which award sets of 12–11–10...2 points to their 11 favourite songs, with songs ranked 12–19 receiving 1 point. 
| entries    = '''National Selections''': 82 songs by 45 artists from 19 countries<br>'''Final''': 19 songs by 19 artists from 19 countries
| debut      = see [[AfriMusic Song Contest#Participating countries|list of the participating countries]]
| return     = 
| nonreturn   = 
| null       =
<!-- Map Legend Colours -->
| Green    = Y
| Green SA = 
| Purple   = 
| Red      = 
| Yellow   = 
}}

Pre-registration phase for the 2018 event took place from 3 August to 3 October 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/AfriMusic-song-contest-to-be-launched-566641|title=AfriMusic song contest to be launched|date=5 August 2017|publisher=Ghana Web}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/call-applications-afrimusic-song-contest|title=Call for applications: AfriMusic Song Contest|date=7 August 2017|publisher=Music In Africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://magyarescfanklub.hu/2018-tavasza-afrikavizio/|title=2018 Tavasza: 'Afrikavízió'!|date=5 August 2017|publisher=Magyar Eurovíziós Fanklub}}</ref> and the first country to enter the competition was [[Rwanda]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esccovers.com/afri-music-song-contest-eight-is-great/|title=Afrimusic Song Contest – Eight Is Great|last1=Van Der Merwe|first1=Roy|date=10 August 2017|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref> Entry submission period run from 1 November 2017 to 5 January 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/call-entries-afrimusic-song-contest|title=Call for entries: AfriMusic Song Contest|last1=Shumba|first1=Ano|date=17 November 2017|publisher=Music In Africa}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/magazine/appel-%C3%A0-candidatures-afrimusic-song-qui-sera-le-meilleur-chanteur-africain|title=Appel à candidatures – AfriMusic Song : qui sera le meilleur chanteur africain ?|date=8 August 2017|publisher=Music In Africa|language=fr}}</ref>

===Participating countries===
In its first year, 2 950 artists from 41 countries across the continent registered to participate in the contest.  Following a vetting process, 81 artists from 19 countries made it through to the National Selections phase. Votes from the general public and the AfriMusic judging panel combined, resulted in the selection of 19 countries, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mozambique, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to participate in the 2018 AfriMusic Song Contest finals.

Two entries were also received from the US based songwriters, who, according to the rules, had to find African artists to perform their songs. However, after official submission and verification period the number of participating countries dropped down to 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/magazine/afrimusic-song-contest-2018-votez-pour-vos-artistes-pr%C3%A9f%C3%A9r%C3%A9s|title=AfriMusic Song Contest 2018 : votez pour vos artistes préférés!|date=26 January 2018|publisher=Music In Africa|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5043|title=AfriMusic Song Contest: Période des sélections nationales|date=30 January 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref>

With total number of 2 325 459 public votes across all 19 countries, Symphony, a songwriter and singer from the Kingdom of Eswatini, was crowned the very first AfriMusic Song Contest winner, for the year 2018.

Countries, which competed in the 2018 edition: 
{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}
*{{flag|Botswana}} (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://escpedia.info/noticias/afrimusic-2018-conheca-os-paises-com-uma-cancao-cada/|title=Afri Music 2018: Conheça Os Países Com Uma Canção Cada|date=10 January 2018|last1=Silva|first1=Fabiana|publisher=ESCPedia|language=pt}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*{{flag|Cameroon}} (11)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.camerounweb.com/CameroonHomePage/entertainment/Sept-artistes-camerounais-nomin-s-l-AfriMusic-Song-Contest-431936|title=Sept artistes camerounais nominés à l'AfriMusic Song Contest|date=30 January 2018|publisher=Cameroun Web|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.betatinz.com/2018/01/[[dyllann]]-afrimusic-song-contest.html|title=Cameroonian upcoming artiste, Dyllann, gets selected for AfriMusic Song contest|date=26 January 2018|publisher=Betatinz}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://plumederomulus.blogspot.com/2018/02/cameroun-lydol-amina-la-rime-entre.html|title=Cameroun- Lydol (Amina) : la rime entre violence et candeur|date=18 February 2018|last1=Egolo|first1=Sandrine|publisher=Plume de Romulus|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://abakuya.net/events/event/votez-pour-la-chanson-assomo-le-dernier-single-de-francois-essindi/|title=Votez Pour La Chanson Assomo, Le Dernier Single De Francois Essindi|date=30 January 2018|last1=Essindi|first1=Francois|publisher=Abakuya|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/node/68903|title=Lydol Bio|access-date=10 April 2018|publisher=Music in Africa|language=fr}}</ref>
*{{flag|Central African Republic}} (2)
*{{flag|Chad}} (2)
*{{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}} (3)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://topvisages.net/afrimusic-2018-trois-chansons-ivoiriennes-en-pole-position-au-concours/|title=Afrimusic 2018 : Trois chansons ivoiriennes en pôle position au concours|date=29 January 2018|publisher=Topvisages|language=fr}}</ref>
*{{flag|DR Congo}} (6)
*{{flag|Egypt}} (3)
*{{flag|Ethiopia}} (1)
*{{flag|Gabon}} (7)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://actuzikgabon.wordpress.com/2017/09/14/concoursafrimusic-song-contest-prix-de-la-meilleure-chanson-africaine/|title=Afrimusic Song Contest – Prix De La Meilleure Chanson Africaine|date=14 September 2017|publisher=Actu Zik Gabon|language=fr}}</ref>
*{{flag|Ghana}} (5)
*{{flag|Guinea}} (1)
*{{flag|Mozambique}} (2)
*{{flag|Nigeria}} (6)
*{{flag|Republic of the Congo}} (5)
*{{flag|South Africa}} (14)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esccovers.com/afri-music-song-contest-cole-van-dais/|title=Afri Music Song Contest – Cole van dais|last1=Van Der Merwe|first1=Roy|date=1 September 2017|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esccovers.com/afr-music-song-contest-linda-kilian/|title=Afri Music Song Contest – Linda Kilian|last1=Van Der Merwe|first1=Roy|date=9 September 2017|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref>
*{{flag|South Sudan}} (4)
*{{flag|Eswatini}} (2)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/swazi-observer/20180130/282308205538237|title=Three Swazi Artists Taking Part in AfriMusic Contest|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=30 January 2018|via=PressReader|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref> 
*{{flag|Zimbabwe}} (4)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2017/12/17/african-song-contest-beckons-for-local-artistes|title=African Song Contest Beckons for Local Artists|last1=Mashava|first1=Dakarai|date=17 December 2017|publisher=Daily News Live|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181605/https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2017/12/17/african-song-contest-beckons-for-local-artistes|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sachh.co.za/shonaman-tops-afrimusic-song-contest/|title=Shonaman tops it all at Afrimusic Song Contest|last1=Molelekoa|first1=Kabelo|date=31 January 2018|publisher=South African Christian Hip Hop }}</ref>
*{{flag|Tanzania}} (3)
{{div col end}}

