Lagos, Nigeria, Tuesday, January 16, 2024 – The organisers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) mourn the passing of UcheUgo, brand consultant and multifaceted creative force in the industry.
UcheUgo was a graphic designer, event designer, art director, and branding and communication specialist who was widely celebrated in his field. Apart from launching the U.U series, an initiative that provided a branding masterclass for entrepreneurs and designers in 2018, UcheUgo’s dedication to education continued with the founding of KLASSIT, an online education platform offering one-on-one live classes.
NECLive Convener, Ayeni Adekunle expressed his condolences, stating, “UcheUgo was a brilliant creative who was a notable part of Nigeria’s creative community. As a long-time supporter of NECLive, Uche’s passion for branding and his dedication to the advancement of the creative arts always shone through in every project he contributed to. His impact will resonate for years to come, and he will be sorely missed.”
UcheUgo received several accolades for his work, such as the YipAfrica’s Shooting Star recognition for Creative Art, the top 100 African creators by Selar as well as a nomination for the Future Africa Awards for Creativity.
While we join his family, friends and the entire industry in mourning this loss, we recognise and celebrate the legacy of UcheUgo, a brilliant mind who left a mark on the landscape of Nigeria’s creative sector.
Signed,
Njideka Akabogu, Regional Manager & Lead Adviser, ID Africa
A decade after its inception, NECLive – West Africa’s largest annual conference – has revealed a comprehensive report and documentary, providing an in-depth analysis of the Nigerian entertainment industry’s evolution and the impact of the conference over the years. It delves into the challenges, and motivating factors behind the conference’s inception, recorded growth, emerging trends, and newfound opportunities in the industry. This report and documentary cumulatively capture the transformative journey undertaken by NECLive.
Produced by ID Africa and BHM Research & Intelligence, the report highlights NECLive’s significant contributions to the Big 4 industry sectors – music, film, fashion, comedy, (and alternative art). Its strategic focus on talent management, improved regulatory frameworks, and amplified digital streaming and distribution has culminated in an investment exceeding ₦1.3 billion over the past decade, fostering unparalleled growth within the industry.
Serving as the marketplace for the biggest minds in the industry, to convene and address challenges, NECLive has actively sought solutions for piracy, funding limitations, infrastructure deficiencies, copyright infringements, and talent development gaps. The conference’s substantial influence is evident in the industry’s current surge in potential and overall growth trajectory.
NECLive’s impact resonates across various facets: from hosting conferences, exhibitions, and mentorship programs to championing thought leadership initiatives. An impressive “87.5% of industry stakeholders attribute NECLive’s interventions to the advancement of Nigeria’s entertainment sector.”
Ayeni Adekunle Samuel, the conference’s convener, reflected on the journey and future plans, stating, “The inception of NECLive was rooted in the belief that the realm of possibilities knows no bounds; that with the right blend of education, networks, and determination, we have the power to accomplish anything we set our minds to. As Nigerian entertainers continue to shatter barriers and achieve unprecedented milestones, NECLive stands as a steadfast companion, guiding, inspiring, and reminding us that our potential is limitless. As we embark on the next transformative decade, be rest assured that NECLive has a renewed mission to embrace.”
Regarding funding sources, while passion propels NECLive, the report reveals that sustaining the conference year after year primarily relies on support from organizers – BHM and ID Africa, alongside notable partners like Multichoice and MTN. This investment has significantly propelled NECLive’s framework, comprising advocacy, training, workshops, panel discussions, keynote presentations, and more. Noteworthy statistics over the last decade include a reach of over 132 million, 100,000+ event participants, and 45 hours of online broadcasting across various platforms.
At NECLive 2017, John Ugbe, MultiChoice CEO, and chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, emphasized the necessity of exporting our content and talents to the world, stating, ‘Beyond oil, we need to export our content, talents to the world. More structures need to be created as Nigerian movies have found a wider appeal.’
