Why I’m building a system where creatives can thrive, by Oluwa Ican

For Paschal Ikenna aka Oluwa Ican, the work goes far beyond putting together events or managing talents. The Benin City-born creative entrepreneur has, over the years, carved a niche for himself by building platforms designed to give emerging artists structure, visibility and a sense of direction.

Soft-spoken but deliberate, Ican comes across as someone who has spent time studying both people and process. Away from the lights and applause, he describes himself as reflective, constantly assessing impact and refining his approach. That mindset, he says, is what drives everything he does publicly.

Growing up in a family of seven in Benin City, he learnt early that opportunities are rarely handed out. According to him, the experience shaped his thinking, pushing him to not only pursue personal success but also create pathways for others.

“I didn’t grow up with abundance, so you learn quickly how to make things happen,” he said, noting that the environment built his resilience and sense of responsibility.

His journey into the creative space appears to be a blend of two strong influences at home. While his mother exposed him to the vibrancy of events and human interaction, his father instilled discipline and structure—two elements he now considers central to his work.

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That balance, he explains, is what allows him to move beyond one-off events into building sustainable platforms.

Though he studied Mechanical Engineering, Ican admitted there was a defining moment where he had to choose between a conventional career path and a more uncertain creative pursuit. He chose the latter, but with a clear strategy. “Passion without structure can fail, and structure without passion can feel empty,” he said.

Today, that philosophy underpins his growing portfolio, including initiatives like Thewirelessgig, BlackArts Entertainment and GivingBackToArt, all of which are geared towards nurturing talent and strengthening creative communities.

Despite the visible success of his platforms, he is quick to point out the unseen challenges, financial risks, sleepless nights and the constant pressure to deliver.

“There are moments when things don’t go as planned, but you have to keep pushing,” he said.

Ican also recall periods in his early career when he felt overlooked, experiences he says ultimately shaped his mission.

“Instead of waiting for validation, I decided to build my own platforms,” he noted.

That decision has since earned him recognition beyond Nigeria, including an award in the United Kingdom and multiple features in The Guardian. For him, such recognition affirms that his work resonates within a broader cultural space.

At the core of his vision is a desire to fix what he describes as a gap in the industry’s lack of structure, access and visibility for creatives.

Across his platforms, he says thousands of young talents have been impacted through mentorship, events and community-driven initiatives, with many going on to establish careers in the industry.

Now based in the UK, Ican believes his work aligns with the country’s global arts ecosystem, particularly in fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.

But beyond location, his focus remains clear building systems, not moments.

“What sets my work apart is the focus on long-term development,” he said. “It’s about creating an environment where creatives can grow and sustain themselves.”