The Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2026) is set to take place from November 5 to 8 in Lagos, Nigeria, with a star-studded lineup of African musicians. Fally Ipupa, a renowned Congolese artist, will perform alongside Nigerian music icons Davido and Flavour. Other artists scheduled to perform include Sabrina Francis, Cali-Ber Tha Grime, and the duo HANNI X WANDI. This diverse lineup reflects the event's goal of showcasing Africa's rich cultural heritage.
The CANEX WKND 2026 event is organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program, in collaboration with the Nigerian federal government, the African Union Commission, and the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event aims to revitalize exchanges, mobilize investments, and foster partnerships in the African creative sector. The program features a wide range of activities, including music performances, exhibitions, masterclasses, film screenings, professional networking sessions, and thematic debates.
Fally Ipupa's participation in CANEX WKND 2026 is a significant milestone in his career, further solidifying his presence on the international music scene. As one of the leading figures in African music, Ipupa's performance is expected to draw a large audience. His inclusion in the event's lineup demonstrates his influence and appeal across the continent. The event's theme, "One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World," highlights the importance of unity and cultural exchange in the creative industry.
The CANEX WKND 2026 event is expected to attract a diverse range of participants, including artists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and professionals from the cultural and creative industries. The event will provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. With its focus on promoting African culture and creativity, the event aims to contribute to the growth and development of the continent's creative sector.
The previous edition of CANEX WKND, held in Algiers, Algeria, in 2024, was a huge success, attracting nearly 4,000 participants from 81 countries. The event facilitated business deals worth over $540 million. Afreximbank has announced a financial commitment of $2 billion to support the development of Africa's cultural and creative industries from 2024 to 2027. This significant investment demonstrates the bank's commitment to promoting the growth of the creative sector.
The CANEX WKND 2026 event will feature a range of activities, including exhibitions, masterclasses, and film screenings. These activities will provide opportunities for participants to engage with each other, share knowledge, and learn from industry experts. The event will also provide a platform for investors to connect with creative entrepreneurs and explore business opportunities.
Fally Ipupa's performance at CANEX WKND 2026 is a testament to the event's growing importance as a platform for promoting African culture and creativity. With its diverse lineup of artists, range of activities, and focus on promoting unity and cultural exchange, the event is set to make a significant impact on the African creative sector.
Key points
- Fally Ipupa will perform alongside Nigerian artists Davido and Flavour at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.