Countries, which submitted pre-registration but did not send valid entries: 
{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}
*{{flag|Algeria}}
*{{flag|Angola}}
*{{flag|Benin}}
*{{flag|Burundi}}
*{{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
*{{flag|Kenya}}
*{{flag|Lesotho}}
*{{flag|Liberia}}
*{{flag|Libya}}
*{{flag|Madagascar}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midi-madagasikara.mg/culture/2017/08/30/afrimusic-song-course-a-la-meilleure-chanson-africaine/|title=AfriMusic Song : Course à la meilleure chanson africaine|date=30 August 2017|publisher=MIDI Madagasikara|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsmada.com/2017/09/06/afrimusic-song-une-grande-premiere-a-madagascar/|title=Afrimusic Song – Une Grande Premiere A Madagascar|date=6 September 2017|publisher=News Mada|language=pt|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331204540/https://www.newsmada.com/2017/09/06/afrimusic-song-une-grande-premiere-a-madagascar/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Malawi}}
*{{flag|Mali}}
*{{flag|Morocco}}
*{{flag|Namibia}}
*{{flag|Rwanda}}
*{{flag|Senegal}}
*{{flag|Sierra Leone}}
*{{flag|Somalia}}
*{{flag|Sudan}}
*{{flag|Togo}}
*{{flag|Tunisia}}
*{{flag|Uganda}}
*{{flag|Zambia}}
{{div col end}}

A National Selections phase followed, from 24 January to 1 March 2018, to determine the best entry from each country to proceed to the Final. Out of total of 82 songs by 45 performers, the largest number of entries in a national selection was in [[South Africa]] (14), followed by [[Cameroon]] (11) and [[Gabon]] (7). In [[Botswana]], [[Ethiopia]] and [[Guinea]] only one entry competed, but it was still subject to Jury and Public evaluation before it could proceed further. In [[CAR]] (2), [[Egypt]] (3), [[Mozambique]] (2), [[Tanzania]] (3) and [[Chad]] (2) one Artist – several Songs National Selections took place. Finalists were revealed on 15 March, with Final voting running until 29 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5486|title=Afri Music Song Contest: Les 19 Finalistes|date=15 March 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://showbiz.citifmonline.com/2018/03/16/afrimusic-song-contest-releases-list-of-finalists/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest releases list of finalists|date=15 March 2018|last1=Dadzie|first1=Kwame|publisher=City 97.3 FM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319150440/http://showbiz.citifmonline.com/2018/03/16/afrimusic-song-contest-releases-list-of-finalists/|archive-date=19 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://escpedia.info/outros-festivais/afrimusic-song-contest-final-comeca-hoje/|title=Afrimusic Song Contest: Final Começa Hoje|last1=Silva|first1=Fabiana|publisher=ESCPedia|language=pt}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10155422557731305|title=Afri Music Song Contest press release – Country Finalists – Finals|date=15 March 2018|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}

===Final===
{|class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Country
! Artist
! Song
! Language
! Public <br>points
! Jury <br>points
! Average <br>points
! Place
|-
|- style="font-weight: bold; background: gold" 
|{{flag|Eswatini}}
| Symphony<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gcwala99.com/symphony-in-a-league-of-her-own|title=Symphony In A League Of Her Own|last1=Dlamini|first1=Vuyile|date=16 March 2018|publisher=GCWala99}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nusoulhubradio.com/women-of-the-kingdom-9-songs-you-need-to-hear-by-women-artists-from-eswatini/|title=Women of the kingdom: 8 Songs you need to hear from the kingdom of eSwatini|last1=Dlamini|first1=Philani|date=4 August 2018|publisher=Nusoulhub Radio|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331211513/http://www.nusoulhubradio.com/women-of-the-kingdom-9-songs-you-need-to-hear-by-women-artists-from-eswatini/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Sengikhona''
| [[Swazi language|siSwati]], [[English language|English]]
| 11
| 9
| 10
| 1
|-
|{{flag|Cameroon}}
| Ingrid White<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beyondmusic.org/artists/public/detailed/663|title=Ingrid White Biography|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=Beyond Music}}</ref>
| ''Stop''
| English
| 6
| 11
| 8.5
| 2
|-
|{{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| Nina Watson
| ''Close To Me''
| English
| 3
| 12
| 7.5
| 3
|-
|{{flag|Botswana}}
| Feine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weekendpost.co.bw/wp-news-details.php?nid=4993|title=Young Feine nominated for AfriMusic Contest|last1=Baaitse|first1=Dave|date=4 April 2018|publisher=Weekend Post|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331092551/http://www.weekendpost.co.bw/wp-news-details.php?nid=4993|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Coloured Skin''
| English
| 7
| 7
| 7
| 4
|-
|{{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}}
| CCI Studio Orchestre Meets <br>D S Cynthia, Fabému, <br>Masta Ricky & Papson D.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Juste-Version-AfriMusic-Song-Contest/dp/B07D4JHTP1|title=Juste en peu (Version AfriMusic Song Contest 2018)|date=21 May 2018|publisher=Amazon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://anoumabo.ci/afrimusic-song-contest-les-representants-ivoiriens-positionnent-just-un-peu/|title=Afrimusic Song Contest Les Représentants Ivoiriens Positionnent "Just Un Peu"|date=20 March 2018|publisher=Anoumabo|language=fr|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=23 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123071236/http://anoumabo.ci/afrimusic-song-contest-les-representants-ivoiriens-positionnent-just-un-peu/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://topvisages.net/afrimusic-2018-la-chanson-juste-un-peu-positionnee/|title=AfriMusic 2018 : La Chanson "Juste Un Peu" Positionnee|date=22 February 2018|publisher=Topvisages|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.papson.net/indexeng.html|title=Papson D. C. and the CCI Studio orchestra reached an international fifth place|access-date=17 March 2019|publisher=Papson D.C. Official site|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331141953/http://www.papson.net/indexeng.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Juste en peu''
| [[French language|French]], English
| 12
| 1
| 6.5
| 5
|-
|{{flag|Gabon}}
| SAN<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fr.wazemusic.com/les-10-jeunes-talents-a-suivre-cette-annee-2018/|title=Les 10 Jeunes Talents À Suivre Cette Année|last1=Ralph|first1=Tony|date=10 February 2018|publisher=WazeMusic|language=fr}}</ref>
| ''Saint Graal''
| French
| 9
| 3
| 6
| 6
|-
|{{flag|South Africa}}
| Kylie Unsworth
| ''Secondhand Narcotics''
| English
| 2
| 10
| 6
| 7
|-
|{{flag|DR Congo}}
| Litho Ngonga
| ''Africa''
| English
| 10
| 1
| 5.5
| 8
|-
|{{flag|Chad}}
| Stev'N-T<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/node/24553|title=Stev'N-T alias Tonton le Blanc Biography|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=Music In Africa}}</ref>
| ''Sincérité''
| French
| 8
| 1
| 4.5
| 9
|-
|{{flag|Egypt}}
| Nadya Shanab
| ''In a Fit of Remorse''
| English
| 1
| 8
| 4.5
| 10
|-
|{{flag|Ghana}}
| Erastus 
| ''Together''
| English
| 5
| 2
| 3.5
| 11
|-
|{{flag|Central African Republic}}
| Hybrid<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/directory/hybrid|title=Hybrid Biography|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=Music In Africa|language=fr}}</ref>
| ''Wali Ti Mbi''
| French, [[Sango language|Sango]]
| 1
| 6
| 3.5
| 12
|-
|{{flag|Mozambique}}
| JayCudz
| ''Mon Amour''
| [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], French
| 1
| 5
| 3
| 13
|-
|{{flag|Nigeria}}
| Earl J.
| ''Jesu Me Yo We''
| English, Yoruba
| 4
| 1
| 2.5
| 14
|-
|{{flag|Guinea}}
| Exploss<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gnakrylive.com/actualite/musique/755-exploss-nomine-a-afrimusic-song-en-afrique-du-sud|title=Exploss nominé à AfriMusic Song en Afrique du Sud|last1=Bangoura|first1=Albé|date=24 January 2018|publisher=Gnakry Live|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gnakrytube224.com/morceau-courbe-courbe-de-exploss-concours-afrimusic-contest/|title=Le Morceau Courbé Courbé De Exploss Au Concours Afrimusic Contest|last1=N'diaye|first1=Jambar|date=24 January 2018|publisher=Gnakry Tube224|language=fr|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331154257/http://www.gnakrytube224.com/morceau-courbe-courbe-de-exploss-concours-afrimusic-contest/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Courbée Courbée''
| French{{efn|name=sw|Contains occasional words in English}}
| 1
| 4
| 2.5
| 15
|-
|{{flag|South Sudan}}
| Samse Sam<ref>{{cite web|url=https://junubeye.blogspot.com/2019/02/what-you-need-to-know-about-samse-sam.html|title=What you need to know about samse sam – Biography|date=15 February 2019|publisher=Junub Eye|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-date=31 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181433/https://junubeye.blogspot.com/2019/02/what-you-need-to-know-about-samse-sam.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Party Time''
| English, [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Lingala]]
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 16
|-
|{{flag|Republic of the Congo}}
| Emma Feron<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmaferon.fr/index.php?p=1_2_Carri-re-Musicale|title=Emma Feron en compétition avec AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=Emma Feron Official Website|language=fr}}</ref>
| ''Peine et Tristesse''
| French
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 17
|-
|{{flag|Ethiopia}}
| Pamfalon
| ''Almeshem''
| [[Amharic]] {{efn|name=et|Contains quotes of [[Malcolm X]] and [[Tupac Shakur]] as well as word 'propaganda' in English}}
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 18
|-
|{{flag|Tanzania}}
| Zamangwa
| ''Africa Let Us Celebrate''
| English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 19
|}
{{notelist}}

