#ICYMI: NECLive9 panels discuss way forward for Nigeria’s entertainment industry

Dennis Da-ala Mirilla
NECLive9 hosted singers, the cast from #RHOLagos, media personalities, media executives
Here is what happened at NECLive 2022
L-R Iyabo Ojo, Bolanle Olukanni, Ayeni Adekunle, Tu Face Idibia, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Kaffy. Photo source: NEC Live

For the first time in three years, the Nigeria Entertainment Conference (NECLive9) was held as a hybrid event on April 29 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, with the theme “Sustaining The Africa Momentum” to inspire discussions regarding the future of the Nigerian entertainment sector.

Speakers at the ninth edition included award-winning singers Tuface Idibia (2Baba) and Darey Art-Alade; media executives, Ayo Animashaun and Sam Onyemelukwe, ace producer Tee-Y Mix, Media personalities, Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, Mr Macaroni, Mozez Praiz, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, and Osi Suave.

Ayeni Adekunle, the Convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive9), one of West Africa’s biggest and longest-running gatherings of entertainment and creative industry professionals, said that the current growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry must reflect on the local economy.

Ayeni said he feels a sense of fulfilment with the growth recorded so far by Nigerian creatives and entertainers.

What we saw at Maddison Square where Burna Boy performed is what NECLive is all about. We are getting nominated for Grammys, we have musicians and actors that are now big deals not just in Nigeria but across the globe. The essence of NECLive is to share ideas and collaborate as we build the industry of our dream.

Ayeni Adekunle, Convener of NECLive

The NECLive convener said that a decade ago, this development would only have been best imagined but now, it has become more than a reality.

“A decade or two ago, our artists would not be seen headlining a show abroad or being the main face of Billboard magazine.

“The dream, when we started NECLive in 2013, is being lived now. What we are witnessing today in fashion, music, art, movie industry is still in its early days. The growth of our music and movie and fashion must benefit the local economy,” Ayeni said.

Ekiti’s Finance Commissioner, Akin Oyebode who was part of a fireside chat at the event said that all Nigerians must come out of their silos and begin to think of themselves as custodians of the culture.

It’s not about supporting film and music. All we need to do is know that we are culture custodians.

Akin Oyebode, Ekiti’s Finance Commissioner

He added that culture helped to drive power and confidence.

Going on stage, Innocent ‘2baba’ idibia dropped a tear while paying tribute to late singer, Sound Sultan, during his special performance.

2Baba at NECLive9
2Baba at NECLive9

2Baba, who performed a special song in honour of his late friend, walked out of the stage in tears mid-performance.

Produced by ID Africa, owners of NET TV, among others, NECLive, which started in 2013, convenes entertainment and creative industry professionals from across Africa.

Other prominent speakers at the conference were Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Anyikp Owoko, Chess-in-slums founder, Tunde Onakoya, Aline Gahongayire, The Real Housewives of Lagos stars Iyabo Ojo, Mariam Timmer, and Toyin Lawani; Oluwatobi Adeola, Sylvester Chauke, Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, Lynda Alphaeus, Leo Da-Silva and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, among others.


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