The organisers of a new awards show launched this weekend, say they hope to honour African excellence and in so doing, build pride among its people during these difficult times.

The OneAfrica Awards, a seven-part series, showcases individuals whose work enriches solidarity, social cohesion, and the economic advancement on the continent.

According to Ebrahim Rasool, co-founder of OneAfrica alongside partner Majota ‘Phat Joe’ Kambule, the awards provide an important rebuttal of afro-pessimism and intra-African conflict which has needlessly held us back in previous eras.

Rasool adds that, amidst the unprecedented turmoil brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and global recession, now more than ever it is important that we work together to heal and grow the continent – as well as acknowledging those whose work enriches communities and fosters social solidarity.

Rasool is available to talk about the aims of the awards and how they have selected the winners who have achieved excellence in entertainment, media, health, education, sustainability, traditional knowledge, and sports.

“We want to acknowledge our African champions for their enormous, selfless efforts in raising the bar in every aspect of modern life, and whose excellence allows us to know, love and understand one another as Africans.

“Ultimately, we can only embrace what we love, can only love what we understand and only understand what we know. The OneAfrica Awards are an attempt to let Africans know, love and understand each other,” says Rasool.