===Jury===

The 18-member judging panel for the Final was made up of Eurovision Song Contest experts, bloggers and community members; PanAmerican music experts and African music and production experts:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/esccoversafrimusicafrimusic-song-contest-press-release-and-the-winner-is-symphon/10155467043926305/|title=And the winner is… Symphony with Sengikhona from Swaziland|date=31 March 2017|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
*{{flag|France}} – Nisay Samreth – Eurovision-FR.net Editor-in-chief and Community Manager
*{{flag|South Africa}} – Roy van der Merwe – AfriMusic 2018 Head of South Africa Selection, ESCCovers Editor-in-chief<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/big-in-south-africa|title=Big in South Africa!|date=15 May 2009|publisher=Eurovision.tv}}</ref>
*{{flag|Brazil}} – Fabiana de Cássia Silva – ESCPedia Editor-in-chief
*{{flag|Kazakhstan}} – Andy Mikheev – ESCKAZ Editor-in-chief
*{{flag|Norway}} – Morten Thomassen – OGAE Norway President
*{{flag|Austria}} – Andreas Blaschke
*{{flag|Poland}} – Sebastian Mnich – Destination Eurovision Editor-in-chief
*{{flag|United Kingdom}} – Ian Fowell – ESCCovers Journalist
*{{flag|Liberia}} – Mouloukou Souleymane Kourouma – ANSO Music, Smart Event Producer, East & West Africa
*{{flag|South Africa}} – Victor Nunes – Songwriter, AfriMusic Co-founder, Southern Africa
*{{flag|Canada}} – Anthony Lopez Berardinelli (Tony KuKo) – PanAmerican Song Contest Producer
*{{flag|Dominica}} – Melinda 'Mel-c' Ulysses – Caribbean Artist
*{{flag|Ghana}} – Afeafa Nfojoh – [[GHOne TV]] Programmes Manager
*{{flag|Ghana}} – George Britton – Talent Manager and Entertainment Critic, West Africa
*{{flag|Ghana}} – [[Caroline Sampson]] – TV & Radio Personality, West Africa
*{{flag|Ghana}} – Samuel Moses Opoku-Agyemang – AfriMusic Producer, Events and Media Marketing Specialist, West Africa
*{{flag|Ghana}} – Sammy B – TV & Radio Personality, former housemate of [[Big Brother Africa]], West Africa
*{{flag|Angola}} – Jorge Henriques – Music Producer, Southern Africa

===Winners===

Two winners of the special prizes were announced: 
*Prix de la Francophonie (Best French Lyrics Award): Stev'N-T ([[Chad]]) – "Sincérité"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5490|title=Stev'N-T (Tchad) lauréat du Prix de la Francophonie|date=17 March 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5416|title=Afri Music Song Contest: Prix de la Francophonie|date=8 March 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref>
*Best English Lyrics Award: Symphony ([[Eswatini]]) – "Sengikhona"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=4335|title=Symphony Wins Best English Lyrics Award|last1=Dlamini|first1=Ayanda|date=27 March 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/esccovers-esckaz-afrimusicsongcontest-swazilandbest-english-part-of-lyrics-of-af/10155451129121305/|title=Best English part of lyrics of Afrimusic entry Award goes to "Sengikhona" by Symphony|date=25 March 2018|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}

Representative of [[Eswatini]] Zanele 'Symphony' Cele with the self-written song "Sengikhona" (performed in [[siSwati]] and English<ref name="Observer1" /> and translated as "I Am Here"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=3980|title=Symphony Drops Stimulating Album|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=7 March 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref>) was declared overall winner of the contest on 30 March<ref>{{cite web|url=http://esckaz.com/2018/#en_20180330_2|title=Urban soul singer from Swaziland Symphony declared Afrimusic Song Contest Winner|date=30 March 2018|publisher=ESCKAZ.com}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/observer-on-saturday/20180331/282368335201668|title=Symphony Wins Afrimusic Song|last1=Dlamini|first1=Ayanda|date=31 March 2018|via=PressReader|publisher=Observer on Sunday}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esccovers.com/swaziland-win-the-first-afrimusic-song-contest-with-symphony-and-sengikhona/|title=Swaziland Win The First AfriMusic Song Contest|last1=Fowell|first1=Ian|date=30 March 2018|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5500|title=Afri Music: Victoire de Symphony pour le Swaziland|date=30 March 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://iono.fm/e/567984|title=Polygamy/Unleashed|website=iono.fm|date=6 June 2018|publisher=Cliff Central}}</ref> with full results of the contest revealed on 31 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://esckaz.com/2018/#en_20180331_2|title=Afrimusic complete voting results released|date=31 March 2018|publisher=ESCKAZ.com}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}} Interestingly, "Sengikhona" was the last entry, submitted to the contest prior the deadline on January 5, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10155241297071305|title=Entries have now closed|date=6 January 2018|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}