Looking forward, NECLive sets its sights on global expansion, aiming to continue spearheading the entertainment industry’s development. The conference seeks to position Africa on the global stage by projecting Africa to the world and bringing the world to Africa, all while leveraging its inherent creativity for extensive growth and exposure.
The Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) has released its highly anticipated report on the growth, trends, and opportunities in the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry. It sheds light on the development and economic boom in Nigeria’s entertainment sector over the last ten years, as well as the prospects for the future of one of the continent’s fastest-growing industries.
According to the report produced by ID Africa and BHM Research & Intelligence, a startling ₦1.3 billion investment over ten years has stimulated the industry and helped it reach previously unheard-of heights.
Known for convening the most significant gathering of entertainment professionals, the NECLive report offers an extensive analysis of the extraordinary strides made in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industries. Within this report, the conference also highlights its pivotal role and contributions in driving progress and advancement within the entertainment sector. The report underscores how NECLive, through its ₦1.3 billion investment, has played a crucial part in shaping and propelling the industry forward, leaving a profound impact on Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, and significantly influencing its global standing.
Ayeni Adekunle, the conference’s convener, reflected on the journey and future plans, stating, “The inception of NECLive was rooted in the belief that the realm of possibilities knows no bounds; that with the right blend of education, networks, and determination, we have the power to accomplish anything we set our minds to. As Nigerian entertainers continue to shatter barriers and achieve unprecedented milestones, NECLive stands as a steadfast companion, guiding, inspiring, and reminding us that our potential is limitless. As we embark on the next transformative decade, be rest assured that NECLive has a renewed mission to embrace.”
Over the past decade, NECLive has emerged as a pioneering force, leading the charge in advocating for crucial matters within the entertainment industry. Its unwavering commitment to driving positive change has encompassed key areas such as fostering talent development, combating piracy, advocating for enhanced regulations within the industry, ensuring access to global opportunities, and facilitating international collaborations. Similarly, the Nigerian entertainment and creative industry has witnessed significant growth. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the entertainment industry now accounts for 1.45% of Nigeria’s GDP.
Femi Falodun, a director at BHM and committee member of NECLive, emphasised the significance of the impact report by stating,“NECLive has consistently served as the go-to platform for spotlighting critical issues within the entertainment industry. Over the past 10 years, NECLive has brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, creatives, and technical experts, to collaborate and devise effective solutions. It is now time to unveil the remarkable impact that NECLive has made in driving positive change and advancement within the entertainment sector.”
One significant area of impact has been talent development within the entertainment industry, supporting workshops, training programs, mentorship opportunities, and nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. Recognizing the growing significance of digital platforms in the entertainment landscape, it has also provided a platform for conversations that promoted digital streaming and profitable distribution of content. Since its inception, NECLive has remained at the forefront of driving progress and innovation in the entertainment sector.
Overall, NECLive’s investments have been comprehensive and diverse, covering film, music, comedy, and fashion. With over 100,000 participants and a reach of over 1 million people, NECLive’s initiatives, including conferences, workshops, advocacy efforts, and more, have driven positive change and remarkable growth in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. These initiatives have contributed to the remarkable growth and economic boom in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, elevating its global standing and leaving a profound impact on the industry as a whole.
Organisers of NECLive, West Africa’s largest annual gathering of creative industry professionals, have announced the conception and introduction of a new multi-venue, global format for the conference.
After 10 years in a single city, the conference will now hold simultaneously in other parts of Nigeria; as well as in key cities across Africa, Europe, and America. These changes, according to founder Ayeni Adekunle, are ‘a matter of necessity, given where the industry is today; and in line with the new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.’
In a message to partners and stakeholders, Ayeni explains: “When we conceived the idea for an annual conference 10 years ago, it was out of frustration. Frustration about lack of education, about piracy, about lack of platforms and access and opportunities for entertainment practitioners to monetize their talent at scale. Today, most of those problems have largely been solved. But we are now faced with even bigger problems and opportunities. And I believe that it’s time to begin the work of making sure Africa’s creators and everyone else in the value chain; as well as our societies and economies, get the maximum possible value from our contribution to, and growing participation in the global entertainment marketplace.”
