LAGOS, Nigeria, March 19, 2026/APO Group/ —

• Imaging excellence boosts African storytelling with local narratives driving Nollywood’s global appeal
• African premiere event in Lagos, Nigeria set for 22 March ahead of Nigeria-wide cinema release on 27 March 2026

 

Canon Central and North Africa (https://Canon-CNA.com/) is fuelling the creative energy of African cinema, as its cinema cameras and lenses take centre stage in the production of the much-anticipated Nollywood music drama, EVI. An exclusive African premiere event of the film will take place on 22 March 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together select filmmakers, industry leaders, and media ahead of the film’s Nigeria-wide cinema release on 27 March 2026.

As African films gain worldwide recognition, filmmakers are increasingly turning to advanced imaging technology to deliver cinematic visuals that resonate with audiences across the globe.

The production was filmed using the Canon C400 cinema camera and professional lenses, delivering vivid colour and striking image clarity. The technology is designed to highlight the richness and natural beauty of African skin tones while meeting the demanding standards of global cinematic production. EVI demonstrates how professional cinema camera systems are enabling African directors and storytellers to produce films that rival international productions.

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said, “Canon’s cinema camera technology is helping filmmakers tell the powerful, authentic stories that make African cinema unique. Evi is a shining example of how the right tools allow creatives to capture the emotion, vibrancy, and rich visuals at the heart of African storytelling.”

Directed by Uyoyou Adia, produced by Judith Audu with Barnabas Emordi as the Cinematographer, Evi is a vibrant music drama that blends music, performance, and narrative to explore themes of identity, ambition, second chances and resilience. The film boasts a strong cast – including Osas Okonyon, Uzor Arukwe, Omowunmi Dada, Ibrahim Suleiman, Femi Branch, Ariyiike Dimples Owolagba, VJ Adams, and celebrated singer Waje – bringing the story to life with dynamic, heartfelt performances. Canon’s cinema cameras and lenses were instrumental in capturing the film’s energy and emotion, ensuring it met the high production values expected of world-class cinema.

Following the exclusive premiere event on 22 March, Evi will premier in cinemas across Nigeria on 27 March 2026, marking an exciting moment for Nollywood audiences and highlighting the growing global momentum of African storytelling.

As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint, productions like Evi demonstrate how creative storytelling combined with advanced imaging technology is helping elevate production standards and strengthen the growing impact of Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.

RABAT, Morocco, December 16, 2025/APO Group/ –The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org), Mr Mike Dada, joined leading cultural and creative industry experts from across the world to discuss the future of Africa’s cultural sector at the 3rd Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) in Rabat, Morocco.

 

The event, which took place from  December 11 to 14, 2025, was organised under the ‘High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’ and hosted by the HIBA Foundation, a cultural organisation established by the King to support the growth of Morocco’s creative economy.

 

This year’s forum brought together policymakers, investors, cultural operators, academics, and creative professionals from countries including Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec. Over four days, they examined how African countries can strengthen their cultural ecosystems and increase the economic value of their creative industries.

 

Mr. Dada, a lawyer, Public Relations Consultant and creative economy expert who represented AFRIMA and the African music sector, joined a major panel session titled “Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how can we project forward?” The conversation focused on how African countries can share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and promote cultural exchange across borders.

 

During the discussion, Mr Dada highlighted AFRIMA’s work with the African Union and how the awards platform has helped to project African music to a global audience. He also stressed the need for investment, training, and collaboration to grow the continent’s cultural industries and provide more opportunities for young creatives.

 

He said, “Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force. What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.

 

“This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent.

 

“Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music to the world, support young creatives, and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere.”

 

As part of the event, Mr Dada attended a special reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Morocco, Mr Christophe Lecourtier, on December 12, where cultural leaders interacted and explored new partnership opportunities.

 

AFRIMA is Africa’s global music awards platform established in 2014 by the International Committee AFRIMA and the African Union (AU) to celebrate, reward, and promote Africa’s diverse musical talents and rich cultural heritage globally, and its 9th Edition is scheduled to hold on January 7-11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is broadcast live in more than 84 countries around the world.