Joburg meets Lagos in an AfroExchange cultural takeover

News24

02-07-2025

The summit brought together creatives from Nigeria and SA to celebrate creativity and cultural exchange.
Industry leaders such as Amahle Jaxa, Omashola Oburoh and Ayanda Mhlongo participated in panel discussions.
A concert featuring Afrobeats artists BNXN and DJ Maphorisa showcased the growing influence of African music and culture.
@citypressza
Johnnie Walker brought South Africa and Nigeria together for a cool event called AfroExchange. The two countries united through music, art, food and fashion at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand. #afroexchange #djmaphorisa #southafrica #nigeria
♬ original sound - City Press
We may beef on social media and have other issues with each other, but SA and Nigeria will always have the sibling love/hate relationship.
This was proven by the launch of the AfroExchange Creative Summit last month held in Rosebank and the AfroExchange event that took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit recently
Supplied
AfroExchange was introduced to celebrate Africa's creative spirit through creating a vibrant platform designed to explore, champion and connect African creativity. As Africa's influential countries, Nigeria and SA are brought together by art, fashion, food and music.
The intimate summit, hosted by musician and businessperson Siya 'Slikour' Metane, had a panel discussion led by content creator and businesswoman Amahle Jaxa. Omashola Oburoh, Ayanda 'Aya' Mhlongo and Austin Malema were also part of the dialogue
Mhlongo said that she worked for a global brand for a few years and added that the only way Africans could own their stories on the global stage was by participating on the global stage.
We can't expect someone sitting in an office in Sweden to tell an authentic African story compared to what an Aya would do.
Ayanda Mhlongo
'We should start focusing on the global stage because not only are we better, but we are also honest. African art transcends anything across the globe because what we do is honest and relatable everywhere,' she said.
Business owner, model and musician Oburoh said when he was growing up in Nigeria, people did not want to listen to Nigerian music, but preferred American hip-hop. However, times have changed and American artists want to feature African musicians and creatives.
'Those are people we never thought in our lifetime would ever do Afrobeats music. When you talked about African music, no one cared, but now they are more into Afrobeats,' he said.
Having lived in Lagos and Johannesburg, Oburoh said both cities had distinct vibes. He added that it made him happy to see people in SA clubs looking forward to hearing Afrobeats during a DJ set.
The artists were part of the Johnnie Walker AfroExchange event at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted by Nomuzi 'Moozlie' Mabena. Bringing electrifying energy on stage were artists such as Nigerian singer BNXN, Tito M and Yuppe, Shakes and Les, Professor, Dlala Thukzin, Banquesz and Veno, with DJ Maphorisa headlining the event.
Also featured was SA and Nigerian food, bridging the gap between the two countries, arts and merchants such as Galxboy, Xavier Zulu, Dirty Natives and Saga while others enjoyed a fashion show, whisky tasting and pairing.
Supplied
Ifeoma Agu, the group head of culture, influencer and advocacy at Diageo South, West and Central Africa, said the two countries met on four expressive pillars that shaped culture and how the world sees us – food, music, art and fashion.
As a brand deeply embedded in promoting African culture. Johnnie Walker is proud to walk alongside this generation of visionary creatives who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. AfroExchange is more than a platform; it is a celebration of cultural dialogue.
Ifeoma Agu
The date for the Lagos leg of the event is yet to be announce but Johnnie Walker's commitment to creativity will be amplified.