Award-winning singer, Timi Dakolo has criticized the idea of waiting for government to invest in the entertainment industry, saying that the industry doesn’t have a structure that can attract investors.
Speaking as one of the panelists who deliberated on ‘Economy of Talents: Using The Entertainment Industry To Rebuild Nigeria’ at the just concluded fourth Nigerian Entertainment Conference {NECLive4}, the ‘Great Nation’ singer said, ‘People are saying government should put money into this, put money into that, but we don’t have that structure. If am an investor, I can’t put my money into nothing and say it will yield money.’
Speaking further, he added, ‘So I will say that if you know that you are talented, get to know the business side of how to make money out of your talent. It’s not about singing and putting it on CDs. Know the nitty-gritty. Know what makes music music, what makes comedy comedy, what makes a punchline in comedy, then you can monetize it from there.
‘I don’t think talent hides that much. If you have it and you show it long enough, be consistent. Even in this industry, people have told me that Timi with this your ‘Oyinbo’ songs you are singing you are not going to do very well. I knew why I said I have to go to school for this thing, because the only thing I knew about music before now, was to go to choir practice on Wednesday and Sunday. Learn my tenor part, shout it on Sunday.
‘But when I wanted to take this thing seriously, I started to learn more about it. The knowledge you have about your talent cannot be taken away from you. So don’t let us sit down and be waiting for someone to give us money. Waiting for somebody to give us grant. Know you trade, know your talent. Don’t wait for someone to sign you. Enhance your talent up to the point that you can’t be ignored.’
The Kokomaster was lead speaker at the fourth Nigerian Entertainment Conference, which took place on Wednesday April 20, at Landmark Event Centre in Oniru, Lagos. His presentation during the final session – ‘Intervention Strategies: An Open Conversation and Case Studies’ – pointed out some of the problems in the Nigerian music and movie industry; while highlighting possible solutions.
The session also had MD of Multichoice Nigeria – John Ugbe as speaker, with talent manager Emem O. Ema and CEO Gabosky Films – Gabriel Okoye and more as panelists.
I’m happy to welcome you to the fourth Edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference. I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for four years – with the sweat and blood of friends, team members and organizations who are committed to working with us to build the industry of our dreams.
Today as we gather here, we are at a critical period in our existence as a nation. The old issues are still around – epileptic power supply, fuel scarcity, security challenges, bad tools, poor healthcare, unemployment and underemployment, and so much more. And they’re joined by new issues that threaten to drown us. We are battling terrorism, feeling the impact of fallen global oil prices; even as youth continue to search for personal and national identities.
With all these problems and more, why should any government take a minute off and look at the creative industry? Why should we even be discussing entertainment at all when we’re trying to fix roads and kill Boko Haram and increase power supply? Why should anyone besides Ali Baba believe that entertainment business is serious business?
Because as everyone who should know has admitted – it’s time to look at the non-oil sector if we are serious about diversifying our economy. We’ve missed at least two opportunities to diversify, in the face of dwindling income from oil. It will be a disaster if we miss this one.
So if we must look at other means, what are our immediate options? The regular suspects are taxation and agriculture. The government already plans to earn 5 Trillion Naira from taxation in 2016. We’ve seen the power of agriculture from the pre-oil boom era, we’ve seen that, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute, the value of agriculture in Nigeria is over 100 billion dollars. This is projected to grow to 256 billion dollars by 2030, if that sector is properly harnessed.
But where are the figures for entertainment? Is it possible that the private and public sectors are underestimating and ‘unlooking’ an industry that can be a top-three earner in a non-oil economy? Is it possible that the creative and entertainment industry may become the last hope for the Nigerian economy?
Here are some facts from Hollywood and Bollywood.
Here’s what we know about the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
What could the future look like if we made the right investments and build the right systems? What should government do? What should practitioners do? What’s the responsibility of the allied sectors which today, will include telecommunications, brewing, banking, PR and advertising?
I hope everyone here today will be able to have clear answers by the time we leave here this evening.
At Nigerian Entertainment Today, we will continue to follow global best practices in helping consumers connect with the music, news, culture and entertainers they love. We will continue to provide a platform for entertainers and creators to connect with their fans and the brands that care about them. That’s why we started test running Orin.ng in 2015. Today I’m happy to announce that Orin.ng is available to all labels, musicians, DJs, artistes and promoters to upload and share their music to the world. We are giving you an opportunity to stop offering your music for free downloads on Soundcloud and Hulkshare. There are already a couple of platforms with the right technology to sell your music online. Your true fans can find them there – be it Spinlet or MTN Music Plus or Cloud 9. But if they want to listen for free, the way of FM radios, please use Orin.ng. Fans can listen, like and share their favourite songs and videos. We are committed to making sure that we build the largest community of Nigerian music fans in the world. We cannot achieve it without the labels and artistes.