As part of the prize, Symphony was invited to attend [[Eurovision Song Contest 2018]] in Lisbon, Portugal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=4500|title=Portugal, Here I Come|last1=Dlamini|first1=Ayanda|date=7 April 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref> Official send off event was hosted by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs of Eswatini David Ngcamphalala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=4975|title=Symphony Wins Afrimusic Song|last1=Dlamini|first1=Ayanda|date=8 May 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref> During the Eurovision week in Lisbon, Symphony made appearances in the official venues of competition: [[Eurovision Song Contest 2018#Other sites|Euroclub and Eurovision Village]]. In the Ministerium club Symphony performed selection of her songs including a duet with 4-times Eurovision participant [[Valentina Monetta]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KnVAcfQqeA|title=ESCKAZ in Lisbon: Valentina Monetta duets with Afrimusic winner Symphony (at Euroclub)|date=11 May 2018|website=youtube.com|publisher=ESCKAZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/sunday-observer/20180513/281582356272683|title=Symphony Captures European's Hearts|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=13 May 2018|via=PressReader|publisher=Sunday Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ogaeitaly.net/2018/05/12/tre-amici-alleuroclub/|title=Tre amici all'Euroclub!|last1=Giuntini|first1=Cristina|date=12 May 2018|publisher=OGAE Italy|language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ogaegreece.com/archives/53685|title=Eurovision 2018: Όλα όσα συνέβησαν στο OGAE Eurocafe!|last1=Flinkos|first1=Giorgos|date=25 May 2018|publisher=OGAE Greece|language=el}}</ref> and was also able to meet & greet future [[Eurovision 2018]] winner [[Netta Barzilai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/436961250098987/|title=Symphony giving Israel's Eurovision Contestant Netta her album|date=10 May 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Facebook page}}</ref> On the day of the Eurovision Grand Final, Symphony performed on [[Praça do Comércio]] in front of 20,000 people in the concert broadcast live by the Portuguese broadcaster [[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal|RTP]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQy8QbuaBOI|title=AfriMusic Song Contest – Symphony at the Eurovision Village 2018|date=3 April 2019|website=youtube.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Channel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://swazidailynews.com/2018/07/11/the-afrimusic-song-contest-has-delivered-on-its-promise/|title=The AfriMusic Song Contest has delivered on its promise|last1=Lukhele|first1=Laurence|date=11 July 2018|publisher=Swazi Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.rtp.pt/eurovisao/noticias/eurovisionvillage/|title=Eurovision Village|date=9 May 2018|publisher=RTP|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publico.pt/2018/05/08/culturaipsilon/noticia/o-festival-eurovisao-da-cancao-2018-esta-ai-1829128|title=O dia em que o Festival Eurovisão da Canção começa mesmo|last1=Nogueira|first1=Rodrigo|date=8 May 2018|publisher=Publico|language=pt}}</ref> which has also featured the Official Winners Award ceremony for the AfriMusic 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/293373161381000/|title=Symphony receiving her #AfriMusic 2018 Winners Award|date=2 February 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Facebook page}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy-iMTj99HU|title=ESCKAZ in Lisbon: Interview with Symphony (Afrimusic Song Contest winner)|date=12 May 2018|website=youtube.com|publisher=ESCKAZ}}</ref>

==AfriMusic Song Contest 2019==

{{Infobox song contest
| name       = AfriMusic Song Contest 
| year       = 2019
| logo       = 
| final      = 29 March – 12 April 2019
| exsupervisor = 
| winner     = {{RSA}}<br>Nonzwakazi – "Phakama Mbokodo"
| vote       = An average is calculated from the Expert Jury and Public votes, which award sets of 12–10–8...2 points to their 9 favourite songs, with songs ranked 10–20 receiving 1 point.
| entries    = '''Regional Selections''': 49 songs by 45 artists from 13 countries<br>'''Final''': 20 songs by 20 artists from 10 countries
| debut      = {{flag|Malawi}}<br>{{flag|Rwanda}}<br>{{flag|Senegal}}<br>{{flag|Zambia}}
| return     = 
| nonreturn   = {{flag|Botswana}}<br>{{flag|CAR}}<br>{{flag|Chad}}<br>{{flag|DR Congo}}<br>{{flag|Egypt}}<br>{{flag|Ethiopia}}<br>{{flag|Gabon}}<br>{{flag|Guinea}}<br>{{flag|Tanzania}}<br>{{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| null       =
<!-- Map Legend Colours -->
| Green    = Y
| Green SA = 
| Purple   = 
| Red      =
| Red NQ   = Y
| Yellow   = 
}}

Earlier plans for 2019 included hosting a live show in the [[Eswatini|Kingdom of Eswatini]],<ref name="Observer1">{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=5169|title=Afrimusic Song Contest To Be Held Here Next Year|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=23 May 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref> however, eventually winning country has dropped from the hosting duties. Acting as brand ambassador, last year's winner Symphony has recorded several promotional videos inviting to apply and vote in the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/735380290196473/|title=Only A Few Days Left To Enter The #Afrimusic Song Contest 2019!|date=12 February 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Facebook page}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/1032635633595137/|title=A beautiful message to the 2019 AfriMusic Song Contest qualifying contestants|date=18 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Facebook page}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/swazi-observer/20181003/282278141272210|title=Defending champion, Symphony urges locals to join|date=3 October 2018|via=PressReader|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref> Pre-registration phase was open from 1 September till 13 October 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5608|title=AfriMusic 2019: Lancement de l'édition 2019|date=1 September 2018|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref> the entry submission period ran from December 1, 2018, until February 17, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=6903|title=Afri-Music 2019 Contest Applications Next Month|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=3 October 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref>

===Participating countries===
The participating countries were listed on AfriMusic Song Contest's official website on 11 March 2019, alongside the start of the National Selections process, with the number of pre-registering countries not announced this year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ameyawdebrah.com/afrimusic-song-contest-announces-national-selections/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest announces National Selections|date=13 March 2019|last1=Debrah|first1=Ameyaw|publisher=Ameyaw Debrah}}</ref> 3 502 entries were received from artists across 16 African countries, namely South Africa, Zambia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, The Kingdom of eSwatini, Botswana, Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan and Togo, no entries were received from the [[Central African Republic]], [[Chad]], [[DR Congo]], [[Egypt]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Gabon]], [[Guinea]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zimbabwe]]. 13 of the 16 countries saw 49 qualifying songs through to the National Selections round.  The competition was joined by [[Liberia]], [[Malawi]], [[Rwanda]], [[Senegal]], [[Togo]] and [[Zambia]]. Entries from 13 countries were verified and allowed to proceed, with entries from [[Togo]], [[Liberia]] and [[Botswana]] failing the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/country-selections|title=Country Selections of the AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=16 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://esckaz.com/2019/index12.htm#en_20190313_1|title=Details for the Second Edition of AfriMusic Song Contest announced|date=13 March 2019|publisher=ESCKAZ.com}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}} Out of 49 entries by 45 performers the largest number of entries came from Ghana (16)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/wa-contestants|title=Western Africa contestants|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091446/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/wa-contestants|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and South Africa (10).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-west-africa-contestants-1|title=Southern Africa contestants|access-date=18 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091404/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-west-africa-contestants-1|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following 714,810 number of votes from fans across the continent, 20 contestants made it to the Final round of the contest, representing South Africa, Zambia, Kingdom of eSwatini, Rwanda, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.

A total number of 2 651 162 general public votes and judging panel combined across 13 countries, saw the undiscovered Afropop songwriter and singer, Nonzwakazi representing South Africa, take the 2019 AfriMusic Song Contest title.

