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Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson To Voice NECLive8 Special Broadcast

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Oluwadarafunmi Olanrewaju

19
Apr

One of Africa’s most influential broadcasters, Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, has been confirmed as the voice for the special broadcast to be aired during the eighth edition of the annual Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive).

NECLive, the biggest gathering of professionals in the Nigerian entertainment industry, will hold on Sunday, April 25, 2021. The event returns after a one-year hiatus.

This year’s edition, themed “Building The Future,” will combine a studio set-up of selected speakers with a live global broadcast across cable TV and online.

Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson, known in entertainment circles as JAJ Da Mecca Don, is a broadcast journalist, on-air personality, news anchor, and media consultant. He started broadcasting for a primary school programme at age 10. In 1979, he started his professional career with a memorable stint at NBC’s AM/FM STEREO in Lagos (which later became Radio Nigeria), the nation’s first radio station. His unique presentation style made him popular with radio listeners before long, and by 1983 he was named Radio Personality of the Year. He anchored a Monday morning programme dubbed “The Dance Party” and a late evening show called “Nite Flight”, which endeared him to the listening public. By the early 1990s, fans christened him “Top Gun”, which referenced the 1986 Tom Cruise movie of the same name.

In 1997, Akinyemi-Johnson joined the Silverbird Group. In 2006, he became General Manager of the Group and served in that capacity until February 2020, when he was appointed Chief Creative Officer. He is famous for his late evening music countdown show, “Top 7 Jams at 7 with JAJ The Mecca Don”, which airs on Rhythm 93.7 FM.

Akinyemi-Johnson has spent 41 years in the broadcasting industry. Fans and colleagues alike have lauded his longevity and creative prowess. He is also credited with launching or impacting the careers of artistes like DJ Waxxy, Modenine and many others.

“He deserves to be eulogised for introducing the term ‘OAP’ into the Nigerian broadcast firmament. It was Rhythm 93.7 that first employed the moniker back in ‘97,” Femi Sowoolu, a media consultant, tweeted in 2020.

NECLive8 is organised by ID Africa in partnership with Huce Valeris, AV Edge, 7even Interactive, HipTV, Megalectrics, EDS, Big Cabal Media and BHM, and with sponsorship support from Nigerian Breweries and MultiChoice.

“Radio has been one of the most important mediums for the growth and success of contemporary Nigerian music locally, thanks to the works of on-air personalities and DJs,” says Femi Falodun, CEO, ID Africa. “The legendary JAJ is one of the most prominent voices who laid the groundwork for a lot of what we now enjoy today – especially with Hip Hop, rap and pop music. He remains your favourite OAP’s favourite OAP, and is still a great influence after four decades.”

On his part, Akinyemi-Johnson, in confirming his participation, says: “I am elated. It’s an honour for me to have the opportunity to be part of an event of this nature. Entertainment in Nigeria is growing in leaps and bounds, especially the music, but we need to see the creative industry grow to its full potential.”

At NECLive8, Akinyemi-Johnson will voice the NECLive TV Special, a scripted 90-minute-long production, featuring a seven-year chronicle of the most powerful speakers and memorable moments from the NECLive stage between 2013 and 2020. The documentary-style production which will contain new, original recordings, archival materials and never-before-seen footage, will broadcast live on TV and also stream online.

Confirmed speakers for this year’s event include Nigerian comedians Basketmouth and Bovi; co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, Iyin Aboyeji, Nollywood star, Dakore Egbuson-Akande; and founder of the Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe.

Over the span of 7 years, NECLive has attracted more than 12,000 physical participants and 20 million viewers and audiences on television and digital. Nigerian Entertainment Conference (often stylized as NECLive), with the hashtag #NECLive, is an umbrella conference for the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which continually discusses the trajectory of the sector and shapes the discourse and practices surrounding it.

#NECLive is the marketplace for innovative ideas, products, the unveiling of dynamic solutions that will connect, engage and encourage industry collaborations for sustainable socio-economic development; while offering a brighter future on the continent.

