The event provided a platform for global industry players and African creative leaders to engage and drive collaboration that grows Africa’s $50bn+ creative economy while building sustainable infrastructure and long-term value.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Entertainment Week Africa hosted Creative Connect, an intimate gathering in Los Angeles during Grammys Weekend designed to bring together senior decision-makers and Africa’s leading creative innovators.
The event provided a platform for global industry players and African creative leaders to engage and drive collaboration that grows Africa’s $50bn+ creative economy while building sustainable infrastructure and long-term value.
Convened by Darey and Deola Art Alade, founders of Entertainment Week Africa, the gathering brought together leaders across music, film, fashion, and other creative industries. Notable attendees included Shawnae Corbett, SVP of Marketing at Warner Records; Don Jazzy, Founder of Mavin Records; Tega Oghenejobo, CEO of Mavin Records; Bose Ogulu, manager of Burna Boy, and others.
Speaking at the event, Deola Art Alade, Group CEO of Livespot360, emphasised, “Creative Connect is about bridging continents, connecting decision-makers with Africa’s visionary leaders, and exploring ways to build sustainable, globally impactful creative ecosystems”.
Darey Art Alade, Chief Creative Officer at Livespot360, added: “Africa’s creative economy is brimming with talent and innovation. Our goal with gatherings like Creative Connect is to highlight these leaders and ensure that the continent’s creative story is told on its own terms with value, recognition, and sustainability at the centre”.
The event highlighted the power of strategic engagement between African creatives and international stakeholders, offering an exclusive platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Creative Connect underscores Entertainment Week Africa’s commitment to positioning Africa at the forefront of global cultural and creative conversations, amplifying the voices shaping the continent’s artistic and economic future.