In a change compared to 2018 edition, not all countries were automatically guaranteed participation in the Final: 13 countries were split into three Country Groups with a number of entries from each Country Group to progress to the Final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/posts/623272771467833|title=The AFRIMUSIC Song Contest organisers are pleased to announce the Country Groups for National Selections|date=9 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Facebook page}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5964|title=AfriMusic Song Contest: Votes pour les demi-finales régionales|date=13 March 2019|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/thirteen-nations-compete-in-the-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest announces National Selections|date=12 March 2019|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161731/https://eurovoix-world.com/thirteen-nations-compete-in-the-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurofire.me/2019/03/afrika-afrimusic-song-contest-2019.html|title=Afrika: Afrimusic Song Contest 2019 nimmt Fahrt auf|date=14 March 2019|publisher=Eurofire|language=de}}</ref> Regional Selections voting took place from 11 to 25 March 2019. Intermediate Public voting results were released on 18 and 22 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156260860281305|title=A closer look on the AfriMusic Song Contest acts which lead the public voting|date=20 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Western Region (10)
!Central/Eastern Region (2)
!Southern Region (8)
|-
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Cameroon}} (3)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156276784811305|title=We wrap up our introduction series by looking onto the remaining group of artists qualifying to the Final of the AfriMusic Song Contest|date=28 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
* {{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}} (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156265098476305|title=National Selections vote of the AfriMusic Song Contest ends on 25 March |date=22 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
* {{flag|Ghana}} (16)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ghfame.com/2019/03/14/woara-by-erastus-nominated-for-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|title=Woara by Erastus is nominated for Afrimusic Song Contest 2019|date=14 March 2019|publisher=GH Fame|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091745/https://ghfame.com/2019/03/14/woara-by-erastus-nominated-for-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tv.ameyawdebrah.com/afrimusic-song-contest-finalist-mojae-talks-new-single-and-more/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest finalist, Mojae talks new single and more|date=18 March 2019|last1=Debrah|first1=Ameyaw|publisher=Ameyaw TV|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320225309/https://tv.ameyawdebrah.com/afrimusic-song-contest-finalist-mojae-talks-new-single-and-more/|archive-date=20 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Nigeria}} (6)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156268938031305|title=Less than two days remain until the end of the voting in the Regional Selections|date=24 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
* {{flag|Senegal}} (2)
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Malawi}} (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156269033426305|title=Today marks the end of the voting in the Regional Selections of the AfriMusic Song Contest|date=25 March 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
* {{flag|Republic of the Congo}} (1)
* {{flag|Rwanda}} (1)
* {{flag|South Sudan}} (1)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jubamonitor.com/vote-single-d-to-participate-inafrimusic-song-contest/|title=Vote Single D to participate inAfrimusic Song Contest|date=20 March 2019|last1=Denis|first1=Mandela Nelson|publisher=Juba Monitor}}</ref>
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Eswatini}} (3)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=5449|title=Afrimusic Applications Open In October|last1=Sifundza|first1=Nomfundo|date=13 June 2018|publisher=Swazi Observer}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mozambique}} (3)
* {{flag|South Africa}} (10)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cherrypillband.com/cherry-pill-to-represent-south-africa-in-the-afrimusic-song-contest/|title=Cherry Pill To Represent South Africa in the AfriMusic Song Contest|date=11 March 2019|publisher=Cherry Pill Official Website}}</ref>
* {{flag|Zambia}} (1)
|}

20 entries representing 10 countries chosen by Public and Expert Panels to compete in the Final were announced on 27 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/national-selections-public-votes|title=National Selections Public Vote|date=18 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327150005/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/national-selections-public-votes|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Ghana]] was represented by five acts in the final, followed by [[South Africa]] with four entries, [[Nigeria]] with three, [[Eswatini]] with two and [[Cameroon]], [[Côte d'Ivoire]], [[Rwanda]] and [[Zambia]] with one each. [[Republic of the Congo]], [[Senegal]], [[South Sudan]] were eliminated in the Regional Selection process. Final voting run between 29 March and 12 April 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-west-africa-contestants-2|title=Africa's Biggest Song Contest|access-date=27 March 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328154732/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-west-africa-contestants-2|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://esckaz.com/2019/index13.htm#en_20190321_7|title=Finalists of the AfriMusic Song Contest 2019 have been revealed|date=27 March 2019|publisher=ESCKAZ}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5970|title=Afri Music 2019: Les 20 Finalistes|date=27 March 2019|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thebugcast.org/2019/04/06/558-mind-the-gap/|title=#558 – Mind the gap|date=6 April 2019|publisher=The Bugcast}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurofire.me/2019/03/news-splitter-738.html|title=News-Splitter (738)|date=30 March 2019|publisher=Eurofire|language=de}}</ref> Intermediate Public voting results were revealed on 2 and 8 April 2019 <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-national-selections-public-|title=Final Scores Public Vote|access-date=2 April 2019|publisher=Official AfriMusic Song Contest website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405204843/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-national-selections-public-|archive-date=5 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Final===
{|class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Country
! Artist
! Song
! Language
! Public <br>points
! Jury <br>points
! Average <br>points
! Place
|-
|- style="font-weight: bold; background: gold" 
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| Nonzwakazi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/isolezwe-ngomgqibelo/20190316/page/12|title=Uzomela uMzansi kwi-AfriMusic Song Contest|language=zu|date=16 March 2019|via=PressReader|publisher=Isolezwe ngoMgqibelo}}</ref>
| ''Phakama Mbokodo''
| [[Zulu language|isiZulu]], English
| 8
| 12
| 10
| 1
|-
| {{flag|Mozambique}}
| Jay Arghh A.K.A J'R<ref>{{cite web|url=https://txiling.sapo.mz/musica/novidades-musica/artigos/jr-dos-new-joint-representa-mocambique-no-afrimusic-song-contest|title=JR dos New Joint representa Moçambique no AfriMusic Song Contest|date=12 March 2019|publisher=SAPO|language=pt|access-date=15 March 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161158/https://txiling.sapo.mz/musica/novidades-musica/artigos/jr-dos-new-joint-representa-mocambique-no-afrimusic-song-contest|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://baixamusicfacil.blogspot.com/2019/03/vote-no-jay-arghh-aka-jr-no-afrimusic.html|title=Vote No "JAY ARGHH aka JR" no AfriMusic Song Contest|date=12 March 2019|publisher=Baixamusic|language=pt}}</ref>
| ''Carlitos''
| Portuguese
| 10
| 5
| 7.5
| 2
|-
| {{flag|Zambia}}
| Towela Kaira<ref>{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/triplesevenmediamagazine/docs/triple_seven_magazine_issue_four/36|title=Getting To Know Chef And Buga's Talented Lil Sis Towela Kaira|date=16 March 2019|website=issuu.com|publisher=Triple Seven Media Magazine Issue 4}}</ref>
| ''Gold''
| English
| 4
| 10
| 7
| 3
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| SSUE<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.listenoutside.com/?p=1151|title=AfriMusic Song Contest|date=13 March 2019|publisher=Listen Outside|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406120841/https://www.listenoutside.com/?p=1151|archive-date=6 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| ''Hypnotize''
| English
| 12
| 1
| 6.5
| 4
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| Linda Kilian<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurovoix-world.com/south-africa-ylva-linda-persson-enter-the-afrimusic-song-contest-with-linda-kilian/|title=South Africa: Ylva & Linda Persson Enter The AfriMusic Song Contest With Linda Kilian|date=15 March 2019|publisher=Eurovoix-World|access-date=16 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090447/https://eurovoix-world.com/south-africa-ylva-linda-persson-enter-the-afrimusic-song-contest-with-linda-kilian/|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esccovers.com/ylva-linda-enter-the-race-for-south-africa-at-the-afrimusic-song-contest-with-a-song-for-linda-killian//|title=Ylva & Linda enter the race for South Africa at the AfriMusic Song Contest with a song for Linda Killian|last1=Fowell|first1=Ian|date=15 March 2019|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://joburgwest.getitonline.co.za/2019/03/25/will-never-fight/|title=I Will Never Fight Again|date=25 March 2019|publisher=Joburg West|access-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327064832/http://joburgwest.getitonline.co.za/2019/03/25/will-never-fight/|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://randfonteinherald.co.za/298058/rfonteins-linda-on-the-brink-of-becoming-superstarandsalon-gets-behind-singer-linda-killianorwe-are-behind-you-linda/|title=R'fontein's Linda on the brink of becoming superstar|date=2 April 2019|last1=Futcher|first1=Jaco-Mari|publisher=Randfontein Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.ylvalinda.com/2019/03/top-20-finalists-in-afrimusic-song.html|title=Top 20 Finalist in AfriMusic Song Contest|date=28 March 2019|publisher=Ylva & Linda blog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://olkabolka-emagazines.com/2019/04/15/linda-kilians-new-song-gets-77-000-votes/|title=Linda Kilian's s new song gets 77,000 votes|date=15 April 2019|publisher=Olka Bolka E-Journals}}</ref>
| ''I Will Never Fight Again''
| English
| 5
| 6
| 5.5
| 5
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| Siboat
| ''Always and Forever''
| English
| 7
| 3
| 5
| 6
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| Easrel
| ''Fun Won Tan''
| English, Yoruba
| 1
| 8
| 4.5
| 7
|-
| {{flag|Rwanda}}
| Serge Iyamuremye
| ''Ndakubaha''
| [[Kinyarwanda]]
| 1
| 7
| 4
| 8
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| Da Saama<ref>{{cite web|url=https://onemuzikgh.com/2019/04/01/the-personality-of-da-saama-onemuzikgh-com/|title=The personality of Da Saama|date=1 April 2019|publisher=One Muzik Gh|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-date=6 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406045024/https://onemuzikgh.com/2019/04/01/the-personality-of-da-saama-onemuzikgh-com/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://onemuzikgh.com/2019/04/04/i-would-never-hustle-with-my-pussy-for-fame-or-anything-da-saama-tells/|title=I would never hustle with my pussy for fame or anything -Da Saama tells|date=4 April 2019|publisher=One Muzik Gh|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410071617/https://onemuzikgh.com/2019/04/04/i-would-never-hustle-with-my-pussy-for-fame-or-anything-da-saama-tells/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156306446256305|title=Da Saama having Ghana Radiostations tour to promote her participation in the event|date=11 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
| ''Cross Road''
| English {{efn|name=gh|Contains backing vocal bridge in [[Yoruba language|Yoruba]]}}
| 6
| 1
| 3.5
| 9
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| Mellow
| ''Ho Tlaba Jwang''
| English, [[Sotho language|Sotho]]
| 3
| 2
| 2.5
| 10
|-
| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| Amanda Mo
| ''Uwami''
| siSwati {{efn|name=sw|Contains occasional words in English}}
| 1
| 4
| 2.5
| 11
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| Efe Keyz<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ghanamusicnews.com/efe-keyz-juju-nominated-for-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|title=Efe keyz juju nominated for Afrimusic song contest 2019|date=17 March 2019|publisher=Ghana Music News|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090931/https://ghanamusicnews.com/efe-keyz-juju-nominated-for-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kingsmotiongh.com/shatta-wale-will-win-most-awards-this-year-efe-keyz-2/|title=Shatta Wale Will Win Most Awards This Year – Efe Keyz|access-date=3 April 2019|publisher=Kings Motion GH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/efeghofficial/videos/1149933285179679/|title=Efe keyz live on TV Africa Gh|date=2 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=Efe Keyz Official Page}}</ref>
| ''Juju''
| English, [[Ghanaian Pidgin English|Pidgin English]], [[Twi]]
| 2
| 1
| 1.5
| 12
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| Laz B
| ''Oleburuku''
| | English, [[Nigerian Pidgin|Pidgin English]], [[Igbo language|Igbo]], Yoruba
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 13
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| Dee Tutu
| ''Thunder Fire''
| English, Pidgin English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 14
|-
| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| Miss Trophy
| ''Ngik'tsandzile''
| siSwati {{efn|name=sw|Contains occasional words in English}}
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 15
|-
| {{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}}
| DS Cynthia 
| ''Merci''
| French
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 16
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| Kelstar
| ''Can We Go Back''
| English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 17
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| Alvan Morris<ref name="alv">{{cite web|url=https://just2classic.blogspot.com/2019/03/music-news-fast-rising-nigeria-pop.html|title=Fast-rising Nigeria Pop artist 'Alvan Morris' shortlisted among AfriMusic Top20 Finalist|date=27 March 2019|publisher=JustTooClassic}}</ref>
| ''Dancehall on Fire''
| English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 18
|-
| {{flag|Cameroon}}
| Joahn Lover
| ''Game Over''
| French, English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 19
|-
| {{flag|Malawi}}
| Mungo
| ''Come Thru''
| English
| 1
| 1
| 1
| 20
|}
{{notelist}}

