CANEX WKND 2024: A celebration of African creativity, cultural exchange

The music performances were a clear highlight of the event, showcasing diverse genres and talents from across the continent. Djamel Laroussi, an Algerian artist known for his unique fusion of traditional and modern sounds, captivated the audience with his intricate guitar work and heartfelt vocals. Algeria was further represented by Yasmine Haouat and Samira Brahmia, whose performances brought a modern twist to Algerian folk traditions, while Tinariwen, the legendary Tuareg band, brought their soulful desert blues to the stage, leaving a lasting impression.

From South Africa, the iconic Scorpion Kings (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa) delivered a pulsating amapiano set, bringing South Africa’s hottest music genre to North Africa. Ofense Pitse and her orchestra mesmerised the crowd with a blend of classical and African sounds, pushing the boundaries of orchestral music with vibrant performances.

Kenya’s Sofiya Nzau graced the stage with her soulful voice, delivering a powerful performance that left audiences yearning for more. Qabaniso Malewezi, from Malawi, provided a spoken word showcase that was deeply reflective, merging poetry with sound to engage the heart and mind. Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, renowned for their electrifying dance routines, delivered a high-energy performance, while Xenson, also from Uganda, brought avant-garde art and performance, blending music and visual storytelling in an unforgettable way.

Ayra Starr, Nigeria’s rising Afropop star, lit up the night with her dynamic and youthful performance. Her powerful vocals and catchy hits had the crowd dancing and singing along.

Indeed, each performance brought something distinct to the table, reflecting the diversity of African music and culture.

Workshops, discussions, and cultural engagements

Beyond the music, CANEX WKND 2024 offered a range of insightful workshops and sessions. The Visual Arts Workshop, conducted by Afropocene Studiolab director Letaru Dralega, provided a platform for emerging African artists to explore new forms of expression, while the Innovating the Culinary Landscape in Africa session, featuring Red Dish Culinary School CEO Abiola Akanji, explored how African chefs are redefining the continent’s culinary heritage with innovation and sustainability. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in Gastronomy Masterclasses, where renowned chefs from across Africa shared their expertise, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques.

The MANSA Digital Initiative session, conducted by Afreximbank’s Gamuchirai Moyo, sparked engaging discussions on how African creatives can leverage digital platforms to reach global audiences, while the Durban Filmmart Institute focused on supporting Africa’s filmmakers, offering them insights into financing, production, and distribution in the global film industry. The CANEX Music Factory was a hub for emerging musicians, offering mentorship and opportunities to network with industry leaders, while the CANEX Luxury Fashion sessions spotlighted Africa’s rapidly growing luxury fashion industry, with designers showcasing their creations and discussing how to take African fashion to the world stage.

The Africa Culture Fund Roundtable session highlighted the importance of funding in fostering the growth of Africa’s creative industries, encouraging collaboration and innovation. The event also featured a session titled Globalised Strategies for Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Protection, which explored sustainable strategies for strengthening intellectual property frameworks in emerging economies, and concluded with the launch of CANEX Creations Incorporated. Moderated by Titilayo Adebola, speakers at this session included Amadu Bah (Copyright and Related Rights Officer African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation), Mehdi Delmi (Directeur Général Adjoint ONDA), Emily Njeri Mburu-Ndoria (director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and intellectual property lawyer Angela Ndambuki.

Afreximbank’s role and high-level discussions

Afreximbank’s support of CANEX WKND 2024 was underscored by the presence of Prof Benedict Oramah, the bank’s president and chairman of the board. His courtesy call to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the event further highlighted the strategic importance of the creative industries in Africa. The two leaders discussed the objectives of CANEX WKND, emphasising the role of cultural and creative industries in boosting intra-African trade and economic growth. President Tebboune expressed Algeria’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen African unity and cultural exchange.

CANEX WKND 2024 was a resounding success, offering a platform for African creatives to showcase their talents while engaging in meaningful dialogue about the future of the continent’s cultural industries. From the captivating performances to the informative sessions and workshops, the event not only celebrated African creativity but also laid the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation across the continent. With events like these, Africa’s cultural and creative sectors are poised to play an even greater role in shaping the continent’s economic and social landscape.