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NECLive8: Big Cabal Media, Hip TV, 7even Interactive confirmed as Media and Creative Partners

Posted on April 19, 2021April 19, 2021 by Oluwadarafunmi Olanrewaju

19
Apr

In the runup to Sunday, April 25, 2021, ID Africa has confirmed Big Cabal Media, Hip TV and 7even Interactive as media and creative partners for the eighth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Big Cabal Media, an indigenous digital media company, creates super-engaging content that resonates with the African youth. Founded in 2014 by Bankole Oluwafemi and Seyi Taylor, and currently led by Tomiwa Aladekomo, the company drives the most engaging conversations around culture, innovation, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and everything that matters to today’s youth. Zikoko, one of its products, creates timeless and original text, images, memes, and video-based content across a range of genres. With over 1.9 million page views per month, and over 130,000 subscribers to its newsletter, the publication develops original content such as The Couch, Naira Life, and Zikoko Elevator, among others.

HipTV is a Nigerian cable television channel, owned by creative entrepreneur, Ayo Animashaun, and a subsidiary of the media company Smooth Promotions. Launched in 2007, it was meant to be a broadcast platform for Animashaun’s iconic publication Hip Hop World Magazine, but has since grown into one of Nigeria’s biggest music and entertainment TV channels.

HipTV’s content is primarily focused on music videos, entertainment news, lifestyle programmes, and live broadcasts of entertainment events. It also has sole broadcasting rights to the Headies, Nigeria’s biggest music award show, organised by Smooth Promotions since 2006. With programmes like “Artistry Battle”, “Crisp”, “Lyrics to Go”, “Top Notch” and “Trending”, HipTV has cemented its place as one of Africa’s major pop-culture platforms.

HipTV has supported the conference since its inception in 2013. In 2019, NECLive and HipTV set a new record for the channel’s longest uninterrupted live programme after broadcasting the conference for over nine hours.

7even Interactive is an award-winning marketing communications agency specialising in advertising, digital services, and media strategy implementation. It is reputed for building campaigns that resonate with consumers and helping them experience brands. Established in 2015, the agency deploys disruptive campaigns using a digitally-driven approach to shaping modern brands. In 2016, its “Tough Job” media campaign for Fidelity Bank bagged eight awards at the annual Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF). In 2017, it became the first agency in West Africa to be awarded in the “Digital & Interactive Communication: Social Media” category at the Loeries International advertising awards held in South Africa, for its “FrixionVodka” campaign – a CSR initiative against rape.

Femi Falodun, CEO, ID Africa, says he is delighted to partner with Big Cabal Media, 7even Interactive, and HipTV for NECLive8. In his words, “7even Interactive is one of the most creative firms in the Nigerian marketing communications space. And we are happy to work with them to develop the right messaging for the NECLive8 audience.

“Big Cabal and their properties, Zikoko and TechCabal are well plugged into pop culture and the tech business community that NECLive8 is trying to reach. They know the ecosystem and are well trusted across Africa.”

“NECLive8 is seeking to provide the tools, resources and connections that will further drive the change and innovation that the industry is yearning for. And HipTV is at the forefront of steering that change as well. We are glad to continue this 8-year-old partnership to build pathways for the future.”

As the largest gathering of entertainment industry professionals in Nigeria marks its eighth edition, participants will explore the theme “Building The Future.” How can entertainment be an instrument for change? What can aspiring talents look out for as they pursue their dreams? What doors have been opened by the triumph of Burna Boy and Wizkid at the Grammys? How has COVID-19 affected the sources through which Nigerian artists earn income, and what other ways of making money can indigenous entertainers contemplate? These questions, among others, will be addressed at NECLive8.

The event will be hybrid, combining a studio set-up with a live global broadcast. This edition will also feature live music, live drama, and comedy. At NECLive8, ID Africa plans to premiere the NECLive TV Special, a production that highlights the most memorable moments from previous NECLive editions.

Confirmed speakers for this year’s event include Nigerian comedians Bovi and Basketmouth; co-founder, Flutterwave and Andela, Iyin Aboyeji; Nollywood star, Dakore Egbuson-Akande; and founder of the Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe.

For over 7 years, NECLive has attracted more than 12,000 physical participants and 20 million viewers and audiences on television and digital. Nigerian Entertainment Conference (often stylized as NECLive), with the hashtag #NECLive is an umbrella conference for the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which continually discusses the trajectory of the sector and shapes the discourse and practices surrounding it.

News

ID Africa Announces 8th Edition of NECLive Will Hold on April 25

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Neclive

10
Feb

ID Africa, owners of Netng and producers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), confirmed today that the eighth edition of the annual conference will hold on Sunday, April 25, 2021.