===Jury===

The 10-member judging panel for the Final was made up of Eurovision Song Contest experts; PanAmerican music experts and African music and production experts. Six of them have already served in the judging panel in 2018 edition of the contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/judges|title=AfriMusic Song Contest Judges|access-date=18 May 2018|website=afrimusicsongcontest.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref>
*{{flag|Kazakhstan}} – Andy Mikheev – ESCKAZ Editor-in-chief
*{{flag|Ghana}} – Nii Atakora Mensah – GhanaMusic.com Head of Content Development
*{{flag|South Africa}} – Roy van der Merwe – ESCCovers Editor-in-chief, Eurovision South Africa President
*{{flag|South Africa}} – Victor Nunes – Songwriter, AfriMusic Co-founder
*{{flag|Ghana}} – [[Ameyaw Debrah]] – Entertainment Blogger
*{{flag|France}} – Nisay Samreth – Eurovision-FR.net Editor-in-chief and Community Manager
*{{flag|South Africa}} – Promise Motshele – Sound Engineer & Events Marketing Manager
*{{flag|San Marino}} – [[Valentina Monetta]] – Four times [[Eurovision Song Contest]] participant
*{{flag|Canada}} – Anthony Lopez Berardinelli (Tony KuKo) – Entertainment Blogger, PanAmerican Song Contest Producer
*{{flag|Liberia}} – Mouloukou Souleymane Kourouma (Anso) – Music Label CEO & Producer

===Returning artists===

Singer from [[Côte d'Ivoire]] DS Cynthia has competed in AfriMusic final 2018 as part of the project CCI Studio Orchestre Meets DS Cynthia, Fabému, Masta Ricky & Papson D.C. and had a solo entry ''Jes Suis'' in the National Selection round as well.

===Winners===

Winners of the four special Recognition Awards were announced on 10 April 2019:<ref name="Site">{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/|title=AfriMusic Song Contest|access-date=10 April 2019|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Website}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156304485831305|title=AfriMusic Song Contest has revealed winners of the four special Recognition Awards|date=10 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}
*Best English Lyrics:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156304487516305|title=Winner of AfriMusic Song Contest Best English Lyrics Award|date=10 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/EurovisionCoverage/posts/10156302458076305|title=As in 2018, there will be several special awards presented to the participants of the AfriMusic Song Contest|date=9 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com / ESCCovers.com / Euroforum / Eurovision South Africa}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/1079137218944774/|title=A thank you message from Siboat|date=10 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Page}}</ref> Siboat ([[Ghana]]) – "Always and Forever"
*Best French Lyrics:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/eurovisionfrnet/posts/2308943125835389|title=We have received the following message from the singer from Cameroon, Joahn Lover|date=11 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=Eurovision-fr.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/293531758251275/|title=A thank you message from Joahn Lover|date=12 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Page}}</ref> Joahn Lover ([[Cameroon]]) – "Game Over"
*Best [[Languages of Africa|African Language]] Song:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/afrimusicSC/videos/2091312384499602/|title=A thank you message from Nonzwakazi|date=11 April 2019|website=facebook.com|publisher=AfriMusic Song Contest Official Page}}</ref> Nonzwakazi ([[South Africa]]) – "Phakama Mbokodo"
*Most International Song (Song most likely to be covered in another language):<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.esccovers.com/afri-music-award-song-most-likely-to-be-covered-in-another-language/|title=Afri Music Award – Song most likely to be covered in another language|last1=Van Dais|first1=Cole|date=11 April 2019|publisher=ESCCovers}}</ref> songwriters Ylva & Linda Persson ([[Sweden]]) – "I Will Never Fight Again" (performed by Linda Kilian ([[South Africa]]))

