Nigerian content creator Hauwa Lawal has emphasised the role of storytelling in shaping Africa’s creative economy and projecting the continent’s identity to the world.
The 31-year old made this perspective known during a panel session titled “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive).
Speaking on the importance of narrating authentic African experiences, Lawal maintained that storytelling, particularly from the Africa, remains the foundation of her work and a powerful tool for cultural export.
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She said: “Storytelling is at the core of what I do. Our economy can only be exported if we’re able to tell our own story. As a young adult living in Nigeria, I share the reality of my everyday experiences, and people see themselves in those stories.”
The social media influencer while highlighting the need for creators to amplify genuine narratives about the continent, recalled some misconceptions she encountered about Nigeria during her university days in India where she was asked whether her country had airplanes.
Addressing how young creators can build resilient careers by blending diverse skills, Lawal explained that her own journey has involved a fusion of writing, photography, and digital marketing all anchored in her passion for storytelling.
“Writing is my first love, and I still write for screen. I took up photography out of curiosity, and digital marketing because I’m a storyteller. Creativity is beautiful because you can go in and out of things I don’t like to be boxed in,” she stressed.
Lawal further encouraged emerging African creatives to embrace their unique voices, remain adaptable, and apply their talents across different disciplines.
“Your stories are unique to you. We can’t tell the same story the same way. It’s important to own your gifts and replicate them in different spaces. That approach has worked for me, and I recommend it to others,” she added.