NECLive – the premier and largest gathering of entertainment industry professionals in Nigeria – will return as a hybrid media event combining a studio set-up of select speakers with live global broadcast across cable TV, radio and online platforms.

On April 25, 2021, NECLive8 will explore the theme: “Building The Future”, through the exploration of actionable steps and solutions proffered by some of Nigeria’s most brilliant professionals and accomplished entertainment industry stakeholders. The conference will focus on various ways of using entertainment as a vehicle, creativity as a tool and celebrity power as an agent of change to build a remarkable future for Nigeria’s youth.

NECLive8 will feature three main speakers who are leading the charge in rethinking the approach to consumer entertainment and creative enterprise across the world.

The event will be punctuated with live music by one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artistes, an enthralling live stage drama and comedy from one of the industry’s finest. NECLive8 will also include product unveilings, brand announcements and industry tributes. The studio audience will be made up of limited invited guests, while millions of viewers across the world will interact with the conference through the official digital channels.

NECLive Convener, Ayeni Adekunle says, “We set up NECLive eight years ago as an intervention towards building the industry of our dreams. Seven events, 450 speakers and panellists, 40 exhibitions and brands, and 12,000 attendees after, we are glad to be witnessing and facilitating the transformation of our home entertainment; or our music and media. And we are calling on the government, practitioners, fans and investors to come to the party.”

According to organisers, this year will also mark the launch of a new programme called NECLive Go! – a platform created to support innovators that are solving growth problems for creatives and the wider entertainment industry in Nigeria. Through NECLive Go!, innovators and entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas to investors and get the support they need to start or scale their products.

During NECLive8, ID Africa will also premier the NECLive TV Special, a scripted 90-minute long production, featuring a 7-year chronicle of the most powerful speakers and memorable moments from the NECLive stage between 2013 and 2020. The documentary-style production which will contain new, original recordings, archival materials and never-before-seen footage will broadcast live on TV and also stream online.

According to Femi Falodun, CEO, ID Africa, “Nigeria’s entertainment industry is full of energetic, enterprising and creative young people who are often the direct victims of poor governance, lack of opportunities and social injustice. They have also recently emerged as the leaders of a new national movement and drivers of an ongoing conversation about the future of our country.

“Our goal with NECLive8 is to provide the tools, resources and connections that will further drive the change and innovation that the industry is yearning for.”

Following a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers expect that this hybrid edition will reach over 20 million people watching on TV, listening on radio and streaming live via Neusroom, Netng, as well as on NECLive’s Youtube, Facebook and other digital channels.

Interested parties can visit nec.ng or contact [email protected] or Anu – 234 701 024 0044 or Henry – 234 803 788 1838 for sponsorship enquiries

News

NECLive Statement on #ENDSARS Protests and Police Brutality in Nigeria

Posted on October 10, 2020 by Neclive

10
Oct

Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), Nigeria’s largest annual gathering of creative sector professionals and the Editorial Board of Nigerian Entertainment Today (Netng) are unifying with voices of concerned citizens across the country, especially that of Nigerian creative and entertainment industry professionals, to demand a halt to the unconscionable threat to young lives in the country through police brutality and harassment.

Young Nigerians across the country have once again taken to the streets and social media with renewed calls and plea to #ENDSARS – a unanimous campaign to end the clandestine and sometimes brazen activities of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and by extension, the Nigeria Police Force.

The SARS unit unfortunately has a long history of brutality against Nigerian youths. This year, Amnesty International documented at least 82 cases of torture, ill-treatment and extra-judicial execution by SARS between January 2017 and May 2020 in a report titled Time To End Impunity. Victims were predominantly young Nigerian males between the ages of 18 and 35 years with such connecting factors as low-income backgrounds as well as belonging to vulnerable groups.

We hereby call on the Nigerian Government to take swift measures to protect its young citizens from harassment, torture and avoidable deaths. As we remember the country’s 60 years of independence and unity, every young Nigerian should have the guaranteed right of movement, freedom of association and valued creative expression without fear for their life, livelihood or safety.

Signed,

Henry Ekechukwu

Conference Coordinator, NECLive

NEC

What You Should Know About The Proposed Amendments To The 6th Edition Of The NBC

Posted on July 2, 2020July 3, 2020 by Oluwadarafunmi Olanrewaju

02
Jul

On March 27, 2020, the National Broadcasting Commission of Nigeria (NBC) announced amendments to the the 6th edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

According to the Director General of the NBC, the amendments are to curb anticompetitive tendencies in the media and broadcasting industry in Nigeria.