Representative of [[South Africa]] Siphokazi 'Nonzwakazi' Maphumulo with the self-written song "Phakama Mbokodo" was announced as the overall winner of AfriMusic Song Contest 2019 on 15 April.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-national-selections-final-s|title=2019 Final Results|access-date=15 April 2019|publisher=Official AfriMusic Song Contest website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415193305/https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/copy-of-national-selections-final-s|archive-date=15 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://esckaz.com/2018/index15.htm#en_20190415_1|title=AfriMusic Song Contest has revealed winner of the 2019 edition of the contest|date=15 April 2019|publisher=ESCKAZ.com}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision-fr.net/news/lire.php?id=5984|title=Afri Music 2019: Victoire de Nonzwakazi pour l'Afrique du Sud|date=15 April 2019|publisher=Eurovision-FR.net|language=fr}}</ref> The song is performed in [[Zulu language|isiZulu]] and English languages and translated as "Rise Woman" with 'mbokodo' literally meaning 'rock' – a reference to the line of the freedom song sang at [[Women's March (South Africa)|1956 Women's March in South Africa]] "you strike the women, you strike a rock".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BvK09cUhExX/|title=Thank you very much @afrimusicsc for an amazing opportunity|date=19 March 2019|website=instagram.com|publisher=Nonzwakazi Official Instagram}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisecreations.co.za/artists/nonzwakazi/|title=Nonzwakazi Biography|access-date=15 April 2019|publisher=Wise Creations}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Hillcrest-Fever/durban-songstress-shares-her-love-for-music-20180925|title=Durban songstress shares her love for music|date=2 October 2018|last1=Shozi|first1=Phindile|publisher=News 24|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415193259/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Hillcrest-Fever/durban-songstress-shares-her-love-for-music-20180925|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-star-south-africa-late-edition/20181018/282299616141847|title=For the love of African sound…|date=18 October 2018|last1=Joyce|first1=Liam Karabo|via=PressReader|publisher=The Star Late Edition}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.crazymedias.com/celebrities/wcw-nonzwakazi-siphokazi-maphumulo/|title=WCW: Nonzwakazi Siphokazi Maphumulo|date=20 September 2018|publisher=South African Bloggers|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415193301/http://www.southafrica.crazymedias.com/celebrities/wcw-nonzwakazi-siphokazi-maphumulo/|archive-date=15 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> As part of the prize, Nonzwakazi was invited to attend [[Eurovision Song Contest 2019]] in Tel Aviv, Israel and to perform there at the official venue of the contest – [[Eurovision Song Contest 2019#Other sites|Eurovision Village]] in [[Charles Clore Park]] on the Grand Final day 18 May 2019.<ref name="pr">{{cite web|url=https://ameyawdebrah.com/south-africas-nonzwakazi-wins-afrimusic-song-contest-2019/|title=South Africa's Nonzwakazi wins AfriMusic Song Contest 2019|date=15 April 2019|last1=Debrah|first1=Ameyaw|publisher=Ameyaw Debrah}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIwor6KDzAI&t=1708|title=TrendingSA – 25 Apr 2019|date=25 April 2019|website=youtube.com|publisher=SABC3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sjuQD8Pihk|title=ESCKAZ in Tel Aviv: AfriMusic Song Contest winner Nonzwakazi performing in Eurovillage|date=18 May 2019|website=youtube.com|publisher=ESCKAZ.com}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=ESCKaz is banned by WikiProject Eurovision.|date=April 2022}}

Nonzwakazi's performance at the EuroVision Village, attracted 105,000 EuroVision fans and spectators. Nonzwakazi performed her winning song Phakama Mbokodo,  and two other original songs live on stage.  The AfriMusic Song Contest organisers held an official presentation in honour of Nonzwakazi's AfriMusic Song Contest win, where she received her AfriMusic Song Contest 2019 Statuette, to commemorate her win.

==AfriMusic Song Contest 2020==

{{Infobox song contest
| name       = AfriMusic Song Contest 
| year       = 2020
| logo       = 
| final      = 10–27 April 2020
| exsupervisor = 
| winner     = {{NGA}}<br>Dhortune ThatOndoBoy – "Yemi"
| vote       = An average is calculated from the Expert Jury and Public votes, which award sets of 12–10–8...2 points to their 9 favourite songs, with songs ranked 10–20 receiving 1 point.
| entries    = '''Regional Selections''': 113 songs by artists from 24 countries<br>'''Final''': 30 songs by 30 artists from 15 countries
| debut      = {{flag|Burundi}}<br>{{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}<br>{{flag|Kenya}}<br>{{flag|Liberia}}<br>{{flag|Morocco}}<br>{{flag|Namibia}}<br>{{flag|Tunisia}}<br>{{flag|Uganda}}
| return     = {{flag|DR Congo}}<br>{{flag|Gabon}}<br>{{flag|Tanzania}}<br>{{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| nonreturn   = {{flag|Rwanda}}
| null       =
<!-- Map Legend Colours -->
| Green    = Y
| Green SA = 
| Purple   = 
| Red      =
| Red NQ   = Y
| Yellow   = 
}}

Immediately after [[South Africa]]'s victory in the AfriMusic Song Contest 2019, organizers announced to be "working hard to introduce a live show to the contest and have a live South African Finals show" for the 2020 edition. The song submission period closed on 1 February 2020, with the regional selection period beginning on 20 February. 113 songs from 24 countries are in contention for a spot in the final, an increase of 64 competing songs and 11 countries from the year before. Among them, the highest number of songs came from Ghana (18), Nigeria (20), and South Africa (19). Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia, and Uganda all submitted eligible competitors for the first time, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe returned after a year's absence. The winning song was revealed on 27 April 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/country-selections |website=Afrimusicsongcontest.com|title=FINALISTS|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref>

