On March 19, 2026, Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) brought its Creative Connect series to London for its second edition, gathering a powerful mix of investors, industry leaders, and cultural operators shaping the future of the global creative economy.
The event, hosted by co-founders Darey Art Alade and Deola Art Alade of Livespot360, created a space for meaningful conversations, cross-border collaboration, and high-level networking across music, film, tech, and business.
Held during a significant diplomatic moment, the first Nigeria-UK state visit in 37 years, the timing of the gathering added deeper context. With Bola Tinubu hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, the event positioned culture as a parallel force shaping international relationships. In many ways, EWA Creative Connect became the cultural extension of that moment, highlighting the growing influence of Nigeria’s creative sector on the global stage.
The room reflected that vision. Attendees included key figures across government, media, and business, such as Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade; Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State; Samori Gambrah of Diageo; Ridwan Olalere of LemFi; Agnieszka Moody from the British Film Institute; Bukola Akinsete of Adobe; Nathan Adabadze of Media Finance Capital; Peter Alfred-Adekeye of Boom; Tobi Adeniyi of Unilever Nigeria; Anita Borishade of First Portfolio; and Riki Bleau of Since 93, among others.
At its core, EWA is built to spotlight and accelerate Africa’s creative industries globally, sitting right where culture meets commerce and influence. Creative Connect extends that mission by offering a more focused environment for senior-level dialogue and partnerships that can shape the next phase of the industry.
The series itself is already gaining momentum. It first launched earlier this year in Los Angeles during Grammy Awards weekend, and the London edition marks its second stop, firmly placing it on the global cultural calendar.
Speaking at the event, Deola Art Alade highlighted the intention behind the timing:
“We’re in a moment where Africa’s relationship with the world is being redefined through culture. Bringing Creative Connect to London this same week wasn’t by chance. Culture often moves ahead of diplomacy, and our role is to make sure the right people are in the room when those conversations happen.”
Adding to that, Darey Art Alade emphasized the bigger picture:
“The creative economy is one of the most powerful forces right now, but talent alone isn’t enough. It takes investment, access, and strong relationships. Creative Connect exists to bridge that gap. London was a clear statement of intent, and this is only the beginning.”
As the platform continues to grow, EWA Creative Connect is positioning itself as more than just an event; it’s becoming a key meeting point for those shaping the future of Africa’s place in the global creative economy.
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