However the amendments contain very strict provisions that will have far reaching effects on media and broadcasting practitioners in particular, and Nigerians in general.

Here’s everything you need to know about the amendments to the Code and how it will affect Nigerians.

NEC

NECLive Releases Statement On Amendments To National Broadcasting Commission Code

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Oluwadarafunmi Olanrewaju

23
Jun

The Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive), Nigeria’s largest annual gathering of creative sector professionals is joining voices with entertainment and media industry stakeholders to condemn the recent amendments to the Sixth Edition of the NBC Code which was announced on May 27, 2020 by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

These amendments, which came without adequate consultations with industry stakeholders appear to make content exclusivity illegal in Nigeria. The new code also compels content sub-licensing, as it aims to forcefully regulate the prices at which content is sub-licensed by Pay TV operators and rights owners, regardless of whether they have recouped their investments or not.

In a statement signed by Henry Ekechukwu, the Conference Coordinator, the organizers expressed that they strongly believe that government policies such as this will end up discouraging investment in local content production especially sports and entertainment, and adversely impacting the wider media business – a profitable industry projected by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to be worth an estimate of 4 Trillion Naira by 2024.

Furthermore, the amended National Broadcasting Commission code will seriously hurt Nigeria’s economy, leading to job losses in the industry and loss of billions in taxes and other related fees levied by the Federal Government.

We hereby call on the National Broadcasting Commission and the Federal Government to reconsider, and reverse this decision. The focus at this time should be on creating policies that will empower as well as encourage the entertainment and media industry to exponentially thrive, thereby creating a favourable environment for the kind of economic growth that Nigeria desperately seeks.

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Statement From Nigerian Entertainment Today and NECLive on the Passing of Majek Fashek

Posted on June 2, 2020June 3, 2020 by Oluwadarafunmi Olanrewaju

02
Jun

The editorial board of Nigerian Entertainment Today (Netng) and organizers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) are saddened by the passing of reggae music legend, Majek Fashek.

Majekodunmi Fasheke was an extraordinary talent who blessed the world with a unique version of reggae music birthed by the infusion of special African rhythms and sounds that he named kpangolo. And the world fell in love with him.

With his creative genius, remarkable stage presence, deep spirituality and commercial appeal, Majek Fashek redefined what it meant to be a globally recognized African music star. He broke all barriers and penetrated hearts and homes beyond the shores of the continent.

Majek’s success in the late 80s and early 90s helped breathe new life into the local Nigerian music scene, and his works continue to inspire today’s generation of artistes and performers. He will forever be remembered not only for sending down the rain, but also for his reign as leading cultural ambassador of Nigerian music, which he proudly introduced to millions of people around the world.

While we mourn Majek Fashek’s passing and commiserate with his family on this loss, we continue to celebrate his remarkable life and the evergreen music he left us with.

Signed by,

Ayeni Adekunle – Founder & Convener of NECLive

and

Femi Falodun – CEO ID Africa.

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A Statement from Nigerian Entertainment Today (theNETng) and NECLive on the Passing of Tony Allen

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Neclive

01
May

The editorial board of Nigerian Entertainment Today (theNETng) and organizers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) are saddened by the passing of Tony Oladipo Allen the iconic Nigerian drummer, composer, and songwriter.

Tony Allen was a true music pioneer and alongside the late Fela Kuti, a primary originator of the world renowned Afrobeat genre.

With his extraordinary talent, creative genius and remarkable work ethic, Tony Allen redefined contemporary African music. He also gave today’s generation of artistes a foundation upon which the industry’s productions, rhythm and soundtracks are built.

He will be remembered not only for being a source of inspiration for many generations of African and global music stars, but also for being a champion and ambassador of African arts and culture, which he proudly introduced to millions of fans around the world.

While we mourn his passing and commiserate with the family on this loss, we celebrate Tony Allen’s remarkable life, and will continue to appreciate all the beautiful sounds and rhythm he left us with.

