The International Music Managers Forum (IMMF) has awarded Cameroonian music executive Divine Verkijika with the prestigious Breakthrough Award during Riyadh Music Week. Verkijika was honored alongside Nigerian industry heavyweight Asa Asika, marking a significant moment for the recognition of West and Central African music management on the global stage
The IMMF selected Verkijika for his extensive work in structuring the Cameroonian music ecosystem. As the Founder of Mutumbu, a management agency dedicated to exporting talent, and Managing Director of Lionz Muzik and Lionz Academy, Verkijika has been pivotal in professionalizing the local industry.
Key achievements cited for this honor include:
- Initiating and coordinating the “Cameroon Music Opportunity” report, providing vital data on the market.
- Managing artist Nda Chi to a Gold Medal win at the Jeux de la Francophonie.
- Guiding Princess Vinia to a nomination at the German Music Critics Awards.
In his acceptance statement, Verkijika emphasized that this award represents a collective victory for the Cameroonian music sector.
“I feel so honored to be recognized by the IMMF and its partners for this Breakthrough Award alongside incredible names across the industry,” Verkijika stated. “This trophy is not mine alone. It belongs to the resilient artists and industry professionals of Cameroon, who create magic despite the hurdles, and to the entire Mutumbu, Lionz Muzik & Lionz Academy team.”
Verkijika also issued a call to action for international stakeholders: “For us, ‘Breakthrough’ isn’t just about exporting songs and artists; but about building a resilient market infrastructure that ensures our creatives are paid fairly and stand an equal chance in the global marketplace. To every international partner: the Cameroonian stage is set. Let’s collaborate and continue to build bridges through music.”