I pray God will spare my life to see a day when Nigerian music will no longer be available for free download online.
Also we announce today, the launch of NETSHOP. With over 5 million active users on THENETng we discovered in 2015 that we may be the best place for those selling entertainment products to meet those looking to buy those products. Asa is having her first Nigerian solo concert in May. Where do most of her fans catch up on what’s happening with her? THENETng. Darey is planning for the fourth edition of ‘Love Like A Movie’ . Where’s the best place to get details and buy tickets to see the show? THENETng. We are blurring the lines between journalism and e-commerce, hoping to make it easier for the industry to get their products across to consumers through NETSHOP; and for consumers to access the products, events, and properties they love.
What I expect is that more people will be encouraged to produce and create if they do not have to bother with how to sell. Of course there will be PR and Marketing support from our sister companies BlackHouse Media and ID Africa, for those who decide to use Orin and NETSHOP.
Finally, we are announcing today, the inauguration of an annual Readers’ Choice Awards, to select one individual worthy to be called ‘Entertainer of The Year’. It will be a big decoration we hope will encourage actors, comedians, musicians, and others, to do the best work possible, while maintaining a great relationship with the fans. ‘Entertainer’ will debut in 2017. NET Honours will also now be given out at this event.
Since THENETNG debuted on November 23, 2009, we have worked tirelessly to build what we believe will become the world’s number one source of everything you need to know about Nigerian entertainment. Today, 36,000 stories, 6 billion page views, 15 million video views, 5 million users, and 77 months after, I’m happy to say we are firmly positioned to break barriers and build tomorrow.
I believe, as those who know me will agree, that it is possible.
I want to thank you again for coming out. I look forward to having a great time.
Nigerian actress, producer and entrepreneur Funke Akindele has been confirmed to speak at the fourth edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference holding in Lagos on April 20.
The multiple award-winning Nollywood star who’s behind the viral Jenifa series, will make her NECLive debut as one of the lead speakers in a session on ‘The Economy of Talents’.
Funke Akindele joins other Nollywood stars like Amaka Igwe, Gab Okoye, Ramsey Nouah, Kunle Afolayan, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Joke Silva, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Chioma Ude, who have appeared on NECLive since it was founded in 2013.
A compendium of Africa’s entertainment industry analysis compiled by PwC forecasts that in 2019, the steadily growing Nigerian filmed entertainment sector will be worth US$295 million, up from US$183 million as of 2014, rising at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%, the report notes. It further enthused “the country’s box office is expected to perform well as cinemas are built and upgraded. Box office revenue will reach US$207 million by 2019, up from US$103 million recorded in 2014”.
Founder of Nigerian Entertainment Today, and chairman of NECLive, Ayeni Adekunle says this year’s theme is ‘ Entertainment Industry as ‘Last Hope’ for Africa’s Largest Economy’, with speakers and panelists drawn from a wide range of industries across the public and private sectors.
Some of Nigeria’s most decorated music-makers and entertainers have signed up to be a part of the fourth edition of Nigeria’s umbrella entertainment conference NECLive holding in Lagos on Wednesday April 20, 2016.
Multiple award-winning R&B superstar Banky W, international entertainer and pathfinder D’banj, global dance sensation Kaffy, West African Idols winner and singer Timi Dakolo, multi-talented viral entertainer Falz, fast-rising singer Simi, Project fame super alumnus Praiz, and YBNL disruptors Adekunle Gold and Lil’ Kesh have all been confirmed to lead conversations at this year’s event.
Conference chairman Ayeni Adekunle says the music speakers and panelists for this year were chosen based on interests, experience and influence, in line with the theme of this year’s edition. ‘We’re gathering to tell and show the world how the creative industry can help save Nigeria’s economy, in the light of all that’s happening. Our music speakers and panelists will drive the conversation using personal case studies, work experiences, and show how the music scene can be harnessed to add value in a non-oil economy.’
According to Entertainment and Media Outlook report published by PwC, Nigeria’s entertainment and media market grew by 19.3% in 2014 reaching US$4.0 billion. The entertainment sector in Nigeria is ranked the fastest-expanding major market globally and is predicted to rise at an impressive forecast CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 15.1%. “By 2019, the market will be more than twice as big, with estimated total revenue of US$8.1billion” concludes the report.
Some of the musicians, including D’Banj confirmed they will make major announcements on new projects expected to solve pertinent problems.
