Popular comedian, Bovi Ugboma, better known by his stage name Bovi, has pleaded with Nigerians to be patient and allow the Buhari-led government implement its plans and agenda for the country.
He said there hadn’t been any government Nigerians didn’t have to groan about.
The rib cracker spoke with newsmen at the ongoing Nigerian Entertainment Conference in Lagos state.
According to him, “I think they need time. Every government has issues like this when they are just starting out. There are always strong and weak points of setting up government.
“There is no government we’ve had that people don’t complain in Nigeria so it is all part of democracy.
“I believe they really deserve to be given time.
“I don’t think anyone goes into government with the sole intention to make his people suffer,” the father of two added.
So many Nigerian celebrities including Banky W, Funke Akindele and Tiwa Savage, gathered in Lagos at the recently held Nigerian Entertainment Conference 2016 to share some of their wealth of experience.
In his speech, Banky W said that the structure of the music business in Nigeria needs a lot of fixing while sharing his thoughts on ‘Content Marketing: The Power of Music, Comedy& More.’
The singer said, “I think that the structure of the music business in general needs a lot of fixing in Nigeria. We all need to come together and fix the structure. Everybody in the industry values change.
“Yes the artiste records but the producers should also get money on the back-end. They should be getting royalties for every of their music that is played. I always like to use 9ice’s Gongo Aso album as example. In my opinion, it’s one of the best albums that have ever come out of Nigeria in our history. I think the producer that worked on it, ID Cabasa, should be getting royalty from the album. His children’s children should be paid from every song he has produced.”
Akindele deliberated on ‘Economy of Talent: Using the Entertainment Industry to Rebuild Nigeria,’ and urged Nigerian celebrities to work harder.
“I believe structure matters a lot. How many celebrities have lawyers, good managers, and offices? Do we have websites? How big are we online? How are we imparting on people’s lives? What can they see us giving back to the society? In all, I just want us to work harder and together as a team. We all have talent and we should come together and also help the up and coming ones. Do not wait for the government. When you work hard and you are good at what you do, people will look for you,” she said.
While speaking on difficulties many Nigerian artistes go through in order to promote their content, the Eminado singer and Mavin first lady, Tiwa Savage, said, “I was in the UK recently. They have people called, music pluggers. These people are professionals who help artistes plug their songs on radio and also ensure that the songs get enough airplay. But here in Nigeria, we artistes have to take our CDs to radio stations ourselves. We tend to build relationships with OAPs and DJs. We always ensure that we send messages to them on their birthdays because many of us believe that if we don’t do that, they might not play our songs.”
Other panelists that spoke at the event include, Kemi Adetiba, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Bovi, Falz, Timi Dakolo and TY Bello.
Investment banking expert and Chairman, Dunn Loren Merrifield Group, Sonnie Ayere has called for extensive government support to the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
Ayere while speaking at Nigerian Entertainment Conference#NECLive4 during the lead panel session on ‘Restructuring the entertainment industry as ‘last hope’ for Africa’s largest economy’, he opined “while we note the growing government support, much more can be done as an estimated 80% of funding in Nigeria’s entertainment industry still comes from personal funding and from groups within the industry.
The role of government cannot be over emphasized by providing adequate support for a structured environment, aiding the business of entertainment to thrive”.
“The remarkable performance of the entertainment industry which is essentially private sector driven can be further explored through strategic partnerships with the government to boost economic growth”.
Sonnie Ayere also highlighted that opportunities within the Nigerian entertainment industry have not been fully harnessed due to the huge fund requirements for its operations. “With a sustainable structure in place, the nation’s capital market could become a source of funding for the industry in the medium term. This supports the need to improve engagement in the creative industry through strategic funding and provision of intervention funds” he added.
Popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st, has opined that entertainers should take ownership rather than waiting for government to help build the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Speaking as a panelist at the just concluded 4th edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive4), the University of Lagos graduate said, ‘I don’t believe that government should do this for us. I believe we should all individually build our structures. I would say we should take ownership.’
He added: ‘There are still entertainers who collect money for shows in cash, put it in their cars, spend it; and then go to bank and the bank says how much are you worth, they say oh, I make about 10 million every month and they say show me and there’s no record.
‘Everything has to be documented, everything has to be done right. In Nigeria new things will always come. Tomorrow, there will be Falz The Good Guy, whether you like it or not. But what have you done as Falz The Bahd Guy? Have you monetized enough? Have you built enough structure?’
Like Gbenga Adeyinka, Funke Akindele, Falz The Bahd Guy and Timi Dakolo also shared their thoughts on why entertainers should not depend on government at the conference.
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.
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
