Events

Sanwo-Olu Pledges Support for Africa’s Creative Economy at AFRIMA

Published

8 months ago

January 13, 2026

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlights Lagos as Africa’s creative hub at AFRIMA, supporting talent, investment, and economic growth in music and culture

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading hub for creative and cultural enterprise.

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Speaking at the 9th All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, on Sunday, the governor said Lagos remains the engine room of Africa’s creative economy.

“Lagos State’s engagement with the creative and cultural industry is strategic and deliberate. Music is not just entertainment; it is economic infrastructure,” Sanwo-Olu said. He emphasised the state’s investment in skills development, creative hubs, and digital infrastructure to convert talent into sustainable careers.

The governor highlighted collaboration with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, noting that national policies recognise the creative sector as a driver of economic diversification, youth employment, and global competitiveness.

“Platforms like AFRIMA move African music beyond celebration into structured economic opportunity. Lagos’ commitment remains clear: to deepen investment, expand opportunities, strengthen institutions, and secure its position as Africa’s creative and cultural capital,” he said.

The awards night saw Nigerian stars excel, with Rema winning Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB/Soul.

Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Yemi Alade claimed Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary.

Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration with Burna Boy.

Also read: Edo Community Leaders Call for Profiling of Fulani Herdsmen Amid Rising Insecurity

Phyno won Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, Chella was African Fans’ Favourite, and Qing Madi received Most Promising Artist of the Year.

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Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

5 days ago

September 2, 2026

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”