By JKNewsMedia
THE POWER of African stories took centre stage as CNN and Globacom celebrate the 15th anniversary of African Voices Changemakers in Lagos.
The milestone event, which held before a live audience, marked a significant chapter in the series’ legacy of spotlighting Africa’s changemakers
At the event, host Larry Madowo sat down with Nigerian Grammy-nominated singer Yemi Alade for a special taping of the show.
The lively discussion, punctuated by Alade’s live performance of her inspiring single Tomorrow, will be aired on CNN International on 30th November 2024.
Also, the celebration brought together distinguished guests, including former show contributors, cultural icons, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers.
Moreover, attendees had the unique opportunity to witness the behind-the-scenes process of filming African Voices Changemakers, engaging in thought-provoking discussions about Africa’s diverse cultural and creative expressions.
Globacom, the exclusive sponsor of the series, emphasised its commitment to amplifying African stories. Speaking on behalf of Globacom’s Executive Vice-Chairman Mrs. Bella Disu, Chief Marketing Director Ashok Israni delivered a heartfelt address.
He said, “This sponsorship is not just about brand alignment. It is a shared mission with CNN to broadcast Africa’s dreams, challenges, and triumphs to the world, ensuring that these voices are heard loud and clear.”
Phil Nelson, CNN International Commercial’s Executive Vice President, celebrated the long-standing partnership.
He also said, “Reaching 15 years is a tremendous achievement. I’m proud to celebrate this landmark moment here in Lagos with Globacom, whose support has been instrumental.
African Voices Changemakers reflects CNN’s enduring commitment to showcasing Africa’s richness, diversity, and innovation on a global platform,” he said.
The evening also underscored the role of the series in spotlighting unsung heroes and transformative figures across the continent.
Since its inception, African Voices Changemakers has profiled entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, and entertainers shaping Africa’s future.
The programme also airs special African Voices Playmakers segments, highlighting Africa’s sporting legends, as part of CNN’s flagship sports show World Sport.
Moreover, beyond traditional broadcasting, African Voices Changemakers thrives on digital platforms. It features exclusive social-first My Drive videos and a curated playlist on Apple Music, ensuring the stories resonate with global audiences across formats.
The anniversary celebration was attended by dignitaries such as Bella Disu, representing Globacom Chairman Dr. Mike Adenuga, Mrs. Omolola Akpata-Owolabi, Managing Director of OJ&T, and key representatives from CNN.
The event also featured a stellar guest list of artists and distinguished personalities from Nigeria and beyond.
The special episode commemorating 15 years of African Voices Changemakers will premiere on 30th November 2024, with subsequent airings through early December.
The schedule includes broadcasts on Saturday 30th November at 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM WAT, as well as repeat showings on 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, and 9th December.
Globacom reiterated its dedication to using the power of storytelling to champion Africa’s changemakers, aligning with CNN to celebrate the continent’s exceptional talents and innovations.
The company notes that the event shows the enduring collaboration between CNN and Globacom, with both inspiring a global audience while positioning African voices at the forefront of universal discourse.
