As Africa’s creative economy continues to gain global recognition, creative studio OGWA Studios is expanding its investment in the people shaping the industry’s future through the second edition of its flagship masterclass, The Audacity To Be Seen (TABS) 2026.
Scheduled for August 21, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, the one-day event will bring together 65 creatives, entrepreneurs, students, and early-career professionals for an intensive learning experience focused on personal branding, storytelling, identity, and strategic visibility.
The initiative comes at a time when Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial sectors are producing exceptional talent, yet many professionals continue to struggle with one of the industry’s biggest challenges: visibility. While technical expertise remains abundant, many founders and creatives find it difficult to communicate their value, shape compelling personal narratives, and position themselves for greater opportunities.
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OGWA Studios says TABS was created to address this challenge by reframing visibility as an intentional practice rooted in authenticity rather than self-promotion. Through practical workshops and expert-led sessions, participants will learn how to define their personal brands, communicate with confidence, and build narratives that resonate within increasingly competitive industries.
The masterclass builds on the momentum of its maiden edition in 2025, which was hosted in Lagos with the support of Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB.
That inaugural gathering attracted a diverse community of creatives and professionals seeking practical guidance on storytelling and personal branding. Beyond the event itself, participants reported greater clarity in their professional identities, improved confidence in public visibility, and new collaborations that continued long after the programme concluded.
Building on those outcomes, TABS 2026 has been expanded with a more comprehensive curriculum, deeper hands-on learning experiences, stronger institutional partnerships, and wider access through sponsorship support. The organisers say these improvements are designed to ensure that talented founders, creatives, and young professionals can participate regardless of financial limitations.
The programme also reflects the growing importance of Africa’s creative economy, which continues to emerge as a major contributor to entrepreneurship, cultural influence, employment, and economic development across the continent.
At the heart of the initiative is OGWA Studios, a purpose-driven creative studio working at the intersection of storytelling, identity, culture, and representation.
Guided by its philosophy, “Authentic stories, boldly told,” the studio extends its work beyond film and media production into education, professional development, and community building. TABS reflects that broader vision by encouraging participants to view storytelling not simply as a creative discipline but as a vital component of leadership, business growth, and personal identity.
This year’s edition will feature an accomplished lineup of facilitators drawn from storytelling, media, journalism, business, leadership, wealth creation, and product innovation.
Confirmed speakers include Prosper Light, storyteller and Founder of OGWA Studios; Connor, Venture Architect; Ambassador Nimi Adegbite, Founder and CEO of Cirvee; Eefomaa Elentiya, media catalyst and presenter; Oluwaseun Ambassador, Family Office Architect and Wealth Strategist; Sam Adedoyin, journalist, influencer, and community leader; Akinyemi Akinola, Creative Director; and Tolu Adibe, Product and Project Leader. Additional speakers are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Beyond the masterclass itself, TABS 2026 is attracting support from organisations committed to strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem. The event is supported by Creativerse by Fidelity, while Crest Africa, Laerryblue Media, and Empire Magazine Africa will serve as Official Media and Community Partners.
OGWA Studios is also inviting organisations, institutions, and ecosystem builders to participate through sponsorships and strategic partnerships. Opportunities range from Supporting Partner to Lead Partner, providing brands with structured engagement before, during, and after the event while contributing to the development of emerging African creative talent.
According to the organisers, TABS is designed to become more than an annual event. It is intended to serve as a platform where founders, creatives, professionals, and emerging leaders gain the confidence, knowledge, and networks needed to build sustainable careers, scalable businesses, and globally relevant brands.
As conversations around identity, representation, innovation, and digital presence continue to shape the future of work, initiatives such as The Audacity To Be Seen highlight the growing role of African creative institutions in developing the next generation of storytellers, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders.
If the inaugural edition established the foundation, TABS 2026 signals the continued evolution of a movement dedicated to visibility, collaboration, and purposeful storytelling within Africa’s expanding creative economy.
Registration, sponsorship, partnership enquiries, and media requests can be made through ogwainsider.org or via @tabs.africa.
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