With the theme ‘Bridging the Gap, Nurturing the Future’, the six-day event, which was held recently in Lagos was attended by professionals and experts across and beyond the continent from different sectors.
The event offered a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals and experts, providing a blueprint for establishing sustainable business models and igniting creativity across the continent.
The event which is in its second edition featured a vibrant tapestry of panel discussions, keynote speeches, seminars, master classes, creative sessions, others was targeted towards nurturing and propelling the future of creativity on the African continent.
The curtain was raised on this journey at a private reception hosted by the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria with a convergence of industry luminaries and visionaries.
In his address at the gathering, the U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens, brought an international perspective to the event, recognising the global significance of African creativity in music, film, fashion, and the arts. He emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between African creativity and the world stage, demonstrating his country’s commitment to supporting African creatives. He said: “Africa has assumed a prominent role in the global entertainment landscape, with Nigeria at its core.
The United States wholeheartedly supports creative talent in Africa and is dedicated to offering platforms for their economic growth. That is why we have joined hands with Africa Creative Market.”
In his keynote session on intellectual property and the protection of creative rights, Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Ramin Toloui, underscored the importance of regulatory frameworks to encourage innovation and creativity.
Speaking at the event, the visionary Co-founder of ACM, Dr. Inya Lawal, who demonstrated her dedication to empowering the creative sector and emerging talents seeking their place in the sector, said, “By bringing together artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs from across the continent, we create a platform for networking, collaboration, and exposure through ACM. This, in turn, helps in fostering innovation, economic development, and job creation within the creative sector in Africa.”
While remarking in a musical sub-segment, ACM Co-founder Bada Akintunde-Johnson, who is also the Country Manager at Paramount Africa, stressed the importance of the music industry in Africa and ACM’s role in shaping the future for creatives across the continent.
Founder of the HOW Foundation and WIGWE University, Herbert Wigwe, contributed valuable insights on protecting inventions and creations, emphasising the role of universities and research institutions in assisting creatives with intellectual property matters.
Also speaking, Intellectual property lawyer Nabila Aguele, a former Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister for Finance, Budget, and National Planning, hammered on the importance of intellectual property enforcement for sustainable development in the African creative sector. She urged African countries to prioritise the creation and improvement of a robust intellectual property framework, safeguarding the rights of creators and fostering financial growth within the industry. “We, as African nations, need to make it a top priority to advocate for the development and enhancement of a strong intellectual property framework. This framework should safeguard the rights of creators and drive economic prosperity within our creative industry.”
In a two-day workshop session for aspiring and established music arts, Nigerian Vocalist, Yinka Davies who go attendees to delve into ways of unlocking their potential, fostering connections with fellow creatives, and immersing them in a wellspring of endless inspiration, emphasised the importance of humility in the creative process.
The final day of ACM 2023 featured legendary dancer Kafayat Shafau (Kaffy), who led a practical workshop on the art of commercial choreography and Afro-dance expression. She spoke on how creatives in the dance space can upscale their talents while embracing the artistry of movement. A panel discussion, featuring Iyabo Ojo, Daniel Grey-Leonge (Drey Beatz), Bunmi Olunloyo, and Wale Rubber, addressed key issues in the creative dance industry, including the impact of social media, managing societal expectations, and creating value as a creative.
Other distinguished speakers and panelists at ACM 2023 included Obi Asika, Yvonne Victor-Olomu, Kola Oshalusi, Emmanuel Tarfa, Chigul, Sam Dede, Malikat Rufai, Ijeoma Onah, Connie Aluoch, Dedren Snead, Busola Komolafe, Davidson Oturu, Similoluwa Oyelude, Professor Bankole Sodipo, Ibukunoluwa M. Adebara, Temilola Muyiwa-Ajayi, Fifehan Osikanlu, Faith History, Gbolade Okeowo, Nicole Asinugo, Agnes Soyode-Johnson, Beverly Naya, Ayomide Dokunmu, Adeniji Adedeji, Susan Younis, and a host of other experts and thought leaders.
