NECLive, Africa’s biggest annual gathering of the entertainment and creative industry, returns on November 28th at the Landmark Event Centre. This year’s edition will be hosted by Bolanle Olukanni and Tee A. Attendees will also enjoy special live performances from Timi Dakolo and Gaise Baba, the artist behind the 2025 viral gospel hit “No Turning Back.” Over the years, NECLive has delivered unforgettable showcases from some of Nigeria’s most iconic performers.
We take a look at the Top 5 performances in NECLive history.
1. Timi Dakolo — NECLive 4 (2016)
Timi Dakolo, known for his soulful voice and hits like “There’s a Light” and “Iyawo Mi,” made a big impact at NECLive 4 in 2016 with his performance of “Great Nation.” He was at the event as a panelist but surprised everyone by going on stage and turning the hall into a chorus of patriotism with his powerful voice and stage presence. This was his first time performing at NECLive, and almost ten years later, he’s coming back for NECLive 2025 to give another unforgettable performance at NECLive.
2. D’Banj — NECLive 4 (2016)
D’Banj, the “Koko Master,” known for hits like “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love,” and “Emergency,” turned NECLive 4 into a lively mini concert. He performed fan favourites like “Suddenly” and “Mr Endowed,” plus a medley of other hits, getting the audience dancing and singing along. As we all know, D’Banj is a good performer, making sure he owned the stage. With his energetic moves and stage presence, D’Banj made the event exciting and unforgettable.
3. K1 De Ultimate (Kwam 1) — NECLive 5 (2017)
K1 De Ultimate lit up NECLive 5 with a high-energy performance that added a whole new layer to the event. For the first time, he brought the Fuji vibe to NECLive, making it a memorable experience as he not only performed but also explained the genre and its significance. Singing a selection of Fuji songs that resonated especially with the older generation, he had the audience clapping, dancing, and fully immersing themselves in the music. The energy, the crowd, and the sheer mastery of his craft reminded everyone why he is a living legend at NECLive 2017.
4. Simi — NECLive 6 (2018)
Simi delivered a captivating performance at NECLive 6 with the performance of “Joromi” and “Smile for Me” at the event. Her stage presence is gentle yet powerful, and she easily connects with the audience through her heartfelt delivery. She even gave fans the chance to sing along by handing them the microphone and engaging them throughout the performance. Simi brought her energy to the tracks and kept the crowd fully involved.
5. 2Baba — NECLive 9 (2022)
2Baba, known for hits like “African Queen,” “Iheneme,” “Amaka,” and “If Love is a Crime,” gave a touching tribute to the late Sound Sultan at NECLive 9, who passed away in 2021. His emotional performance moved the audience, especially when he sang the line, “I can’t believe I’ll never get to never see you no more.” 2Baba is known for connecting deeply with fans and delivering powerful performances, and this tribute became one of the most memorable and heartfelt moments in NECLive history.
Make sure you’re at NECLive 2025 on Friday, November 28 at the Landmark Event Center. This year’s edition is themed “Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.” Don’t miss it, register now at www.nec.ng
