A new phase for African creativity: Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2022

Step into the vibrant world of African creativity as we recap the unforgettable journey of the recently concluded Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2022. From August 29 to September 3, the Landmark Event Center and the luxurious Lagos Continental Hotel played host to this awe-inspiring event that reshaped the very essence of the African creative industry.

In a momentous debut held in Lagos, Nigeria. The thriving heart of Africa's creative landscape , ACM 2022 commenced with an exclusive breakfast rendezvous at the Lagos Continental Hotel. Distinguished guests including Mr. Justin Chuma Anosike, the Honorary Consul of Namibia to Nigeria, esteemed members of the Namibian embassy, as well as other luminaries and trailblazers of the industry gathered to set the tone.

Marking the inaugural edition with grace, the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria orchestrated an intimate reception attended by industry luminaries. This event was a testament to the celebration of African ingenuity and marked the official launch of ACM. This groundbreaking platform stands as a conduit, fostering a symbiotic exchange of value between Africa's dynamic creative sector and the global stage. At its core, ACM aspires to embolden creatives, equipping them with the tools to ascend to new heights. It provides a roadmap for forging commercially successful and sustainable business models. The curtain of ACM 2022 lifted in grandeur under the guidance of Bright Wonder Obasi, the visionary Founder & CEO of High Definition Film Academy & Studio. With a captivating masterclass tailored for budding and accomplished filmmakers alike, ACM 2022 embarked on its artistic journey. This was closely followed by a panel discussion that featured the insights of luminaries such as Nicole Ackerman (Co-Founder, ACM), Chioma Ude (Founder, Africa International Film Festival), and the esteemed filmmaker Nicole Jefferson. ACM 2022 was more than an event; it was a transformative odyssey that melded innovation, inspiration, and the brilliance of African creativity. “ With this market, we are creating infrastructures for more musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, or dancers to have sustainable economic situations while doing their craft and living with their unique talents and scaling that business while taking it global ” , said Nicole Ackermann, Co-Founder, Africa Creative Market while speaking on why it was crucial to build the ACM platform.

Embark on a journey into the realm of imagination with the illustrious Grand Patron of the Africa Creative Market, the revered His Imperial Majesty (H.I.M) Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, OJAJA II, the distinguished Ooni of Ife. In a mesmerizing address at the grand breakfast held in his honor, accompanied by a distinguished foreign assembly, H.I.M Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi proclaimed that creativity knows no bounds. With the spotlight on the Africa Creative Market (ACM), he announced his unwavering commitment to propelling the creative industry forward.

Collaborative international initiatives within the expansive Africa Creative Network will be the vessel of this transformative journey. Dr. Inya Lawal, the visionary Founder of ACM, cast a spotlight on the essence of recognizing one's intrinsic value and the brilliance of their unique talents. Delving further, she underscored the significance of aligning one's life and professional purpose, a guiding principle that resonated powerfully.

The opening ceremony echoed with the insights of Mr. Karl Hala, the astute General Manager of the prestigious Lagos Continental Hotel. His perspective illuminated the profound significance of the platform, solidifying its status as an incubator of brilliance and a canvas for aspirations.

He said, “ creativity, just like civilization, always becomes richer and more colorful through exchanges and mutual learning from one another. Such exchanges and mutual learning form an important drive for talent grooming and development, leading to increased growth in the creative industry. I am optimistic that the 2022 edition of the Africa Creative Market will be a platform of global opportunities for Africa's creatives” The Africa Creative Market 2022 event also played host to the bi-annual Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Summit.

This immersive experience enveloped diverse sectors, including Film & TV, Music, Dance, Photography, and Fashion. Each realm saw industry luminaries come to life, curating exceptional encounters and pathways for creators to flourish.

With the heartbeat of creativity pulsating through its core, ACM 2022 unfolded a tapestry of offerings. The market buzzed with a Pitch Competition that ignited possibilities, Funding Sessions that unveiled avenues of support, and Panel Discussions helmed by industry sages.

Networking Sessions served as the nexus of inspiration, while Capacity Building and Training Programs conducted by maestros nurtured burgeoning talents. The runway ignited with the Fashion EVO - an avant-garde display by The YD Company, followed by a dance extravaganza by none other than Kaffy. The MTV Base Spotlight concert set the stage ablaze, featuring the fiery talents of Falz the Bad Guy. An artistic spectacle unfolded through an Art Exhibition jointly hosted by the illustrious Lagos Continental Hotel and the esteemed 543 Luxury Privé. Amidst these and many more captivating activities, ACM 2022 emerged as a beacon of ingenuity and celebration.

Diving deeper, ACM 2022 was a symphony of unity, gathering industry stakeholders beneath its wings. It also provided the ideal platform for the third edition of the Business of Photography Conference – a dynamic forum that congregated visionary minds from the photography and videography realm.

As the final curtain descended, the architects of this splendid voyage, Dr. Inya Lawal, Bada Akintunde Johnson, and Nicole Ackerman, stood at the forefront of the closing ceremony, extending heartfelt gratitude to partners, media allies, exhibitors, vendors, and every individual who contributed their dedication, time, and resources. This inaugural showcase marked the genesis of ACM ’ s journey, a boundless platform committed to ushering creatives onto the global stage through myriad avenues.