Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) 2025 is officially underway, and Lagos has become the beating heart of African creativity for six vibrant days. Running from Tuesday, 18 November through Sunday, 23 November, the summit has drawn an impressive crowd of innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, and investors, all united under this year’s theme, “Close the Gap.”
The brainchild of power couple Darey “Dare” Art Alade and Deola Art Alade, EWA is produced by their company, Livespot360. But the Alades aren’t simply hosting a conference; they’re executing a strategic vision to institutionalise Africa’s creative economy. Their goal is clear: to bridge the gap between the continent’s raw, vibrant talent and the structured capital and distribution networks of the global market.
The atmosphere on the ground reflects that ambition perfectly. There’s an electric energy here, driven by the calibre of attendees and the weight of what’s at stake. Among the notable faces spotted at the opening are veteran filmmaker and cultural commentator Chris Ihidero, powerhouse singer-songwriter Waje (whose career spans both music and acting), and the legendary Frank Edoho, the enduring host of Nigeria’s long-running show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
At the heart of it all is the EWA Deal Room, hosted at the Livespot Entertarium. Since Tuesday, it’s been a whirlwind of activity. This three-day accelerator and networking programme for founders and creatives culminates in a Demo Day, and it’s where the real business happens. Investors and executives from across the globe are sitting down with African filmmakers, musicians, and tech entrepreneurs to discuss financing, distribution, and partnerships. The star power may be undeniable, but make no mistake: people are here to do deals, not just take photos.
EWA is a platform that’s actively shaping how African creatives connect with global capital. The agreements signed here will likely influence the continent’s entertainment output for the year ahead, and possibly beyond. The creative industry is growing rapidly, and EWA is proof that the infrastructure to support it is growing too.
NECLive 2025 is coming! Join us on Friday, November 28 at Landmark Events Centre for discussions on ‘Powering Africa Through Creative Enterprise.’ Don’t miss out, sign up at www.nec.ng.
