Music Africa launched the Toronto African Music Awards in November 1994 to honour the tremendous talents of our local African musicians and bring wide attention to the growth and development of African music in the city. The 5th Toronto African Music Awards was a prestigious affair held on Saturday, November 6th, 1999 at the Holiday Inn on King in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district. Hosted by MC’s Opiyo Oloya and Miss AfriCanada, Ugandan beauty Edna Kavuma, the event was a resounding success. Honoured guests included City Councillors Olivia Chow and Joe Mihivec, the Consul-General of Senegal, the Consul-General of Cote d’Ivoire, Nigerian chief Mr. N. Iroaga and Ugandan Elder Bob Mushikori along with many luminaries on the African music scene. Musical and dance acts presented throughout the evening provided exciting musical entertainment featuring top African musical talent. Talanta Children’s Group opened the show followed by Achilla Orru, Madagascar Slim, Limpani and Moloti - spontaneously joined by Lizzy Mahashe and Sibongile Nene - and, finally, Culture Force joined later by Kwesi Selassie.