For one day in Ikoyi, Nollywood stars, music heavyweights, fashion tastemakers and culture shapers filled a single venue as the discussion about Nigeria’s creative future moved from panels and timelines to centre stage. The 11th Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) closed its flagship event on Thursday, 12 November 2026, with a clear message: the country’s biggest market is still its own, and for the industry to truly enjoy that advantage, the right structures and systems must first be put in place.
Held under the theme “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power,” this year’s edition gathered creatives, executives, investors, students and media at Alliance Française de Lagos for a day of frank exchanges, live performances and deal-room conversations. The star power was undeniable. Speakers included music executive Godwin Tom; filmmakers and actors Kayode Kasum, Uzoamaka Power, Chimezie Imo, Omowunmi Dada and Efa Iwara; talent managers and lawyers Foza Fawehinmi and Femisoro Ajayi; DJ Obi and Dr Foy; and fashion and media stakeholders Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Ozinna Anumudu and Oluwaseye Oladejo. Together, they examined what the industry needs, from distribution and funding to talent development and brand partnerships, to turn that demand into lasting value.
Also in attendance were Ayo Animashaun, Founder and Executive Producer of Hip TV and The Headies; talent manager and music executive Bizzle Osikoya; Deji Awokoya, General Manager of The Beat 99.9 FM and Classic FM; and many others.
Speaking during her fireside chat, Njideka Akabogu of ID Africa, organisers of NECLive, urged creators to understand the nuances of their audiences while embracing their Nigerian identity. “Africa is not one audience. You can’t create content in Nigeria and assume it will resonate in the same way in Tanzania. There are cultural nuances and local contexts that shape how people receive our stories, and we need to understand those differences.
“But understanding your audience doesn’t mean losing your identity. 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.”
Her call to build from the home audience outward echoed across the day’s sessions, as speakers made the case that knowing the local market is the foundation on which stronger systems for funding, distribution and talent can be built.
Comedian and NECLive mainstay Tee A kept the energy high as host across sessions, while singer Greatman Takit thrilled guests with a live performance.
With the next edition slated for Friday, 12 November 2027, NECLive continues to serve as a meeting point for the people shaping Nigeria’s entertainment industry, keeping the focus on the structures and partnerships needed to turn local talent and demand into global influence.
NECLive was sponsored by ultra-premium whisky brand The Macallan, telecommunications company MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, and My Village People, a multimedia digital project and cultural archive showcasing stories, sounds, and traditions from communities across Nigeria.
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