FROM RIGHT: NECLIVE CONVENER, AYENI ADEKUNLE, HIS WIFE, DOTUN AND COMEDIAN ALI BABA, AT NECLIVE 2017 IN LAGOS.
From 2024, the new NECLive will hold over the course of a month, from April to May every year, beginning with a flagship event in Lagos, and running through cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Ibadan in Nigeria; London and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom; Atlanta and New York in America; and other key African cities like Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg and more.
Founded in 2013, NECLive has provided a sustained platform for conversations and interventions for an industry that has fought against all odds to survive and thrive.
The annual conference has hosted 11 events that have seen over 100,000 participants, reaching an audience of over 100 million in more than 30 countries with over 40 broadcast hours. NECLive has had over 100 partners and sponsors and brokered more than 700 deals.
NECLive will now present on an ongoing basis, a global showcase of the African entertainment experience – for the benefit of platforms, labels, investors, brands, businesses, talents, governments, and other stakeholders.
Ayeni adds: “The industry – even the whole world – has changed a lot since we kicked off NECLive in 2013 and having realised that most of the frustrations that led us to found NECLive have since been solved, I believe it’s now time to face newer, bigger battles. We wanted some standardisation around distribution, now we have it. We wanted access to bigger markets and opportunities to monetise and it’s already happening. We wanted honour and recognition and acknowledgment. It’s happening. It’s still early days but it’s already happening. But what does it mean? Where’s it headed? How do we benefit individually and collectively sustainably? What happens next?
We are spending the next 10 years of NECLive on answering these questions and more. And to do that well, we have to overhaul the entire format. So starting April 24, 2004, we will decentralise the platform, hosting shows and workshops and exhibitions and more all over the world. We will retain flagship events in Lagos and other Nigerian cities. But no matter where you are in the world, the plan is for you to be able to witness the African entertainment experience from the point of view of carefully selected professionals who have given and continue to give everything it takes to build what I am convinced will shape up to be the most successful creative industry in the world.”
NECLive will now be presented annually by Africa Creative Foundation, an invite-only membership-based organisation to be launched this summer.
For further enquiries, additional quotes, or interview requests please contact Njideka using [email protected], Iretomiwa at [email protected], or visit nec.ng.
Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, January 11, 2022 – The organisers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) are saddened by the passing of Nigerian filmmaker, humanitarian and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe, fondly known as “Queen of Nollywood Film”.
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was an extraordinarily talented creative and visionary leader who blessed the world with her gifts in writing, poetry, film, television, and so much more.
In a remarkable career spanning over two decades, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe founded one of the most recognised awards – the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) governed by the Africa Film Academy.
NECLive Convener, Ayeni Adekunle commented: “Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a true visionary. The testimonials and tributes since her sad passing are a demonstration of how impactful her life and work were and the many industries, especially Nollywood, that she helped build. She was also an early supporter of NECLive and one of our most remarkable participants. Her passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
CEO of ID Africa, owners of NECLive, Femi Falodun adds: “Peace Anyiam-Osigwe’s notable contributions to the development of the Nigerian film and entertainment sector will forever be remembered and lauded.”
Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was bestowed a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Apart from her impact in the industry, she was an advocate for societal issues such as women’s rights.
While we mourn her passing and commiserate with her family on this great loss, we will continue to celebrate her remarkable life and the impact her vision left us with.
Signed,
Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Lead PR & Communications Adviser, ID Africa
Legendary hip hop singer, Innocent ‘2baba’ idibia broke down in tears while paying tributes to late singer, Sound Sultan during his special performance at the Nigerian Entertainment Industry (NECLive9), on Friday, April 29, 2022.