===Final===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Country !! Artist !! Song !! Language !! Public Points !! Jury Points !! Average Points !! Place
|-
| {{flag|Burundi}} || [[Miss Erica]] || In My Heart || English, French, [[Kirundi]] || 1 || 7 || 4 || 9
|-
| {{flag|Kenya}} || Crank || Cause You're Mine || English || 8 || 1 || 4.5 || 5
|-
| {{flag|Kenya}} || Otis Jela || Yako || [[Shona language|Shona]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 29
|-
| {{flag|South Sudan}} || Yuppie Jay || Bubble It || English, [[Hausa language|Hausa]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 30 
|-
| {{flag|Tanzania}} || Voice Prince || Nakupenda || [[Swahili language|Swahili]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 28
|-
| {{flag|Uganda}} || Frank Magic || Sibiwulira || Chichewa || 2 || 1 || 1.5 || 17
|-
| {{flag|Cote d'Ivoire}} || Leflo Gnezale || Reste || French || 1 || 1 || 1 || 20
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}} || EpiqMenz || Downtown Guy || English || 10 || 1 || 5.5 || 3
|-
| {{flag|Ghana}} || Efe Keyz || Feelings || English || 1 || 1 || 1 || 27
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}} || Ayuba Tete || Hope Song || English || 1 || 5 || 3 || 12
|- style="background: gold; font-weight: bold;"
| {{flag|Nigeria}} || Dhortune ThatOndoBoy || Yemi || English, Yoruba || 12 || 1 || 6.5 || 1
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}} || Dr Philz || Butter || English, Swahili, Yoruba || 5 || 1 || 3 || 11
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}} || Zinny || Little Girls Grow || English || 1 || 12 || 6.5 || 2
|-
| {{flag|Cameroon}} || Epiesco || Nga Di Scream || French || 1 || 1 || 1 || 18
|-
| {{flag|Cameroon}} || Joahn Lover || Ticket Valide || French || 1 || 1 || 1 || 26
|-
| {{flag|Cameroon}} || Liya Yoh || Broken || English || 1 || 1 || 1 || 22
|-
| {{flag|DR Congo}} || Anouchka Tuluka || Na Lela Yo || Zulu || 3 || 1 || 2 || 15
|-
| {{flag|DR Congo}} || Eddy Rug || BlaBlaBla || [[Somali language|Somali]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 24
|-
| {{flag|Tunisia}} || Hamza Mathcima || Samra || [[Italian language|Italian]], Somali || 7 || 1 || 4 || 7
|-
| {{flag|Malawi}} || Bamoc || Closed Doors || English || 1 || 8 || 4.5 || 6
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Holly Rey || Fire || English || 1 || 6 || 3.5 || 10
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Jolanda Becker || The Song of Hope || English || 1 || 3 || 2 || 16
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Kenton Lee || Echo || English || 1 || 1 || 1 || 21
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Leote Taylor || Everybody || English || 6 || 2 || 4 || 8
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || LusiBlaq || Emlanjeni || [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 23
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Mandiamakhulu || Vukani || Zulu || 1 || 1 || 1 || 19
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Presss || African Child || English || 1 || 10 || 5.5 || 4
|-
| {{flag|South Africa}} || Thato Kashe || Ndimilona || [[Xhosa language|Xhosa]] || 1 || 1 || 1 || 25
|-
| {{flag|Zambia}} || Waina || Norita || [[Chewa language|Chichewa]] || 1 || 4 || 2.5 || 14
|-
| {{flag|Zimbabwe}} || Simple Claude || Marunjeya || Chichewa || 4 || 1 || 2.5 || 13
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Eastern Africa
!Western Africa
!Central & Northern Africa
!Southern Africa
|-
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Burundi}} (1)
* {{flag|Kenya}} (5)
* {{flag|South Sudan}} (2)
* {{flag|Tanzania}} (1)
* {{flag|Uganda}} (5)
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}} (2)
* {{flag|Gabon}} (1)
* {{flag|Ghana}} (18)
* {{flag|Liberia}} (1)
* {{flag|Nigeria}} (20)
* {{flag|Senegal}} (2)
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Cameroon}} (3)
* {{flag|DR Congo}} (4)
* {{flag|Republic of the Congo}} (1)
* {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}} (1)
* {{flag|Morocco}} (2)
* {{flag|Tunisia}} (1)
| valign="top"|
* {{flag|Eswatini}} (1)
* {{flag|Malawi}} (4)
* {{flag|Mozambique}} (1)
* {{flag|Namibia}} (2)
* {{flag|South Africa}} (19)
* {{flag|Zambia}} (9)
* {{flag|Zimbabwe}} (7)
|}

===Winners===

Winners of the four special Recognition Awards were announced on 23 April 2020:
*Best English Lyrics: Zinny ([[Nigeria]]) – "Little Girls Grow"
*Best French Lyrics: [[Miss Erica]] ([[Burundi]]) – "In My Heart"
*Best [[Languages of Africa|African Language]] Song: Hamza Mathcima ([[Tunisia]]) – "Samra"
*EurovisionCoverage Facebook Buzz Award: [[Miss Erica]] ([[Burundi]]) – "In My Heart"

==Participation==
;Table key
{{legend|#DCDCDC|''Withdrawn'' – Countries who have participated in the past but have withdrawn.}}

{| class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Country
! Debuting year
! Withdrawing year
! Returning year
! Number of entries in final
! Wins
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Botswana}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|-
| {{flag|Burundi}}
| 2020
|
|
| 1
|
|- 
| {{flag|Cameroon}}
| 2018
| 
|
| 5
|
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Central African Republic}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Chad}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|- 
| {{flag|DR Congo}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 2020
| 3
|
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Egypt}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|- 
| {{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}
| 2020
| 
|
| 0{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
| 
|- 
| {{flag|Eswatini}}
| 2018
| 
| 
| 3{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
| 1
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Ethiopia}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|- 
| {{flag|Gabon}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 2020
| 1{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
|
|- 
| {{flag|Ghana}}
| 2018
| 
|
| 8
|
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Guinea}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 
| 1
|
|-
| {{flag|Cote d'Ivoire}}
| 2018
| 
| 
| 3
|
|- 
| {{flag|Kenya}}
| 2020
| 
|
| 2
|
|- 
| {{flag|Liberia}}
| 2020
| 
| 
| 0{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
| 
|- 
| {{flag|Malawi}}
| 2019
| 
|
| 2
|
|- 
| {{flag|Morocco}}
| 2020
| 
| 
| 0{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
| 
|-
| {{flag|Mozambique}}
| 2018
|
|
| 2{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
|
|- 
| {{flag|Namibia}}
| 2020
| 
| 
| 0{{Ref_label|D|d|none}}
| 
|-
| {{flag|Nigeria}}
| 2018
|
|
| 8
| 1
|- 
| {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}
| 2018
| 
|
| 1{{Ref_label|C|c|none}}
| 
|- bgcolor="#dcdcdc"
| {{flag|Rwanda}}
| 2019
| 2020
|
| 1
|
|- 
| {{flag|Senegal}}
| 2019
| 
| 
| 0{{Ref_label|A|a|none}}
| 
|- 
| {{flag|South Africa}}
| 2018
| 
|
| 13
| 1
|-
| {{flag|South Sudan}}
| 2018
| 
| 
| 2{{Ref_label|B|b|none}}
|
|- 
| {{flag|Tanzania}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 2020
| 2
|
|- 
| {{flag|Tunisia}}
| 2020
| 
|
| 1
| 
|-
| {{flag|Uganda}}
| 2020
|
|
| 1
|
|-
| {{flag|Zambia}}
| 2019
| 
|
| 2
|
|-
| {{flag|Zimbabwe}}
| 2018
| 2019
| 2020
| 2
|
|-
|}

===Other countries===
The following list of countries are eligible to participate in the AfriMusic Song Contest, but so far have yet to make their debut appearance.
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
*{{flag|Algeria}}
*{{flag|Angola}}
*{{flag|Benin}}
*{{flag|Burkina Faso}}
*{{flag|Cape Verde}}
*{{flag|Comoros}}
*{{flag|Djibouti}}
*{{flag|Eritrea}}
*{{flag|Gambia}}
*{{flag|Guinea-Bissau}}
*{{flag|Lesotho}}
*{{flag|Libya}}
*{{flag|Madagascar}}
*{{flag|Mali}}
*{{flag|Mauritania}}
*{{flag|Mauritius}}
*{{flag|Niger}}
*{{flag|São Tomé and Príncipe}}
*{{flag|Seychelles}}
*{{flag|Sierra Leone}}
*{{flag|Somalia}}
*{{flag|Sudan}}
*{{flag|Togo}}
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{Div col}}
*[[Eurovision Song Contest]]
*[[ABU Song Festivals]]
*All For One Caribbean
*[[Caribbean Song Festival]]
*[[OTI Festival]]
*[[Voice of Asia]]
*[[Intervision Song Contest]]
*[[Island Africa Talent]]
{{div col end}}

==Notes and references==

===Notes===
{{refbegin}}
{{ordered list|type=a
|1= {{Note_label|A|a|none}}Senegal participated in 2019 and 2020, but did not qualify for the final in either year.
|2= {{Note_label|B|b|none}}South Sudan participated in 2019, but did not qualify for the final.
|3= {{Note_label|C|c|none}}Republic of the Congo had participated in 2019 and 2020, but did not qualify for the final.
|4= {{Note_label|D|d|none}}Participated in 2020, but was not selected for the final.
}}
{{refend}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official website|https://www.afrimusicsongcontest.com/}}

[[Category:Song contests]]
[[Category:Music festivals in Africa]]