Category Archives: Latest News

NECLive organisers have confirmed that celebrated media personality Bolanle Olukanni will return as host for NECLive 2025 on November 28, 2025 in Lagos. Having previously hosted NECLive in 2021 and 2022, Bolanle will co-host this edition of the conference alongside comedy legend Tee A. She will bring her exceptional audience engagement skills and industry expertise to guide conversations across the conference’s multi-segment format, including keynotes, panel discussions, live performances, Q&As, workshops and innovation showcases.

Bolanle is a renowned television host and filmmaker, recognized for her work on popular shows such as Project Fame West Africa, The Juice, and Moments with Mo. She is well-respected for her creativity, interview style, and social impact advocacy which have made her one of Africa’s most trusted media voices.

“For over a decade, NECLive has consistently delivered impactful conversations and showcased the best of our industry,” said Bolanle. “The organisers have curated a truly great platform and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Bolanle and Tee A embody the spirit of innovation, authenticity and creative excellence that defines the African entertainment industry. Their combined experience and ability to facilitate meaningful industry dialogue provides the perfect foundation for conversations that will shape the trajectory of African entertainment for the next decade.

The hosts will anchor NECLive 2025 in front of over 2,000 in-person attendees and 10 million viewers globally through multiple broadcast and digital platforms. The conference is organised by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa, with Huce Valeris as production partner, and it is supported by MultiChoice Nigeria.

Legendary event host and media personality, Tee A (Tunde Adewale) will return as host for NECLive 2025 on November 28, 2025 in Lagos. The veteran entertainer will co-host the conference alongside renowned broadcaster Bolanle Olukanni, bringing his signature wit, comedic timing, and deep industry expertise to guide conversations across the conference’s multi-segment format, including keynotes, panel discussions, live performances, Q&As, workshops and innovation showcases.

Tee A, a pioneer in Nigeria’s stand-up comedy scene and much sought-after corporate event compere, has hosted NECLive a record seven times since the conference’s inception. The acclaimed TV host and content producer is renowned for his incredible wit, comedic timing, poise and extensive industry knowledge, being one of the pioneers who helped establish Nigeria’s comedy industry. 

The veteran brings his magnetic presence and authentic connection with audiences to the most defining industry gathering of the year. His proven expertise and deep understanding of the creative landscape makes him an ideal anchor for NECLive 2025 which holds under the “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise” theme.

“It’s always a pleasure being part of this dream that continues to shape and propel our creative industry ecosystem,” said Tee A. “I’m honored to host this year’s event, and I look forward to delivering another exceptional experience as we continue this remarkable journey.”

Tee A and Bolanle will anchor NECLive 2025 in front of over 2,000 in-person attendees and 10 million viewers globally through multiple broadcast and digital platforms. The conference is organised by Netng, BHM, and ID Africa, with signature events production company Huce Valeris as production partner, and it is supported by MultiChoice Nigeria.

Today we announce plans for this year’s edition of NECLive which will hold on November 28, 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos Nigeria, and other venues across the country and the rest of the world. 

We founded NECLive over a decade ago because we were troubled and bothered about the issues plaguing the industry, holding talents down, holding companies down and preventing what could otherwise have been a truly transformational industry from achieving its true potential.

We’ve gathered since then and we’ve attacked different topics and issues. We’ve had some of the best thinkers from our continent, standing on the NECLive stage, pitching ideas and solutions and proposing arguments and perspectives that did move the industry forward.

We were battling quality control, distribution, monetisation and globalisation and so many other issues when NECLive debuted in 2013, as an intervention from the Netng editorial board. As I look back today, most of the issues that kept us up at night all those years have now largely been solved. 

Our talents are global. Our content is being monetised. Our music is recognised everywhere. Our film industry is doing really really good – the world is paying attention to us. But, as the old problems become a thing of the past, here comes new challenges and issues that appear even more dangerous.

Technology continues to rapidly change how the game is played; it is clear we are not winning the distribution and monetization war; and although our talents across film and music are gaining more recognition and being feted all over, it is difficult to draw a line between that and the commensurate commercial opportunities. Most of the IP are being wrested from vulnerable creators; and most of the infrastructure needed to truly derive value for creators and their backers either do not exist, or are plugged into avenues of exploitation. Hype is drowning true development; and celebrity culture, replacing true creation.

This is by no means a diagnosis. But if you observe with me, we can continue listing many more challenges and identifying blockers and plotting opportunities. Imagine what the next 20 years could look like if we did the right things, if we won the right battles?

I invite you all to join us on this journey to interrogate, to investigate, to brainstorm and to understand what we need to know and do in order to make sure that as the world listens and dances to our music; as the world enjoys our skits and sketches and ideas and everything we have to provide; as our talents climb the world stages and our managers and producers and directors and investors give all they have to give, it does not all come to naught. What is happening to and with our entertainment and creative industry is unprecedented; and many worked and prayed and hoped for a time like this. I know I did.