Sound Sultan passed away in 2021 and in a bid to keep his memory alive, a new album in his name is expected to be released alongside a merch line.
2Baba who performed a special song in honour of his late friend walked out of the stage in tears mid-performance.
The African creative and entertainment industry has come a long way in the last decade. Concerts are outsold, and Nigerian entertainers and Africa are winning global awards.
Speaking at NECLive9, Tee-Y Mix, one of Nigeria’s top music producers, while acknowledging the industry’s growth, pointed out the need to institutionalise the entertainment and creative industry.
Speaking on a panel session titled Global opportunities for African entertainment alongside Sam Onyemelukwe and Osi Suave, the music producer said there is need to formalise the industry.
“Afrobeat movement is happening now. I’m hoping that we will be able to sustain it. But what happens when the movement moves away from Afrobeat?”
The music producer pointed out that in the past, the most sought after music was reggae. It moved away from that.
“At some point, it was reggae. At one point, it was Latin music. Now it’s Afrobeat. What we will do when that circle rolls by, and the attention is not on us again? What we have put in place determines the growth and suitability of the industry.”
He insisted that Nigeria’s entertainment industry is way bigger than one or two persons being popular on the world stage.
“We need to support our own structure. The Nigerian creative and entertainment industry is bigger than one or two persons being popular beyond Nigeria. The industry is way bigger than that.”
Highlighting the role Nigerian entertainment industry in building its own structure, he maintained that the industry should tell its own story, celebrate itself more and then take the movement to the world stage.
“For instance, we need to get to that stage where CNN will be able to give us a time slot for the Headies.”
NECLive is an annual gathering of African entertainment and creative industry experts were to convey to share ideas and ponder how to grow the African entertainment industry.
Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess In Slums Initiative has explained that he started the programme to positively touch the lives of the children who have little or no opportunities.
Speaking at the ninth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) on Friday, Onakoya said he has lived in the slum too and understands what the children go through.
The work he has done with the initiative has caught the attention of the world with the international media providing coverage.
“I have not travelled out of Nigeria before but the international community has come to Nigeria to see what we are doing. That is the power of chess.”
“I started doing charity at 22. I have come to realise that it is possible to do great things from a small place.
“I want to be known as a guy that wants to build a future of inclusion. When you remember who you want to be, it will be a drive for you.”
He was joined on the panel by Leo Dasilva, Mr Macaroni and Tolu Adeleru-Balogun who moderated the session where they spoke on the topic, The role of entertainment and creative art in social development
Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adedayo has called on Nigerian creatives to use technology to drive social change particularly ahead of the 2020 general elections during his keynote speech at the ninth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive)
Mr Macaroni who rose to popularity through his online skits as well as his social and political activism, particularly for his anti-police abuse campaign, spoke at the conference which took place at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
The comedian and actor who has used social media and tech as a basis for the production and distribution of his skits recalled his own role in the EndSars protest and how tech helped to give it much needed attention.
He said that although the primary function of entertainment is to amuse, there is now a burden on the artiste to use his art to cause societal change.
“I am doing my part by using my art to call attention to things that need to be corrected in Nigeria. We must all do our part.”
Mr Macaroni who was nominated for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Online Social Content Creator, said while some people may not find this form of art funny, its message has already been passed.
The conference themed ‘Sustaining The African Momentum focused on the economic power for self and country, opportunities via communities of Africans in the diaspora and the social impact and development through entertainment.
Ayeni Adekunle, the convener of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), has said the current growth of the entertainment industry must reflect on the local economy.
Speaking at NECLive9 which took place at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos on Friday, Adekunle said he feels a sense of fulfilment with the growth recorded so far.
He said: “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.”
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.
He said: “A decade or two ago, our artistes 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. Some of those that will make it happen are here today. The growth of our music and movie and fashion must benefit the local economy.”
NECLive9 is West Africa’s biggest and longest-running entertainment conference. The conference, which started in 2013, convenes entertainment and creative industry professionals from across Africa.
