Earlier this year, Lagos once again showed why it is called the heartbeat of Africa. The city hosted the African Creators Summit, a gathering that was as vibrant and electric as the streets that surround it. For two days, creators, storytellers, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders came together to discuss not only where Africa is today, but where it is heading in the fast-moving world of media and digital innovation.
Panels covered everything from the rise of digital storytelling and how African creators can better monetize their content, to the importance of authentic cultural narratives in shaping how the world sees Africa. Speakers included industry leaders, pioneers, and young innovators who are rewriting the rules of engagement in music, fashion, film, and online culture. There were honest conversations about the challenges too funding, visibility, and sustainability but also plenty of optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead.
What made the African Creators Summit truly special was the sense of ownership in the air. This was not an event looking to replicate global trends it was an event setting them. From the food vendors serving local flavors outside, to the breakout sessions where young creators exchanged tips and business cards, the atmosphere was rooted in culture, collaboration, and possibility.
As a media partner, I left feeling not only inspired but also reassured that our mission at One Big Cultur to uplift, document, and celebrate culture is aligned with the pulse of what’s happening on the continent. The summit reminded me that Africa’s creators aren’t waiting for validation; they are creating their own stage, their own platforms, and their own future.
By Reynolds mark