Now that we are seeing a glimpse of what is possible, how do we make sure that true value does come back home? How do we make sure we actually build something lasting and sustainable? How do we make sure that there is value for individuals, companies, governments, and institutions? 

I’m proud to announce that NECLive returns with a commitment to work with everyone to address these issues and drive the necessary interventions, in addition to so many other efforts by well meaning stakeholders. We will have several events across the country, across the continent, and in different parts of the world with the hope that we can all play our parts in making sure we maximize the huge opportunity before us. 

There is a big opportunity to influence the world. There is a big opportunity to build wealth. There is a big opportunity, big opportunity to demonstrate how this industry can and must be truly transformational in how our country and continent develop.

I invite you to join the conversation, and to join us at our flagship event on 28 November 2025, and all the other events around the world you’ll soon be hearing about. 

Thank you and have a nice day 

ID Africa and BHM Announce 2025 Edition of NECLive

…West Africa’s premier entertainment conference to hold at Landmark in Lagos, plus other international venues to be announced.

Lagos, Nigeria – 14 July 2025  BHM and ID Africa, organisers of NECLive, West Africa’s largest annual gathering of creative industry professionals, have announced the return of the flagship conference for 28-30 November 2025. The newly introduced multi-venue global format of the 13 year-old conference will convene under the theme ‘Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise’ at the prestigious Landmark Centre in Lagos.

Since its inception in 2013, NECLive has served as the premier platform for discussions, networking, innovation showcase and policy advocacy within Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industries. Over 9 editions, the conference has hosted more than 500 industry experts as speakers and panellists, attracted over 100,000 participants, and reached an audience exceeding 100 million people across 50+ countries. The conference has facilitated over 1,000 deals and partnerships whilst maintaining its core mission of building sustainable pathways for the entertainment industry to thrive.

African Creative Industries: Growth Amidst Challenges

Nigeria’s creative economy has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with Nollywood becoming the world’s second-largest film industry by volume and Afrobeats achieving global mainstream success. Recent wins include Nigerian artistes selling out major international arenas, Grammy recognition for Afrobeats stars, and the viral reach of African content creators across digital platforms. The sector now contributes approximately 2.3% to Nigeria’s GDP, worth over $4.2 billion annually.

However, significant challenges persist. Infrastructure deficits, limited access to funding, inadequate intellectual property protection, and weak distribution networks continue to constrain growth potential and industry sustainability. The creative sector faces increasing competition from international markets whilst struggling with brain drain as talent migrates to markets with better opportunities and support systems.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities for global impact remain immense. Africa’s creative industries have the potential to capture a significantly larger share of the global creative economy, currently worth $2.25 trillion. With strategic investment in infrastructure, technology adoption, and policy reforms, Nigerian creatives could leverage the continent’s rich cultural heritage and growing youth population to build sustainable enterprises that power broader economic development.

Global Platform for African Creativity

The 2025 edition of NECLive will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and performers from across Africa and the global diaspora, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, corporate brands and emerging talent. The conference aims to showcase successful models of creative enterprise whilst providing practical solutions for scaling African creative businesses globally.

“After more than a decade of facilitating crucial conversations within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, we’re witnessing an unprecedented moment where our creative talents are gaining global recognition and commercial success,” said Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and Convener of NECLive. “However, we must now focus on building the infrastructure, appropriate policies, and business frameworks that will ensure this momentum translates into sustainable economic power for our nation. This year’s NECLive theme reflects our commitment to demonstrating how creative enterprise can be a genuine driver of Nigeria and Africa’s economic transformation.”

Call for Participation

NECLive 2025 invites prospective sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, partners, and volunteers to join this important conversation about Nigeria’s creative future. The conference offers unique opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and business development within Africa’s most dynamic creative ecosystem.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit www.nec.ng to indicate their interest, explore partnership opportunities, or learn more about participation in NECLive.

About NECLive

Formerly known as Nigerian Entertainment Conference, NECLive is West Africa’s premier annual gathering for creative and entertainment industry professionals. Since 2013, NECLive has provided a platform for discussing challenges, exchanging ideas, and finding strengthened pathways for the entertainment industry in Nigeria to thrive. The conference hosts respected guests, speakers, panellists and performers from various sectors of the economy, attracting thousands of participants and millions of viewers globally. 

Email: [email protected]; Website: www.nec.ng

About ID Africa

Info Digital Africa (ID Africa) is a Pan-African communications advisory, marketing & media company operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. ID Africa owns fast-growing media properties including Netng, Neusroom, 234Star, and NECLive.

Email: [email protected]; Website: www.idafricans.com 

Media Contact: 

NECLive Press Office
Email: [email protected]; [email protected] 

Phone: +234 810 644 6326

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.