African talents from across the continent and diaspora will converge to Algeria when the 2024 Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) returns in October.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) partnered with the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the government of Algeria to host this year’s event in Algiers from Oct 16-19.
“CANEX WKND 2024 represents a pivotal moment for creative and cultural industries in Global Africa to showcase their talent and thrive,” said Afreximbank’s Executive VP Kanayo Awani.
“By bringing together diverse talents from across the continent and diaspora,” she said, “we’re also building a robust ecosystem that will propel African culture onto the global stage.”
The event seeks to build on the successes of the previous events, most recently CANEX at IATF2023 that was held in Cairo.
The 2023 edition hosted over 21 live performances, 115 industry-leading speakers and experts, 13 masterclass sessions, and an awe-inspiring fashion show in Cairo. Attendees also enjoyed a high-energy music concert, exciting gastronomical showcases and a vibrant marketplace and exhibition center.
This year, the organizers say it will further develop conversations and provide even more business to business and business to government opportunities through the four-day gathering.
Music factory, concert, fashion Show, art exhibition and gastronomy showcase are part the CANEX WKND 2024 set to be held under the theme: “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”.
The gastronomy showcase will see a special appearance by some of the most celebrated chefs from Africa and the Diaspora. They are expected to bring their stories, expertise, and mouthwatering recipes to life weaving the rich tapestry of African culture into every dish they create.
In the CANEX Music Factory, hundreds of songwriters and beatmakers are expected to converge at the live recording studios within the heart of the CANEX Exhibition. An album featuring songs recorded during last year’s Music Factory is scheduled for launch.
The organizers say the Music Concert will take the audience on a rhythmic journey across the continent, featuring some of Africa’s groundbreaking artists such as the Scorpion Kings, Qing Madi and the soulful Sofia Nzau.
Meanwhile, 10 of the most innovative and bold designers from across Africa and the Diaspora will unveil their collections in the fashion show while the Art exhibition will display a visual art installation featuring the works of iconic artists along with emerging talents.
The business-to-business exhibition area designed for creative brands and organizations will offer opportunities to sell to international buyers.
Algiers will also host a Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa to celebrate literary excellence from the continent, and a Shorts Awards Ceremony to recognize outstanding achievements of young filmmakers in short-form content creation.
