Algiers – On Wednesday, the Boualem Bessaïh Opera House in Algiers hosted the opening of the “CANEX Weekend 2024” (African Creative Weekend 2024), a celebration of vibrant cultural and artistic performances blending Algerian and African styles.
The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Soraya Mouloudji, Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, and attended by various dignitaries, including Mohamed Sghir Saadoui, Advisor to the President for Education, Higher Education, and Culture, along with members of the Algerian government, parliamentarians, and heads of national institutions. Also present were ministers of culture from African and Caribbean nations, members of the advisory team for the event, Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and Minata Samate Cessouma, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.
A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Sustainable Development
In her speech, Minister Mouloudji highlighted the event as a unique opportunity to showcase the rich cultural and artistic contributions of African nations. “Today, we gather to celebrate the creativity of African hands across various forms of art and cultural industries. This platform allows us to renew and strengthen cultural exchanges among the peoples of the continent,” she stated. She added that the event aims to foster dynamic thinking on African cultural policies, particularly in the face of global challenges such as sustainability.
Mouloudji emphasized Algeria’s commitment to active participation in major cultural and economic development initiatives in Africa. “Algeria is determined to play a key role in achieving shared cultural goals under the African Union’s strategy to promote African culture, strengthen values of solidarity, and spread a message of peace and coexistence,” she affirmed.
She further noted that Algeria’s political leadership, led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, continues to work towards unifying African efforts at both regional and international levels.
Read More: Mouloudji Highlights Algeria’s Efforts to Strengthen African Cooperation
Mouloudji also reiterated Algeria’s longstanding belief in the right of all peoples, particularly Africans, to freedom, dignity, and sustainable economic development, especially in light of the current conflicts and crises affecting many parts of the world.
Africa’s Cultural Potential and Economic Impact
Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah expressed his gratitude to President Tebboune for hosting this important event. “This is a crucial moment for Africa, leading up to a much larger event—the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) to be held in September 2025,” Oramah noted.
Oramah emphasized the economic importance of creative industries, pointing out that the event serves as a platform to create marketable content, generate employment, and attract African talent to cultural industries on a global scale. “Approximately 6,000 participants are expected to attend, presenting films, music, visual arts, culinary arts, literature, and more, alongside masterclasses and training programs,” he added.
Promoting Creativity and Unity through Culture
Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health and Social Development, praised the level of dialogue fostered during a roundtable discussion on the “Inclusive Creative Economy”. “We need art in all its forms to amplify our voices and realize the African renaissance by 2063. This can only be achieved through sustained collaboration and investment in our cultural heritage, creative industries, and traditional crafts,” she stressed.
A Night of Music and Art at the Algiers Opera
The opening night at the Algiers Opera offered audiences a vibrant showcase of African rhythms and melodies. The evening began with a performance by Algerian artist Djamel Laroussi, who captivated the audience with his song “Zina Bladi” and other crowd-pleasing tracks.
The stage was later graced by Kenyan singer Sofia Nzau, accompanied by a professional South African band that seamlessly blended traditional African percussion instruments with classical instruments. The night continued with performances from talented artists from Uganda and Malawi, before the spotlight returned to Algeria with Samira Brahmia, whose modern reinterpretations of Algerian folk songs enchanted the audience.
A Cultural and Economic Initiative for Africa’s Future
Held under the theme “One People, Creating for the World through Culture”, this cultural and tourism-focused event not only celebrates African creativity but also serves as a precursor to the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, which Algeria will host. The event aims to promote African creative industries and encourage the development of talent across the continent and in the African diaspora. It also fosters discussions among participants and creates new business opportunities between organizations and governments.
For more coverage of the event and future updates, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
African Creative Days, Algeria, CANEX Weekend, cultural industries, Afreximbank, African Union, intra-African trade, Samira Brahmia, Djamel Laroussi
