Nocturne at the Museum: Between Lands

Join us as we host Between Lands, a Nocturne 2026 Beacon Project created by Israel Ekanem. This six-hour immersive night of film, music, spoken word, visual art and dance exploring what it means to live between places. Created by Nigerian-Canadian storyteller, filmmaker and DJ Israel Ekanem (DJ Ubuntu) and visual artist Boma Nnaji, the experience invites audiences to reflect on the spaces between homelands, relationships, identities, aspirations and the people we are becoming.

Taking place at a site where more than one million immigrants arrived in Canada, Between Lands transforms the Museum from a place of arrival into a space for exploring belonging, connection and the many meanings of home.

What to expect

- A live painting of an evolving canvas by visual artist Boma Nnaji
- A film collage featuring voices reflecting on what it means to be in two places at once
- Spoken word, live music and dance performances unfolding throughout the evening
- An interactive community wall where visitors can share their own response to the question: What does Between Lands mean to you?
- A closing dance-floor experience featuring DJ Ubuntu's celebrated Afro House gathering

About the artist

Israel Ekanem, also known as DJ Ubuntu, is a Nigerian-Canadian storyteller, filmmaker, producer and DJ based in Halifax. As the founder of Ubuntu Media, he has produced films including Drown the Lovers and Kill Your Masters, while his work across music, film, radio and podcasting focuses on creating space for diverse voices and building community through storytelling. He hosts The Off Kilter Show on CKDU Radio and founded the Ubuntu Podcast Network.

Boma Nnaji is a Nigerian-born visual artist based in Halifax whose practice combines African cultural influences with contemporary aesthetics. Originally from Lagos, Nnaji developed his artistic practice through drawing, graffiti and architectural studies, and his work is inspired by communities, cultures and experiences across Africa, Europe and North America. His paintings explore everyday subjects including faces and architecture, while his broader practice reflects his interest in human culture, connection and storytelling. He has exhibited in Nigeria and Canada and has been featured by Chatelaine, CBC, CTV and Global News.

About Nocturne

Nocturne: Art at Night is an annual contemporary art festival that transforms Halifax and Dartmouth into a city-wide gallery after dark. The festival brings together artists, galleries, community groups and audiences for an evening of exhibitions, installations, performances and interactive experiences throughout the city.