After a landmark weekend for African creativity, Lagos is still buzzing. The city hosted two major continental events back-to-back — the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) and the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
CANEX WKND 2026, organized by Afreximbank at the newly revamped Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu, closed with a star-studded concert on November 7. Afrobeats giant Davido, Congolese sensation Fally Ipupa and highlife king Flavour headlined a lineup that included Wanni X Handi and Sabrina Francis, under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World.”Twenty-four hours later, the AFRIFF Globe Awards lit up Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Hosted by Osas Ighodaro and Keturah King, the 15th edition — themed “Frames of the Future” — saw Nollywood heavyweights Rita Dominic, Iyabo Ojo, Ini Edo, Kunle Afolayan and Odumodublvck, who premiered his TG Omori-directed short film “Rise of the Machine.”The momentum continues. The Nigerian music industry is now in Grammy watch mode, with Davido’s new album ORIADÉ, Asake, Tems and Ayra Starr all submitted for the 2027 Grammys ahead of nominations on November 16.
Meanwhile, Phyno’s 15-track album Let That Sink In, Skepta featuring Asake on Aloe Vera, and Basketmouth’s Yabasi Vol. 2 are dominating streaming charts this week.And Detty December is loading: South Africa’s Black Coffee has announced a 12-hour rave in Lagos on December 19, while Cross River State has confirmed Davido as headliner for Calabar Carnival on December 29.
Source: Vanguard News, Simpson Global Media, Rolling Stone Africa, THEWILL News