Sony Alpha Festival Naija unites creators at the “Art Connects” event

This year’s theme highlighted the evolving dialogue between traditional and modern artistic expressions, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary creativity. Sony Alpha Festival served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and community building, attracting hundreds of participants from across the country.

The Lagos edition featured an engaging panel session that sparked insightful conversations on how creators can stand out in a crowded market. Distinguished panelists shared their experiences and perspectives, including renowned creatives and industry leaders like Moses Babatope, Founder and Group CEO of The Nile Media Entertainment Group; Tochukwu Macfoy (Dr Foy), Writer and Speaker; Ill Bliss, Rapper and Actor; Omowunmi Dada, Actor, and Jokotade Shonowo, Photographer & CEO, PoshClick. These discussions emphasized the crucial role of personal branding while adapting to modern trends.

The masterclasses in Lagos offered hands-on learning experiences facilitated by leading industry professionals like the legendary and award-winning Kelechi Amadi Obi who spoke on adapting and staying relevant as a creative in a fast-paced world. Commercial and product photographer, Debayo Rotilu, also graced the stage with a live product demonstration, as well as filmmakers, Tolulope Ajayi and Pindem Lot Ibrahim, who shared a dynamic and interactive presentation on mastering cinematic storytelling with Sony’s cinema line cameras and top of the line lenses.

A significant highlight in Lagos was the PitchIt contest in partnership with Amaka Studios, which provided a platform for emerging creatives to present their innovative projects. Five finalists were selected from numerous entries to present their creative concepts. These included:

After an impressive round of presentations, Fred Otueze Jr. emerged as the winner with his project, “Bus Stop Stories,” an initiative transforming bus stops into cultural hubs that celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage and community narratives.

Abuja was not left out, as there were masterclasses facilitated by Henry Oji aka Big H Studios, and wedding photographer, Nicole Adehi, giving participants the unique opportunity to interact directly with Sony’s cutting-edge Alpha series equipment, enhancing their technical knowledge and creative capabilities.

A highlight of the festival was the interactive creative sets, where attendees could experiment with different themes and scenarios, capturing stunning visuals and pushing their creative boundaries. Live demonstrations by seasoned professionals showcased the practical applications of Sony’s latest innovations, inspiring attendees to reimagine their artistic potential.

Sony Alpha Festival 2024 was made possible through the support of key partners, including Business of Photography Networks, M.Inc Public Relations, Nescafe, Amaka Studio, Trax Apparel and Best Premium Spirits. Their collaboration underscored a shared commitment to nurturing Africa’s creative talent.

Sony Alpha Festival 2024 emphasised the powerful connection between creativity and commerce. By fostering collaboration between established and emerging creatives, the event contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. It provided a valuable networking platform, facilitating connections between artists, industry stakeholders, and potential business partners. Furthermore, the festival celebrated Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, promoting a sense of pride and identity among participants. It highlighted how technology can be a tool for preserving and amplifying African stories, bridging generational and cultural divides.

Speaking on the success of the festival, Bukola Oloyede – Demand Creation Specialist, Sony MEA (Digital imaging), stated:

“Sony Alpha Festival Naija 2024 has been a remarkable celebration of creativity and innovation. We are proud to support Nigeria’s vibrant creative community and provide the tools and inspiration needed to shape the future of art and storytelling. This festival is a testament to the incredible talent in Africa, and we look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment and collaboration.”

As the curtain falls on Sony Alpha Festival 2024, the impact of this event will continue to resonate within the creative community. By empowering local talent and fostering innovation, Sony reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth and evolution of the African creative industry.

For more information about the Sony Alpha Festival and future events, please visit Sony Alpha Universe. Connect with @sonyalphanigeria on Instagram

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