Luminaries who have graced the Kora stage over the years include Angelique Kidjo, Kofi Olomide, Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai, Michael Jackson, Shaggy, Rihanna, Salif Keita, Oliver Mtukudzi, Bebe Winans and Femi Kuti, amongst others.
Additionally, the Lifetime and Legendary Award recipients have seen the likes of the late Nelson Mandela, Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra, Kofi Annan and Graca Machel be awarded the Koratrophy.
Since its inception in 1996, the awards have been hosted by South Africa, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Throughout, it has maintained its status as an incredible marketing platform for African talent, and fertile ground for collaborations and partnerships among African artists.
This year, the organisers have upped the ante and have introduced a grand prize of $1 million for the ultimate winner of the African Artist of the Year category. Additionally, various category and genre winners will all take home between $25,000 and $50,000 depending on the category.
Set to take place on 13 December, 2015, at the Legacy Hotel and Resort's Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, the event will be preceded by a fashion show on 11 December that will feature six designers from across the continent.
