NATIVE House: Breaking the Borders of African Creativity

In partnership with NATIVE Magazine, Melanin Unscripted hosted a series of panels and an exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria with a focus on steering conversation on the new found focus on Africa as a major creative hub.

The events included:

Panel 1: The New Scramble For Africa

The New Scramble for Africa panel kicked off this series of MU x Native House curated programming. The discussion, moderated by Ivie Ani, aimed to probe at the current global demand for West African sounds. Panelists included Teezee, Chin Okeke, Olive Uche, Wale Davies, and Dipo Faloyin. Together, the group discussed the history of ‘the scramble’ in contemporary and original mid-century contexts, protecting West African sounds, and the necessity of media platforms elevating authentic narratives during this period.

Panel 2: The Migration of African Music

The Migration of African Music panel was moderated by MU founder Amarachi Nwosu. As the Black diaspora re-explores its connective threads, the import and export of African music continues to play a key role in forming bridges across cultures. The event garnered an exchange between emerging creatives and leading figures in the music industry. Panelists included Tems, WurlD, Tunji Balogun, Lawrence Burney, and Seni Saraki. Together, they discussed the ongoing migration of African sounds, the importance of online platforms in industry innovation, risk-taking, paying homage while creating a new wave, and envisioning the future of the music industry.

Panel 3: Decolonizing the Future Through Visual Art

The Decolonizing the Future Through Visual Art gallery talk was organized in conversation with The Futurists photo exhibition. Moderated by Stephanie Smith-Strickland, the panel discussed youth culture and how the visual arts play a major role in shaping the creative landscape in Africa. Panelists included Amarachi Nwosu, TSE, and Stephen Tayo.

Panelists included Tems, WurlD, Tunji Balogun, Lawrence Burney, and Seni Saraki. Together, they discussed the ongoing migration of African sounds, the importance of online platforms in industry innovation, risk-taking, paying homage while creating a new wave, and envisioning the future of the music industry.

Photo Exhibition: The Futurists

The Futurists photo exhibition showcased select works by young African photographers who challenge monolithic narratives of Africa by capturing contemporary ideas of representation that lean in toward the unscripted future.

Exhibiting artists included Amarachi Nwosu, Manny Jefferson, Stephen Tayo, Lawrence Agyei, Jerusa Nyakundi, Flo Ngala, Wami Aluko, Josef Adamu (Sunday School), Nwaka Okparaeke, and TSE.