Nigeria Takes Center Stage At FAME Week Africa 2024.

Nigeria took center stage at FAME Week Africa 2024, held from September 1-7 in Cape Town, South Africa, where it was recognized as the “Country of Honour.”
This was issued in a Statement signed by the Head, Media at National Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Dennis Olufo, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

The event served as a remarkable platform for showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene, demonstrating its leadership in Africa’s creative industries.

FAME Week Africa brings together co-related events focusing on the major creative economies, namely film, television, animation, music, fashion and entertainment technology.

The Nigerian delegation at the event was led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, represented by Aisha Augie, Director General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).

“In collaboration with the FilmOne Group, Nigeria’s delegation created an expansive platform for filmmakers, animators, musicians, and other creatives to collaborate with their African counterparts. This effort is aimed not to only promote cultural exchange but also to open doors for cross-border partnerships that could accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative economy”.

“Among the highlights of the event was a panel discussion on the business of Nollywood, during which Dr. Ngozi Akande, (Director, Arts and Culture, NCAC) emphasized the tremendous growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
Also discussions include the potential for co-productions with South Africa and how intentional storytelling could help heal past rifts, including the historical solidarity Nigeria showed during South Africa’s apartheid struggle”. The Statement said.

Nigerian Role on Cultural Exchange
“Nigerian fashion also made a profound impact at the event. Renowned designer Yolanda Okereke brought Nigerian creativity to the global stage, with her unique designs captivating audiences and elevating African fashion to new heights”.
“Nigerian participation underscored the importance of fashion as a critical component of Nigeria’s cultural identity and creative industry”. The Statement explained

On Cultural Collaboration
“The conversations also delved into how Nollywood and South African filmmakers can collaborate on co-productions that showcase the best of both cultures, further enhancing African storytelling on the global stage”.

“The role of Nollywood in bridging gaps and strengthening diplomatic ties was a significant point of discussion. Intentional storytelling was positioned as a way to repair relations between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly by highlighting the role Nigeria played in supporting South Africa during its dark days under apartheid. This narrative of solidarity resonated deeply with audiences, setting a tone of unity for the continent”. The Press Release stated

“FilmOne Group, a leader in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, showcased cutting-edge innovations like 3D and IMAX technology, driving conversations about the future of African cinema.
These innovations promise to enhance audience experiences and set new standards for entertainment in Africa”.

The inclusion of such advanced technologies reflects Nigeria’s commitment to not only participating in but leading the charge for the transformation of Africa’s creative economy.

As the “Country of Honour,” Nigeria played a pivotal role in spotlighting Africa’s potential in the global entertainment industry.

The Nigerian delegation emphasized the increasing global appetite for authentic African narratives, with FAME Week providing a crucial platform to export these stories to the world. Nigeria’s creative sector has long been a global cultural export, but this event underscored the growing recognition of its significance on a larger scale.

“Nigeria’s leadership role at FAME Week Africa 2024 demonstrated the power of cultural diplomacy, by promoting Nigerian culture and facilitating international collaborations, the country positioned itself as an attractive destination for investment in the creative sector. The event solidified Nigeria’s reputation as a cultural and creative hub, capable of fostering international partnerships that have the potential to drive economic growth across the continent”.

“FAME Week Africa 2024 was a resounding success for Nigeria, reinforcing its status as a cultural and creative powerhouse in Africa. From groundbreaking collaborations and technological advancements to the elevation of fashion and film, Nigeria’s contributions to the event will have lasting impacts on Africa’s creative economy. As the

“Country of Honour,” Nigeria not only celebrated its cultural heritage but also demonstrated its pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s creative industries on the global stage”. The Statement added

Victoria Ibanga