BY IRIBHOGBE BUKUNOLA MONSURAT
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to supporting and collaborating with stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industry, both within the state and across the diaspora, to further strengthen the sector’s ecosystem.
The Commissioner gave the assurance on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the opening of the Entertainment Week Africa (EWA), held at the Livespot Entertarium, Ikate, Lekki. The week-long event runs from November 18 to 23, taking place across multiple venues, including Livespot, Eko Hotel and Suites, EbonyLife Place, and Alliaco.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that Lagos remains a vibrant hub of artistic and cultural expression all year round, far beyond the popular “Detty December” season.
According to her, the state has consistently provided the enabling environment and support for individuals and organisations whose initiatives align with the government’s vision for a thriving creative economy.
She added that the positive impact of government interventions in the sector is evident in the increasing number of successful creative projects and platforms emerging from Lagos.
The Commissioner commended the founder of Entertainment Week Africa, Mrs Deola Art-Alade, for her visionary leadership and dedication to building a global platform that showcases African creativity.
She emphasised the importance of mentorship in nurturing rising talents and applauded the evolution of the event from Entertainment Week Lagos to the more expansive Entertainment Week Africa.
Speaking on the rebranding, Mrs Deola Art-Alade described the new identity as a bold commitment to a new era of African creativity. “This is more than a name change; it’s a recognition that Africa’s talent, culture, and business are all connected and deserve a unified platform,” she said. “Entertainment Week Africa is where this vision becomes reality, bringing together fans, creators, and innovators in one immersive experience.”
Art-Alade highlighted key components of the event, including the EWA Content Festival and the EWA Music Camp. The Content Festival offers filmmakers and film lovers an opportunity to engage with new African films, attend screenings, premieres, and workshops, and explore avenues for showcasing their work. The Music Camp convenes emerging producers, songwriters, and sound engineers in a week-long collaborative studio session aimed at creating original music for global audiences.
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mr Darey Art-Alade, added that EWA’s professional programmes, including the Content Market and Creators’ Hub, are designed to deliver real-world opportunities for creatives.
He noted that application details for participation would soon be announced on the event’s official social media channels.
Building on the legacy of Entertainment Week Lagos, EWA is positioning itself as Africa’s premier destination for creative professionals seeking collaboration, inspiration, and future-shaping ideas. The event also aims to nurture the next generation of African talent by embedding opportunities for learning, employment, and community development into its core activities.
As Africa’s creative economy continues to expand, stakeholders agree that platforms like EWA are critical in harnessing the continent’s creative potential and projecting its cultural influence globally.