Showbiz101 2026 set for Lagos

Organised by bridgeAFRIC in partnership with Qtaby Events, the week-long programme will be held under the theme Connecting African Creatives Globally and is expected to bring together artists, producers, managers, publishers, executives, investors and other industry stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora.

Among the artists scheduled to participate are Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Phina and Ayanne. The programme will feature music camps, masterclasses, collaborative recording sessions, networking events and a tour of Lagos. Discussions are expected to focus on contracts, copyright, music publishing, branding, digital visibility, distribution, financial sustainability and alternative revenue streams within the entertainment sector.

Workshop sessions will be hosted at Alliance Française Lagos, while music creation activities will take place at a private creative residence equipped with multiple recording studios and collaborative workspaces.

Speaking ahead of the event, Phina said the programme offers opportunities for artists to build international networks and strengthen their understanding of the business side of the music industry.

“As a female artiste from Tanzania, we don’t often get the opportunity to collaborate or meet with artistes from other parts of the world, and this project not only teaches us how to structure the business side of music, but also gives a chance to connect with artistes from different countries,” she said.

According to Victoria Nkong, Showbiz101 was established to address challenges facing creatives, including limited access to mentorship, professional development and international industry networks.

“Despite the global rise of Afrobeats, most African creatives still lack access to mentorship and practical education on how to structure their career professionally, also the right network to help them break into new territories,” Nkong said.

Mental health and wellbeing will also form part of the programme, with organisers planning to provide complimentary wellness assessments and psychological support services. The initiative aims to address issues such as burnout, work-related pressure and mental health awareness within the creative sector.

A key feature of this year's programme will be the female-focused Amplify Her initiative, organised in partnership with Institut Français in Paris. The programme is designed to support 10 female creatives through mentorship, financial literacy training, wellness support and studio collaborations across Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana.

Nkong said the initiative seeks to address gender disparities within the creative industries.

“Women struggle to get the same opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts in the creative industry. So initiatives like Amplify Her facilitate access for women and help close the gap between female creatives and their male counterparts, while availing them the knowledge and skills required to handle the pressures of being a female creative,” she said.

Founded as a virtual platform in 2020, Showbiz101 expanded into physical events in 2023 and has since hosted programmes in several African countries. Organisers say the platform has facilitated collaborations between artists from Africa and the diaspora while providing networking and educational opportunities for creative professionals.

The organisers are also seeking partnerships with companies operating in sectors including hospitality, aviation, travel, fashion, beauty, lifestyle and media.