CANEX 2026: Artists With Disabilities Showcase Talent At Lagos Exhibition

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are participating in creative skills training, music sessions and discussions on Africa’s creative economy at the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) in Lagos.

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with Discovering Ability (DADI), revealed that participating artistes were actively involved in activities on the second day of the event, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre, Lagos, under the theme, “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World”.

According to the commission, their participation was “not symbolic”, but provided opportunities for them to learn, create, collaborate and contribute to the continent’s growing creative economy.

Among the participants was Nnamdi Maxwell, a person with disability, who attended masterclasses on storytelling, artificial intelligence and other creative skills, gaining exposure to emerging technologies and opportunities in the sector.

Maxwell said he was thrilled to showcase his skills at such a major event, adding that the experience had strengthened his confidence in his abilities.

The commission further noted that another of its candidates, Daniel, who is blind, participated in a music hub masterclass alongside Samuel, a person with physical disability, demonstrating the potential for accessible music education and creative collaboration.

Also at the policy and investment level, Lawrence Idemudia, the director of social integration at the commission, who is deaf, and Karo Bulus participated in the CANEX Summit, where discussions focused on the creative economy, investment and cultural policy.

The NCPWD said the participation reflected its commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to opportunities in the creative industry.

“Their successful participation reinforced the commission’s core message: Disability should never be a barrier to creativity, learning, professional growth, or meaningful participation in Africa’s cultural and economic development investment, recognition, and learning,” it said.

It stressed that “opportunities must be accessible”, adding that persons with disabilities could “rise, create and lead” when given the necessary support and platforms.

The commission also said the event provided participants with opportunities to build networks, explore international collaborations and develop their professional capacities.

The programme brought together stakeholders in Africa’s creative industries, providing a platform for skills development, investment, partnerships and the promotion of African cultural products.