Latest News, News

COVID-19: Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive8) Postponed

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Neclive

24
Mar

Due to uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and recent advisory from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on public gatherings, ID Africa and the NECLive Organising Committee are announcing the indefinite postponement of the eighth edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive8), which was earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

The recent outbreak of the Novel CoronaVirus (COVID-19) pandemic is challenging the world, including Nigeria with new cases detected over the past weeks. As a responsible organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of NECLive attendees and citizens of Nigeria, we believe this decision is in the best interest of everyone. We are thankful to our partners, sponsors, exhibitors and media friends who all through the years make necessary preparations to support NECLive in various ways.

For the first time in its eight-year history, NECLive, Nigeria’s largest annual gathering of entertainment and creative industry professionals will not hold in April. A new date for the full day conference and its associated satellite events will be announced in the coming weeks.

All attendees who have bought tickets are entitled to a full refund, while interested sponsors and partners can contact the Conference Coordinator on +234 803 788 1838 or [email protected] for further enquiries. More details on the refund process and FAQs are also available on our dedicated help page on nec.ng

The NECLive Organising Committee will continue to monitor national and global developments on the spread of Coronavirus. In the meantime, we empathise with those affected by COVID-19, both directly or indirectly and wish them speedy recovery.

We urge everyone to take precautionary measures by practising social distancing, washing hands with soap, using hand sanitizers often, maintaining good personal and environment hygiene, and to call 08000CORONA for advice or enquiries.

We look forward to having you join us at NECLive when a new date is announced.

Latest News, NEC

Registration Now Open for 8th Edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive)

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Taofik Bankole

26
Feb

ID Africa, owners of theNETng and producers of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) have opened registration for the 8th edition of the long running conference which holds on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

NECLive, which is the premier and largest gathering of entertainment industry professionals in Nigeria is expanding its format to accommodate new activities, events and programmes in order to deepen its impact and shore up its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry.

For the past seven years, NECLive has run as an intensive full day, nine-hour event featuring powerful panel sessions, insights from industry leaders and critically innovative conversations. However for 2020, a new programme format has now been introduced which features various events, activities and experiences over a three-day period.

Past editions of NECLive have seen over 12,000 attendees, reached over 60 million viewers online and via live TV, and hosted over 450 industry experts as speakers and panelists, including MI Abaga, 2Baba, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Simi, Davido, Bayo Adekanmbi, D’Banj, among others.

Come Wednesday, April 22, 2020 the NECLive8 programme will be expanded into a three-day event featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, training workshops and masterclasses, product exhibitions, an awards show, performances and multiple satellite events holding in venues around Lagos.

The theme for the event: “Building The Future”, explores various ways of maximizing the potential and impact of recent strides in distribution, cinemas, events, promotions, exhibitions, productions and festivals, and how stakeholders can erect the infrastructure necessary to build the desired future for Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

With this new approach, #NECLive8 hopes to broach tougher conversations and nudge stakeholders towards extracting more value from the ecosystem than is currently obtainable. The expansion also allows for opportunities to introduce more experiential consumer activations and activities which will offer more value to attendees, creatives and brand partners.

The two-day programme will now incorporate the standard elements of NECLive alongside new elements such as an awards dinner designed to celebrate the best of Nigerian entertainment, and a concert which will feature performances from across the spectrum of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

“Since the 2019 edition of NECLive, we have been working hard behind the scenes to redesign the entire NECLive experience. Our goal is to offer more value to all attendees, our brand partners, entertainment industry professionals, performers and creatives in Nigeria, and we believe the 2020 edition will deliver this objective,” says Femi Falodun, ID Africa CEO.

Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and Convener of NECLive, also said, “We set up NECLive eight years ago as an intervention to rally everyone towards building the industry of our dreams. Eight years on, we are glad to witness and facilitate the transformation of our home entertainment, our music and our media. And we are calling on the government, practitioners, fans and investors to come to the party.”

NECLive will hold at the Landmark Center, Lagos on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 10am while the NECLive concert will take place at the same venue from 5pm the same day. Satellite events will hold on Thursday and Friday in various parts of Lagos.

NECLive8 Tickets are available in three categories, offering varying levels of access to the NECLive experience:

Regular: Live Conference (Keynotes & Panel discussions); Free for students with valid ID, event partners and volunteers.

Premium: Live Conference + Workshops + Masterclasses + Reserved Seating + Meeting Room & Lounge Access + Satellite Events
Free: Live Conference. Available only to students with valid ID.

Speakers, panellists and performers will be announced soon on the official website, while interested attendees can now visit nec.ng for sponsorship enquiries and to register to attend.

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