The fourth edition of the annual Nigerian Entertainment Conference held on Wednesday, April 20 and popular actress Funke Akindele, who was one of the speakers of the day, gave a few advices to colleagues and upcoming artistes in her presentation.
Below are some entertainment business lessons from her presentation.
Be willing to make sacrifices. ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ was produced with cash from an endorsement deal.
Advertisers will only give a content creator good reception when there are ready-made reference materials (e.g. pilot episodes)
Do not rely on government for opportunities. Just work harder and look inwards.
Successful artistes must help upcoming talents to build a better industry ecosystem.
Stay away from cliques, caucuses or camps. Growth comes when various interests unite.
Never stop learning or educating yourself. Go to schools and study to be a true professional.
Think well before signing contracts or agreeing to any deals.
Build a proper structure for yourself and your brand. Get an office, a good website, social media presence, business name, etc.
Get sound professional business advice from managers, accountants, lawyers, etc.
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.
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’.
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.
On Wednesday April 22, 2015 at the third edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) holding at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, a number of respected contributors to Nigerian show business will be awarded NET Honours in recognition of their efforts in the promotion and development of Nigerian entertainment.
The NET Honours are awarded annually at the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, which is organized by Nigerian Entertainment Today (NET), the premier Nigerian entertainment industry media platform. They recognize media and entertainment personalities for their contribution to the growth and development of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which cuts across music, film, fashion, comedy, art & design, media & broadcasting and branding.
Past winners of NET Honours include music icon Onyeka Onwenu, Nollywood legend Jide Kosoko, street music pioneer, Daddy Showkey, Gospel legend, Ebenezer Obey, Media mogul Ayo Animashaun, distinguished moviemaker, Zeb Ejiro and music executive Obi Asika. Others are Don Jazzy, D’Banj, Laolu Akins, Amaka Igwe, OJB Jezreel, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Sunny Okosuns, Adebayo Salami,Sunday Omobolanle and Tajuddeen Adepetu.
The prominent Nigerian entertainment personalities who will receive NET Honours this year for their contribution to the advancement of their respective field include iconic OAP J.A.J, respected broadcaster and music critic, Benson Idonije, award winning music producer Cobhams Asuquo, media executive Alex Okosi, NBC DG Emeka Mba and respected entertainment writer Jahman Anikulapo.
Others are popular Yoruba movie actor Tajudeen Oyewole (Abija), Corporate Pictures CEO Razak Abdullahi, legendary actor and musician Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala), filmmaker Lere Paimo, Music icon (Lagbaja), Galaxy TV CEO Steve Ojo, renowned poet and actor, Adebayo Faleti and COSON Board chairman Tony Okoroji.
Chris Ihidero, chairman of the NET Editorial Board describes the NET Honours as a small token of appreciation for the immense contributions made by the awardees to the evolution of Nigerian entertainment as a business and as a culture.
In his words, “Few things define the culture of a country so closely as its entertainment culture. The overall culture of a country closely mirrors that of its entertainment industry and the positive contributions they have made are contributions, not just to entertainment, but also to national development.”
The Nigerian Entertainment Conference is the premier forum for entertainment industry discussions and agenda setting in Nigeria. The third edition of the annual conference tagged “Buying And Selling Nigerian Entertainment…And Everything In Between” will feature addresses and panel sessions involving prominent Nigerian show business personalities such as Davido, Shizzi, Bez Idakula, Linus Idahosa, Shina Peller, Tunde Laoye, Mai Atafo, Yetunde Babeko, AY, Wunmi Obe, Innocent Uba, George Thorpe and Jason Njoku.
Profiles Of NET Honours Recipients
Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson
Jacob Akinyemi-Johnson aka JAJ has had over 36 years of experience as a broadcaster. He has become one of Nigeria’s biggest broadcasting personalities and he has been instrumental to the growth of Rhythm 93.7 FM. JAJ’s consistently high standards and longevity have contributed in no small way to the growth of private radio and TV broadcasting in Nigeria.
