On Saturday, February 15, 2025 took place at the Lucien Paye Foundation in Paris, in front of eminent personalities the 5th edition of the Miriam Makeba trophy organized by the International Union of African Journalists (UIJA). Awarded to Dr. Hamza TAJ. A well-deserved award for this visionary entrepreneur and Franco-Pakistani media man, in recognition of his commitment to the visibility of African culture and values.

A noria of personalities
This 5th edition was held in front of a noria of personalities as prestigious as each other. The Lucien Paye Foundation on the campus of the Cité internationale universitaire in Paris has brought together a parterre of influential personalities from the diplomatic, business and media worlds. Distinguished guests included ambassadors, ministers, advisors, a former First Lady of Algeria, business leaders, representatives of political and social organizations as well as major players from the French and African media were also present.

A catalytic role
Founded in 1978, Hamza TAJ lives in France and runs eight companies and operates in the business consulting sector. In addition to his cultural commitment, Hamza TAJ holds a PhD in business administration. Also in psychology. He is also in construction, real estate, industry. It is in order to highlight this exceptional person that the UIJA awarded him the trophy this year, after Ousmane Sonko. The jury explained its choice in these words: “For this nomination to the Miriam Makéba 2025 Trophy, the jury wants to encourage the initiative of Dr. Hamza TAJ and highlight the catalytic role he has played in giving a voice to the diaspora, while creating bridges between Africa and the rest of the world.”

A tribute to Ousmane Sonko
After receiving this award, Dr. Hamza TAJ said: “It is with a heart full of emotions that I come before you to receive the Myriam Makéba prize. It is more than a personal honor, it is an appeal. A call to continue to speak out loud from a continent rich in history, struggle and hope (…)”. During this speech, Dr Hamza did not fail to praise the Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, winner of the previous edition. “Ousmane Sonko has worked with courage and tenacity to ensure that Africa speaks with one voice and above all with great pride and sovereignty. Receiving this distinction after him is a responsibility...” he said.

Dr. Hamza Taj, a media pioneer
The Miriam Makeba trophy, named after the South African icon of music and human rights activist, is awarded each year to personalities or institutions that have contributed significantly to the promotion of African culture, social justice and dialogue between peoples. For this 5th edition, the jury chose to distinguish Dr Hamza TAJ, founder of Afrik1 TV, a digital channel dedicated to Africa and its diaspora. This nomination marks a turning point in the history of the award, as it is the first time that a non-African personality has received this distinction. “It is a great source of pride for me, for France and for Pakistan,” the winner said in his speech.

Dr Hamza, the voice of Africans in France
Based in Paris, Dr Hamza TAJ founded Afrik1 TV with a clear ambition: to give a voice to Africans and their culture in the French-speaking media landscape that does not talk about Africa through wars. Through this platform, it highlights the continent’s talents, the achievements of the diaspora and the political and economic issues that shape Africa today. Dr Hamza TAJ is also behind FP92TV, the first French-Urdu digital channel in France. “Through Afrik1 TV, Dr. Hamza TAJ has created a unique media space where African diversity is expressed freely and authentically,” said the UIJA. She went even further by adding that this distinction also aims to encourage the work of this media man in favor of rapprochement between cultures.

Key word: diversity and commitment
Punctuated by artistic performances combining African music and dance, the ceremony was a true symbol of multiculturalism and dialogue between peoples. At the end of the event, Dr. Hamza TAJ reaffirmed his commitment to continue raising Africa’s colours in the international media landscape. “This award is an encouragement to continue our mission: to offer Africans and their diaspora a platform where their voices count and resonate across borders,” he said. With this distinction, UIJA promotes an open and inclusive vision of Africa. It values those who, through their actions, contribute to the influence of the continent far beyond its borders. And in this radiation, Africa is on the right side. In essence, Dr Hamza TAJ says: “Africa is first and foremost an idea, a force, a light that shines beyond continents.”

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the French Senate hosted the GIFA d’Or Awards gala. A select audience. A glam setting. On the menu: personalities from the world of media in gala attire. This ceremony, which celebrates each year personalities committed to international economic and social development, was marked by the distinction of a media man: Pheel le Montagnard.

Pheel Pambou
Born on 13 August 1977 in Mouila, Gabon, Achille Ulrich Pambou, his real name, made a name for himself in the media world under the pseudonym of Pheel le Montagnard. A name that fits well with his skin, since he never ceases to walk the mountaintop flowers of the media world. Having started his career in local Gabonese radio stations such as “Radio Mandarine” and “Radio Nostalgie”, he soon dropped off his bags at “Africa n°1” and, more recently, at “Africa Radio”. His unique style captivates. He receives many requests. Today, in addition to the journalist cap, he is a producer and organizer of shows.

Pheel Pambou, a committed pan-Africanist
This 15th edition of the GIFA d’Or, organized by GIFA LEPFIDA International, was placed under the patronage of Senator Vincent Delahaye. It is a great honour for Africa to see one of their own honoured in the French Senate. Pheel Pambou’s career has been praised as a key player in the African media landscape. Every day and at each speech, he contributes to the dissemination of African cultures by giving a voice to African artists. Since he lived in France, Pheel Pambou has been constantly promoting African culture through his programs and, in particular, his project “Africa Gospel”, a TV channel dedicated to gospel. This award reflects Pheel’s commitment to promoting Africa on a global scale and its unwavering desire to promote African values, both in the music and information fields.

Pheel’s journey, a success story
This ceremony, accompanied by musical and poetic performances, was also a gathering for opinion leaders and young entrepreneurs. Pheel the Mountain wanted to dedicate this prize his wife and children. Pheel the Mountain’s journey should encourage young Africans to devote themselves with all their heart and soul to their profession, whether in the media or elsewhere. For him, young people must “believe in themselves, empower themselves and go all the way” to achieve their dream. And most importantly, they must go beyond politics and engage in entrepreneurship.

When passion becomes a profession
Founded in 2008, GIFA LEPFIDA International promotes leadership and entrepreneurship for a more inclusive world. By honoring Pheel Pambou, the GIFA d’Or, while recognizing his talent, they want to show the activities that this man of media does in order to bring the African continent into the light. With this distinction, it is the image of Africa on the international scene that is enhanced. Implicitly, it is a call to young people to be inspired by Pheel le Montagnard, his rich experience and his unwavering commitment to Africa.

Once again, our colleague Pape Alé Niang has been arrested and placed in pre-trial detention for a few days. Accused of leaking information prejudicial to national defence and spreading fake news, he had already been imprisoned a few months ago. This time, he is imprisoned under the charge of having launched a “call for insurrection”, shortly after the arrest of the opponent Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef.

The Senegalese Press Club in France first expresses its support and compassion to Pope Alé Niang, detained since July 29, 2023, he began a hunger strike to denounce the injustice he is a victim.

We draw the attention of national and international opinion to the very precarious state of health of Pope Alé Niang. We strongly denounce his arrest as a flagrant violation of press freedom and freedom of expression.

We therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of Pope Alé Niang, whose health cannot be compatible with detention and is deteriorating day by day.

We remind the Senegalese authorities of the importance of guaranteeing citizens’ right to information and respecting democratic principles.
The Senegalese press club in France does not rule out bringing to justice the Senegalese authorities who have endangered the life of a journalist.
The life of Pape Alé NIANG is in the hands of the regime of Macky SALL!

Done at Paris, 3 August 2023
The Senegalese Press Club in France