CNN, Globacom Mark 15 Years of African Voices Changemakers in Star-Studded Lagos Celebration
CNN and Nigerian telecommunications giant Globacom has announce it 15 years celebration of the groundbreaking series African Voices Changemakers with a spectacular event in Lagos.
The occasion, marked by a live taping of the show, featured a vibrant exchange between host Larry Madowo and Grammy-nominated singer Yemi Alade. The evening reached its crescendo with Alade’s performance of her hit single, Tomorrow.
The special episode, highlighting the conversation and behind-the-scenes moments, is set to premiere on CNN International on November 30.
A Celebration of Africa’s Visionaries
The event brought together a diverse array of influential personalities, including cultural icons, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and former guests of African Voices. Attendees were treated to a night of engaging conversations, live entertainment, and an intimate glimpse into the show’s production process.
African Voices Changemakers has become one of CNN’s longest-running and most impactful series, chronicling the stories of Africa’s thought leaders, creatives, athletes, and entertainers driving transformation across the continent. Special segments like African Voices Playmakers further spotlight the achievements of African sports stars, reaching audiences through CNN’s flagship sports show, World Sport.
A Multiplatform Phenomenon
The series extends beyond television, offering rich content across CNN’s digital and social media platforms. Highlights include My Drive videos and a dedicated playlist on Apple Music. Globacom remains the exclusive sponsor of the series across all these platforms.
Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President of CNN International Commercial, reflected on the milestone: “Fifteen years of programming is a significant achievement, and I’m thrilled to celebrate it here in Lagos with our valued partners at Globacom. This anniversary underscores CNN’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Africa’s diversity, dynamism, and ingenuity on the global stage.”
Globacom’s Chief Marketing Director, Ashok Israni, delivering remarks on behalf of Executive Vice-Chairman Bella Disu, emphasized the partnership’s purpose: “This sponsorship goes beyond brand alignment. It’s a testament to our shared belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Together with CNN, we’ve amplified Africa’s voices—its aspirations, challenges, and triumphs—for a global audience.”
Among the dignitaries present were Mrs. Bella Disu, Globacom’s Executive Vice-Chairman, representing Chairman Dr. Mike Adenuga; CNNIC EVP Phil Nelson; and Mrs. Omolola Akpata-Owolabi, Managing Director of OJ&T. The star-studded guest list further highlighted the evening’s significance in celebrating African excellence.
The 15th-anniversary special episode of African Voices Changemakers will air on CNN International on Saturday, November 30, offering viewers worldwide an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s stories of transformation and innovation.