Mr Benson Idonije
Benson Idonije is an iconic broadcaster, journalist, music producer and artist manager. At 78 years of age, with over 57 years in the industry in which time he has worked with legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, he continues to participate actively in the industry without showing any sign of letting up.
Cobhams Asuquo
One of Nigeria’s most successful song music producers ever, Cobhams Asuquo has achieved local and international acclaim. He is currently the CEO and Head of Productions of CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions) and he is signed on to Sony ATV (Sony Publishing) London as a songwriter. Cobhams is living evidence of the human ability to surmount any kind of challenge and achieve success against all odds.
Abija
Tajudeen Oyewole aka Abija is one of the Nollywood’s most successful Yoruba actors. He is also a successful movie producer with titles such as Aji Perin, Ija Eleye, Omo Eleye and Orikunkun under his belt amongst others. With over 40 years of work under his belt in the Nigerian film industry, Abija still maintains his high level of output and creativity and does not look like quitting anytime soon.
Razak Abdullahi
Razak Abduallahi is the CEO of Corporate Pictures, one of the country’s top movie and music marketing firms. Razak Abdullahi’s efforts in marketing Nigerian movies and making Nollywood a profitable business model have contributed greatly to the success of the Nigerian film industry.
Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala)
One of the fathers of modern Nigerian comedy, Moses Olaiya has contributed immensely to the success of the Nigerian movie industry as an actor and a producer. He is also a huge contributor to the evolution and growth of Nigerian music. Moses Olaiya is a genuine living legend of Nigerian entertainment.
Alex Okosi
Alex Okosi is a media executive responsible for the launch of the pan-African MTV channel MTV Base in February 2005. This platform now gives African artistes a global audience of more than 100 million. He is also the creative force behind the MTV Africa Music Awards, another massive international platform for African artists to enhance their profile and status.
Lere Paimo
As a film actor, film-maker, producer and director, Lere Paimo has featured in, produced and directed several Nigerian films over the years. He has been awarded an MFR in recognition of his immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry, and till date he continues to make use of his experience and knowledge to contribute to the development of the industry.
Emeka Mba
Emeka Nkem Mba is the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and a highly respected veteran with over 23 years of experience in the industry. As DG of the NFVCB, he has carried out trailblazing work in reforming the Nigerian film industry and he was also instrumental to the launch of Africa’s first satellite movie channel Africa Magic which has given Nollywood a truly global platform.
Jahman Anikulapo
Jahman Anikulapo is a respected entertainment writer, Arts critic and journalist. He has presented Nigerian films to large international audiences at the Milan African Film Festival and French African Film Festival in Stuttgart, Germany, where he also served on the international jury. He is also on the board of the West African Documentary Film Forum, conveners of the yearly Real Life Film Festival in Ghana. He has continuously striven to promote the Nigerian movie industry.
Lagbaja
Afrobeat musician, Bisade Ologunde aka Lagbaja is one of Nigeria’s most successful and internationally recognized artistes. He has regularly used his clout to push for the interests of the Nigerian entertainment industry and his success in promoting indigenous African music to the African and global audience was key to the resurgence of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Okoroji
Chief Okoroji is Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Board and he has been at the forefront of efforts to review Nigeria’s copyright laws. As one of Nigeria’s most respected authorities on Intellectual Property, he has consistently fought to promote the interests of Nigerian copyright holders in the entertainment industry.
Steve Ojo
Steve Ojo has been involved in broadcasting for 49 years. He later set up the first production company in Nigeria, supporting government stations with production and post-production services. As the founder and CEO of Galaxy TV, he continues to work to advance the interests of private broadcasting in Nigeria.
Adebayo Faleti
Adebayo Faleti is one of Nigeria’s entertainment pioneers with a career stretching back over five decades in poetry, acting, writing and broadcasting. One of Nigeria’s most celebrated Yoruba playwrights, he is also a successful Yoruba movie producer and one of the most respected exponents of the indigenous language creative sector.
