Vanessa Obioha
From Nollywood actors and music executives to fashion personalities and media entrepreneurs, the 11th Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) brought together a cross-section of Nigeria’s creative industry at Alliance Française de Lagos last Thursday.
But beyond the gathering of familiar faces, conversations at the event centred on what it would take for Nigerian entertainment to translate its growing local appeal into greater global influence.
Newly appointed Managing Director of ID Africa, Njideka Akabogu, urged Nigerian creators to understand their audiences while remaining true to their cultural identity.
“Africa is not one audience. You can’t create content in Nigeria and assume it will resonate in exactly the same way in Tanzania,” she said.
“There are cultural nuances and local contexts that shape how people receive our stories, and we need to understand those differences.”
Speaking under the theme ‘Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power,’ Akabogu cautioned against sacrificing cultural identity in the pursuit of international recognition.
“As Nigerian creators and media platforms, we have an opportunity to tell stories that are rooted in who we are. The ambition to reach the world shouldn’t make us lose sight of what makes those stories ours.”
The conversations also touched on funding, distribution, talent development and brand partnerships, with industry players examining the structures needed to sustain growth in the creative sector.
Among those at the conference were filmmakers and actors Kayode Kasum, Uzoamaka Power, Chimezie Imo, Omowunmi Dada and Efa Iwara; music executive Godwin Tom; talent managers Foza Fawehinmi and Femisoro Ajayi; DJ Obi and Dr Foy; and fashion and media personalities Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Ozinna Anumudu and Oluwaseye Oladejo.
Hip TV and The Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun; music executive Bizzle Osikoya; and Deji Awokoya, General Manager of The Beat 99.9 FM and Classic FM, were also in attendance.
Comedian Tee A hosted the sessions, while singer Greatman Takit provided the musical interlude with a live performance.
The next edition of NECLive is scheduled for November 12, 2027.