In a culture often dominated by glamour and surface-level interactions, #WithChudeLive emerged as a refreshing, soul-stirring experience that placed honesty, healing, and human connection at its core.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the highly anticipated #WithChudeLive event brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent voices at The Palms Mall in Oniru, Lagos, becoming the focal point of compelling narrative, vulnerability, and profound connection.
The live program, which was organised by well-known media entrepreneur, storyteller, and host Chude Jideonwo, was a major development for the #WithChude platform, which is known for its emotionally charged interviews and dedication to candid, heartfelt discussions.
This live edition was not just a talk show—it was envisioned as a “vision talk concert,” combining the emotional resonance of storytelling with the collective energy of a live audience.
However, it delivered on every front, offering an afternoon filled with tears, laughter, inspiration, and a renewed sense of community.
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Creating a Space for Healing and Authenticity
Opening the event, Chude Jideonwo set the tone by sharing his dream for the gathering: a safe space where people could truly feel seen, heard, and loved.
He spoke passionately about his personal journey with healing, resilience, and purpose, emphasizing that telling our stories truthfully is one of the greatest gifts we can offer both ourselves and others.
Jideonwo, who has spent 25 years in media and storytelling, also celebrated five years of the #WithChude platform, a series that has become a cultural touchstone in Nigeria for its candid, emotional interviews.
“It’s about finding healing through honesty. It’s about remembering that we are all connected through our shared humanity,” he said.
Each guest at #WithChudeLive brought a unique perspective to the central themes of healing, authenticity, and resilience, offering the audience an intimate glimpse into their personal journeys:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The celebrated novelist and global literary icon spoke with grace and vulnerability about grief, identity, and the power of telling one’s own story.
Adichie shared deeply personal reflections about the loss of her parents, the weight of expectations, and how she has found healing in being unapologetically herself, even when navigating global fame and cultural complexities.
“Authenticity is not a brand. It’s who you are when the noise fades,” she said, sparking rounds of applause from a visibly moved audience.
Falz (Folarin Falana)
Known for his fearless activism and music that tackles social issues, Falz opened up about the emotional toll of fighting for justice, particularly during the #EndSARS protests.
He discussed the importance of using his voice to amplify causes larger than himself and the internal struggles that come with standing up against systems of oppression.
“Resilience is not about pretending to be strong,” Falz shared. “It’s about showing up, even when you’re scared or tired.”
Funke Akindele
Beloved actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele delivered one of the most candid conversations of the afternoon.
She talked about career reinvention, public scrutiny, and personal heartbreak, offering an unfiltered look at the woman behind the successful brand.
“Failure taught me more than success ever did,” she said. “Every time I stumbled, I found a deeper version of myself. And that is why I can stand here today without shame.”
Pastor Jerry Eze
The charismatic founder of Streams of Joy International brought a spiritual dimension to the day, focusing on faith’s role in healing and resilience.
He reminded the audience that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and that the process of healing is ongoing and sacred.
“You are not broken because you feel pain. You are whole because you continue to hope,” he declared, leading to an emotional standing ovation.
Bovi Ugboma
Adding humor and heart, comedian Bovi used his signature wit to reflect on personal loss, parenting, and the importance of laughter in navigating life’s storms.
His session blended laughter with raw truth, demonstrating that comedy often springs from the deepest places of pain and transformation.
“Comedy isn’t just about jokes,” Bovi said. “It’s about finding light even in the darkest rooms.”
Beyond the high-profile interviews, what truly set #WithChudeLive apart was the genuine emotional engagement between the speakers and the audience.
Attendees were encouraged to share their own stories, ask questions, and participate in exercises centered around vulnerability and healing.
Tears were shed, hands were held, and heartfelt applause filled the room again and again as people found themselves mirrored in the stories shared onstage.
In one particularly poignant moment, Chude invited members of the audience to reflect on “the moment they thought they wouldn’t survive, but did.”
The testimonies that followed were both heart-wrenching and inspiring, reinforcing the event’s central message: that resilience lives within all of us.
However, #WithChudeLive was more than just a talk show. It was a movement—a reminder that behind every polished public figure is a human being navigating challenges, heartbreaks, hopes, and victories just like everyone else.
Also, through the voices of Chimamanda Adichie, Falz, Funke Akindele, Pastor Jerry Eze, Bovi, and many more, the event powerfully reaffirmed the beauty of authenticity, the necessity of healing, and the endless power of resilience.
If there was one message that lingered long after the lights dimmed, it was this:
“Your story matters. And telling it is a radical act of healing.”
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