Entertainment Week Africa Returns to Lagos for Fifth Anniversary, Expands Music Business Opportunities

Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) is set to return to Lagos from November 17 to 22 for its fifth anniversary edition, marking five years of fostering collaboration, innovation and business growth across Africa’s creative industry.

The 2026 edition, themed “Five Years of Closing the Gap,” will spotlight the continued development of Africa’s music ecosystem by creating practical opportunities for artistes, producers, songwriters, publishers, record labels, distributors, investors and other stakeholders to connect, collaborate and grow their businesses.

Organisers say this year’s event will move beyond discussions and networking to function as a dynamic marketplace where music professionals can access funding, secure strategic partnerships, explore distribution opportunities and establish cross-border collaborations. The goal is to strengthen the commercial side of African music while increasing its global competitiveness.

With African music enjoying unprecedented international recognition, EWA 2026 aims to position itself as a platform that transforms creative talent into sustainable businesses. The event is expected to attract delegates from more than 18 African countries, creating a truly pan-African environment where creators, entrepreneurs and investors can exchange ideas, build partnerships and unlock new opportunities.

Since its launch, Entertainment Week Africa has evolved into one of the continent’s most influential creative economy platforms. Across its first four editions, the event has welcomed more than 67,800 participants, reflecting its growing importance within Africa’s entertainment landscape.

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The 2025 edition alone recorded 28,683 registered pass holders, hosted 20 live music showcases, and generated over 800 million digital impressions, underscoring the rising global appeal of African music and the demand for platforms that bridge the gap between creativity and commercial success.

This year’s programme will feature initiatives such as the EWA Music Market, Deal Room, Capital Desk and Creative Connect, all designed to provide artistes and music entrepreneurs with direct access to record labels, publishers, distributors, investors, global brands and international platforms. These initiatives are expected to help participants secure investment, expand their networks and grow their careers beyond local markets.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Deola Art Alade, Convener of Entertainment Week Africa and Group CEO of Livespot360, said the organisation remains committed to creating systems that convert Africa’s creative potential into long-term economic value.

According to her, African music has become one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports, and EWA exists to ensure that the creators behind its global success have greater access to funding, industry knowledge, partnerships and international markets.

Also speaking, Darey Art Alade, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Livespot360, stressed that the future of African music extends beyond producing hit songs. He noted that the industry’s long-term success depends on building sustainable careers, strengthening the business infrastructure behind creative work and encouraging collaboration across African borders.

As Entertainment Week Africa celebrates its fifth anniversary, organisers believe the event will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy by connecting talent with enterprise, investment and global opportunities.