NMO management recently organised a five–day Artistic Pulse Festival in Lagos, to foster a business community and promote art in an increasingly tech–driven world.

The event, which was held alongside the 11th Music Fashion Runway (MFR), provided a perfect platform for young designers to showcase their works and gain insights from peers.

Speaking at the event themed, “Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation”, the convener of the Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), Ngozi Omambala, described the programme as a dynamic meeting point for artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural enthusiasts who believe in the power of creativity to drive sustainable development.

According to Omambala, who is also the group Managing Director of NMO management as well as the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA): “The five-day Artistic Pulse Festival (APF) proudly delivered Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival, powered by a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola and recycling partner RecyclePoints, reinforcing the festival’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and social impact.”

While revealing that the festival recorded outstanding success with exclusive screenings of Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s “Road Rogue” and “Ireke: Rise of the Maroons, she added that the screenings were graced by Emmy-nominated journalist and film director, Peter Gbolahan Macjob.

Speaking on the Pan-African 11th annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR)–Legacy Edition, which was held under the theme: “Where Creativity Meets Culture,” at the Naval Dockyard, Lagos, Omambala noted that the music runway showcased innovative designers and pan-African models, celebrating heritage, excellence, and modern African creativity.

“The evening was crowned by a magical live performance by GRAMMY®-nominated Afrobeat sensation, Made Kuti, alongside legendary steel pan maestro Mighty Dow from St. Martin, with the distinguished presence of Matriarch of the Kuti Clan and Co-Founder of Lagos Island Connect, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti.

“This represented a defining highlight of the evening for the award presentation of these three distinguished individuals.

“Prestigious Game Changer Africa Acknowledgement Awards (#GCAA), which honour outstanding individuals in recognition of their extraordinary impact on Africa’s creative landscape as pioneering change-makers, innovators, and cultural torch bearers.

“Each awardee was celebrated for their visionary leadership, enduring influence, and transformative contributions to the growth and global positioning of Africa’s creative industries’’, Omambala added.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Creative and Entertainment Sector of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Obukome Ibru, commended the convener of the event for her determination, commitment and her love for the art, and for sustaining the activity in Nigeria for the past eleven years.

While stating that the event would create a positive impact in the creativity industry, Ibru said: “It is going to be a source of encouragement for the younger people that are coming up in the industry’’.

On his part, Chief Artist at the Artistic Pulse Festival, Made Kuti, described the Music Runway as an avenue for people to showcase their talents.

Made urged aspiring artists to master their craft, building a solid foundation so they can own their sound with confidence.

He emphasised the various methods by which youth can be encouraged by the government, parents, and organisations.

“Everything really depends on an individual household,d whereby the parents are open to being artistic in nature, one would have fewer issues and challenges to encounter.

“When parents from traditional families push careers like doctor, lawyer, or engineer, it can lead to kids struggling to find their true calling.’’

He therefore advised the younger ones to be serious in their studies, to be hardworking, focused, and to be more zealous in whatever they are doing in life.

On her part, Co-Founder of Lagos Island Connect, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, commended the people of Africa for discovering a bunch of new talents in various sectors of the economy, including fashion, beading, and accessories, among others.

It is interesting to note that the Pan-African 11th annual Music Fashion Runway went hybrid, featuring designers from across Africa who showcased their creativity both in person and online.