On 21 February 2026, African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) welcomed the return of Talk Your Own, its open mic programme dedicated to storytelling, spoken word, music and performance. The relaunched programme provides a platform for emerging and established creatives in Lagos to present their work, exchange ideas and engage with audiences.
Talk Your Own brings together poets, writers, musicians, storytellers and performance artists in an environment that encourages experimentation and self-expression. Open to performers and listeners alike, each gathering creates opportunities for artists to share their perspectives while introducing audiences to new voices and creative practices.
First introduced as part of AAF’s public programming, Talk Your Own has returned with an emphasis on regular gatherings that connect artistic expression with wider social and personal conversations.
The 2026 editions have explored different themes through poetry, storytelling, music and spoken word. In June, The Rule I Followed Without Agreeing invited participants to reflect on inherited expectations, cultural conventions and the beliefs that shape individual choices. The theme encouraged conversations about identity, personal agency and the experience of questioning established norms.
In August, the programme introduced Talk Your Own: After Hours, a special edition conceived to celebrate six months of gatherings. Departing from the usual open mic format, the event was designed around live performances, karaoke, portrait sketching, body painting, creative games and music, creating opportunities for participants to engage with one another beyond the stage.
Through its return, Talk Your Own continues AAF’s commitment to supporting artistic development and creating opportunities for public engagement with contemporary culture. The programme provides emerging practitioners with a platform to develop their work, encounter new audiences and participate in Lagos’s wider creative community.
Artists, performers and individuals interested in participating in future editions are invited to connect with Talk Your Own on Instagram at @talkyourownishere or contact African Artists’ Foundation at info@africanartists.org. Details of forthcoming editions will be announced through the programme’s official channels.