The musicians will join their colleagues from Nollywood, comedy, media, IT, fashion, sports and allied sectors to discuss issues and solutions, network and connect, while demonstrating ideas, products and services that can potentially deliver the kind of innovation the industry in particular, and the country at large, desperately needs.
NECLive is organized by THENETNG, in partnership with several Nigerian and international organizations. The event will hold at Landmark Events Center, in Lagos onWednesday April 20, 2016, with comedian Tee A as host. Other confirmed speakers and panelists include Funke Akindele, Bovi, Tony Ojobo, Gbenga Adeyinka, Funke Bucknor Obruthe, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Wole Oguntokun, Tunde Falase, Oye Akideinde, Joyce Ize-Iyamu, DJ Caise, Emem Ema, Kayode Olowu, Wana Udoabang and many others
Four years after he made his NECLive debut, Nigerian pop star and businessman D’Banj will return to the conference on April 20, 2016as a lead speaker.
The former Mo’Hits partner, who’s now a musician cum businessman, has seen his career structure evolve in recent times, as he moves around the world making pitches and sealing deals as the CEO of self-found DKM media. But he’s also making records and fronting gigs, with a fan base that remains impressive, for someone who’s been active for almost 13 years.
His debut as a NECLive speaker, according to founder Ayeni Adekunle, will cover his music sphere and more, especially his dreams and ideas for transforming the Nigerian music industry using a model he plans to demonstrate.
It’s the first time, in a career that took flight in 2004, that the 35 year-old act will deliver a major keynote address at a major conference here. D’Banj joins other superstars like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, 2face Idibia, Davido, Joke Silva and M.I who have presented excellent ‘papers’ at the annual conference event.
‘I’m looking forward to NEClive’, D’banj says, promising ‘a very major announcement and ‘case studies I’ve never shared anywhere else’. The conference will highlight efforts by individual organizations and sector groups to support the economy through the entertainment industry.
Nigeria is currently ranked as the largest economy in Africa surpassing South Africa following the rebasing exercise of 2013 which according to analysts at Dunn Loren Merrifield Asset Management & Research Co. recorded a leap of 89%, increasing to c.$509.97 billion (~=N=80.22 trillion) from c.$272.21billion (~=N=42.40trillion) and an improvement in GDP Per Capita.
In a similar report, contributions by arts, entertainment and recreation economic activities increased to 0.24% Year-on-Year (YoY) in first quarter (1Q2015) from 0.21% in 1Q2014.
Nigerian Entertainment Conference, now in its fourth year, holds at Landmark Events Centre, in Lagos, on Wednesday April 20, 2016. The event, which has become the umbrella conference for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, is the marketplace of ideas, products and services for everyone working in Nollywood, music, fashion, comedy, media, technology and many allied industries. This year’s theme, organizers say, is ‘Entertainment Industry as ‘Last Hope’ for Africa’s largest economy’.
On Friday 6 November at Freedom Park, Lagos, several prominent personalities from the Nigerian creative industry including Programme Chair, Committee for Relevant Arts, Jahman Anikulapo, Wazobia FM OAP Steve “Yaw’ Onu, Writer and publisher Toni Kan, and Programmes Director, Beat FM, Olisa Adibua gathered for the inaugural NECLive Series conference entitled “Bridging Pathways To The Creative Industry Of Our Dreams”.
Organised by NET, the NECLive Series conference featured panel discussions on the topics “Protecting Intellectual Property” and “Bridging Pathways To The Creative Industry of Our Dreams.” Also Ace photographer, Sola Animashaun, anchored a master class titled ‘Power of Photography – Pictures in A New Age’
Other personalities in attendance included Founder, Olori Supergal.com, Tosin AJibade, Entertainment Editor, The Nation Newspaper Victor Akande, Director General, and National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC) Mrs. Dayo Keshi, GM, Five Star Music, Soso Soberekon and Programmes Director, City 105.1 FM, Gbemileke “Oscar” Oyinsan amongst others.
Giving his thoughts on the day’s events, NET publisher and conference convener Ayeni Adekunle remarked,
“The process of creating an organized and sustainable creative industry is a unavoidably long one. An industry, which has existed in chaos for such a long time, will not transform itself overnight and this is where the NECLive Series conference is very important. Once a year we gather for the main conference, but these regular mini conferences give us the opportunity to bring more ideas to the table and engage in a robust debate that cannot be had in just one day.
The conversations we have had here today along with the many conversations we have had and will continue to have, will form the basis for the structure of the new Nigerian creative industry that we want to build. I am very happy at the turnout and I enjoin all the participants and everyone present to take these discussions to heart and begin implementing the resolutions wherever we may have a chance to.”
