• iKON Awards held its second continent-wide iKON Activate event in Nairobi as part of its “Beyond Borders” expansion strategy.
  • The event brought together leading filmmakers from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa to promote cross-cultural film partnerships.
  • The Nairobi Activate builds momentum toward the 4th iKON Awards ceremony set for March 21, 2026, in Kampala.

The iKON Awards has held the latest edition of its iKON Activate initiative in Nairobi, Kenya, further strengthening cross-continental film collaboration as part of its rapidly expanding African engagement efforts.

The exclusive industry event took place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at The Location Rooftop. The Nairobi edition formed part of the growing continental momentum that the iKON Awards has been building across Africa.

iKON Activate is a launch initiative designed to build momentum toward the annual iKON Awards. The 2025 activities aim to unite key players across Africa’s film ecosystem, fostering collaboration and strategic partnerships. This continental expansion is guided by the “Beyond Borders” theme, which emphasises the mission of transcending national boundaries to build a unified African film industry and promote cross-cultural collaborations.

The journey began with the inaugural iKON Activate in Lagos, Nigeria, in September 2025. That first activation brought together prominent Nollywood figures including Ramsey Nouah, Chris Odeh, Majid Michel, and Damilola Adegbite.

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The Nairobi event continued this trajectory, serving as a key build-up activity to the fourth edition of the iKON Awards, scheduled for 21st March 2026 at Serena Hotel, Kampala. The session facilitated knowledge exchange and dialogue, reinforcing iKON’s strategy of transforming the awards into a regional platform that connects filmmakers from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and beyond.

Notable Kenyan filmmakers and industry stakeholders in attendance included:

  • Krysteen Savane – Director, Annos One Fine Day Arts Centre
  • Ledama Sempele – Producer & Vice Treasurer, Kenya Television and Film Professionals Association
  • Eddah Kirui – Producer & Vice Secretary, Kenya Television and Film Professionals Association
  • Toni Kamau – Director/Producer & Founder, We Are Not the Machine
  • Lwanda Jawar – Actor
  • Brian Abaja – Actor, Single Kiasi
  • Mitchelle Kimathi – Kenya Country Manager, MTV Staying Alive Foundation

“Africa’s film industry is a powerful force for employment and for allowing us to tell our own stories in our own voices. These iKON Activate activities are designed to connect those voices,” said Humphrey Nabimanya, film producer and founder of the iKON Awards.

Through initiatives like the iKON Exchange Programme, the Awards promote cross-border collaborations, such as enabling Ugandan actors to feature in Nollywood productions. A recent milestone was the signing of an MoU in September 2025 with Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr. to appear in the Nigerian drama film Dambe.

iKON Awards Producer Usama Mukwaya emphasised that the Awards’ expanded continental footprint is opening doors for richer dialogue and innovation within Africa’s creative industries.

About the iKON Awards

The iKON Awards is an annual Ugandan Film and Television celebration that recognises creativity, excellence, and innovation within the country’s film and creative sector. The awards honour outstanding talent, projects, and contributions that elevate the industry both locally and internationally.

For more information, visit the official website: theikon.org/awards.

Contact Details

  • Patience Ahumuza – PR, Communications & Marketing Manager, Sauti Plus
  • Tel: 0782-724-724
  • Email: patience@sautiplusmediahub.com