As a multihyphenate, entertainer and entrepreneur, Nick Cannon joined the list of speakers for the Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit in Botswana in May. The American actor, rapper and television host, popularly known for his Wildstyle Battles on the comedic MTV-VH1 hit show Wild ‘n Out, spoke to FORBES AFRICA in the country’s capital Gaborone about how he is looking forward to contributing and being a part of the rapid rise of Africa’s creative economy.
Q. When we contrast the creative economy in the U.S. with that of Africa, there’s significant disparity. Given your extensive expe-rience in the industry and lessons learned, what message would you give the youth to further develop the sector in Africa?
A. To know that there are no limits. The world, [because of] technol-ogy, is truly at your fingertips. Something can go viral from Botswana just as quickly as something can go viral from New York City. And that’s true equality and equity right there. To know that the beauty of everything right now, from business to entertainment, is that it’s an even playing field. Because one, there’s so much more opportunity here in Africa, there are so many more people, there’s so much more energy, and then realizing that the world feeds off that. So, I truly believe this is the place everyone needs to be and should desire to be.
Q. You’re a businessman and creative at the same time. Are you looking to invest in Africa?
A. Yeah truly, I mean, being here in itself is investing my time. But just to know what to invest in, and to know that there are so many opportunities. There are already some great conversations, there are some intricate business dealings [that] hopefully [get] turned into some true business.
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Q. What are your thoughts on Africa’s music scene?
A. There’s no real movement that’s as electric as the movement go-ing on here in the continent. Some of the biggest songs and biggest artists right now are from Africa. There are so many different styles, obviously, there are various countries that have their own vibes, their own flow, and to know that it’s all coming together, is actually really exciting.
Q. Are we going to see a collaboration of yours with African artists?
A. I hope so. I’ve actually done a few records that we are yet to put out; songs with some pretty high-profile people. But I’ve always struggled with even dedicating myself to being an artist because I like being behind-the-scenes of the music industry a little bit more than actually being in the front and it’s probably just my insecurities being a musical performer, but I’m excited about some of the things that I do have coming up.
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