Convened annually since 2013 by Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), the industry’s leading content platform, NECLive serves as a platform for discussing challenges, exchanging ideas and setting the agenda for the entertainment industry in Nigeria. NECLive Series is a spin-off from the broader conference, which held in April 2015.
Indeed, the Nigerian entertainment industry has exploded in recent times. The hyper activity on the scene has, no doubt, upstaged the days of yore when local TV and radio stations feed the public with foreign contents, especially from the United States.
You recall days when the craze for foreign songs, which most of us barely understood the lyrics or even make any sense out of them, were in vogue?
Those days when Indian and Chinese movies, even without subtitles, kept many on the edge of their seats? Days are gone when you went to night clubs and danced to American beats from dusk till dawn without complaining; the era when Shaba Ranks, Patra, Buster Rhymes, Chakademus & Pliers, 2Pac, Shagy and the likes ruled the country’s music industry.
Then, it was like a taboo to play a Nigerian song or video on air; Nigerian movies were ‘no, no.’ In fact, a radio station was even so audacious that time, as to decree that no Nigerian music, except Fela, would grace its air.
Today, things have changed; Nigerian songs are making waves all over the world, with the artistes winning international awards for their works. Nollywood, on the other hand, has become a phenomenon across the globe, to the extent that American superstars have seen reasons to collaborate with our people.
Today, comedy has become a major part of events, with hundreds of young Nigerians earning a living from just making people laugh. Unlike in the past, the youths are proud to introduce themselves in public as professional dancers today.
Don’t forget the cinematographers, sound engineers, producers, directors, make-up artistes, set designers and others on the fringes, making a living from the industry; that’s how far the entertainment industry has gone. But critically studied, the industry is yet to go full circle in terms of achieving its full potential.
Largely, lack of proper structure and funding has remained a stumbling block to the sector that has the capacity of impacting the economy positively.
Vanessa Obioha reports Nigerian artistes may not be about outward show only, and that some of them should be reckoned with in their brainpower
Alot of in-betweens happened at the recently held Nigeria Entertainment Conference (NEC). Sparks flew in every direction, voices were raised in anger, concerns expressed in desperate ripples and spat resolved, shocking revelations made, but above all, knowledge was shared. That is what the conference was all about-to share knowledge that will benefit the stakeholders and practitioners, as well as, budding artistes in the entertainment industry.
Expectedly, a teeming crowd converged at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Oceanview Marquee for the conference. As early as 8:00am, guests were already at the venue for accreditation. Although, the right venue was not appropriately conveyed, guests still found their way to the marquee which was aesthetically transformed to suit the event. On the white walls of the marquee were portraits of the panelists and speakers. The main stage was illuminated by the white backdrop of the conference logo. Two big screens were positioned on both sides of the stage to enable participants view the drama on stage. Lush white seats were provided for those who couldn’t make it to the main hall to view the event, given that it was an informal ambience, a refreshing novelty away from the strict and formal setting of a conference. Perhaps, it was a deliberate set-up by the organisers since the conference revolves around the entertainment industry. The camaraderie was infectious as friends hugged themselves, back slapped and issued shouts of surprise. For the budding artistes and entertainers, it was the perfect environment to hobnob with favourite celebrities and take selfies.
However, the Oceanview Marquee was a wrong choice to host the event as it was not spacious enough to accommodate all. Perhaps, the organisers should have stuck to its previous venue, the Convention Centre which boasts of more space. Eager participants had to struggle for space with exhibitors who came to showcase their products and services. For those who could not find a seat in the hall, big screens were situated at the back of the hall, displaying all the action on the main stage. But not all were comfortable watching the show on a screen when the action was next door. A large number of guests preferred to stand at the back of the hall for that eye-witness experience. The gathering was also a premium opportunity for people to network and at the same time, learn more about products and services that were on exhibition. For instance, many encountered Enplug Africa, a social media technology company that started in Nigeria last October, for the first time. The company displayed a public computing platform which is a unique digital signage software that enables brands to engage their audience through streaming of live feeds from various social media platforms. It pushes content real-time and gives the brand a visible presence in the social media.
The 3rdNigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive 3) held on Wednesday April 22, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The annual event which is organised by NET Newspaper brings together different stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment industry to discuss mutual challenges and partnerships and to set agenda for the year ahead.
The event had in attendance entertainment personalities and professionals such as Davido,Joke Silva, eLDee, Ali Baba, MI Abaga, Ice Prince & the entire Chocolate City team,Mo Abudu, Wunmi Obe, Shizzi, Jason Njoku, Shina Peller, Chioma Ude, Mai Atafo,Yetunde Babaeko amongst others.
