The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, welcomed the CEO of Empire Publishing and Distribution, Mr. Ghazi Shami, along with his team, in a strategic meeting at her office in Alausa, Ikeja.
The discussion centered around forging partnerships aimed at enhancing the Creative Industry within Nigeria, with a particular focus on building local capacity, identifying and nurturing talent, and improving production, distribution, and management processes in music.
This initiative represents a significant step toward facilitating a Cultural Exchange Program between the United States and Nigeria, which will primarily target the music sector and music education.
The collaboration aims to foster a rich dialogue and share best practices in the arts, providing Nigerian artists with access to international expertise and resources.
One of the key highlights of the partnership is the establishment of a Music Academy, which will be developed in conjunction with esteemed institutions in the United States.
This academy is envisioned as a hub for talent training and skill development, aiming to equip aspiring musicians and producers in Nigeria with the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive global market.
Through this collaboration, both nations hope to create a vibrant music scene that celebrates and promotes culture while opening avenues for international engagement and cooperation in the creative arts.
However, the state is preparing to host a talent hunt created to foster and enhance skills throughout the creative sector.
This initiative aims to identify and nurture emerging talents, creating a strong channel of creative professionals essential for the Tourism, Culture and Arts industry’s growth and diversity.
The event is expected to be transformative, showcasing individual skills while promoting collaboration and inspiration within the creative community.
