The remarkable journey of the Nigerian entertainment industry in the last decades can be traced to the 1980s when Fela Anikulapo-Kuti brought global acclaim to Nigeria as he sold out tours, bagged international awards and created a movement with his sound. In recent years with the emergence of artistes like Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy, we’ve been ushered into a new era with distinct sound and another level of international acclaim. Notable filmmakers like Mo Abudu and Kunle Afolayan, alongside investors like Ayo Animashaun, also contributed to the industry’s commendable growth by curating and telling authentic African stories through films and events.
Today, the entertainment industry has continued to gain global appeal through the outstanding works and investments of personalities like Don Jazzy, who have groomed talents such as Rema and Ayra Starr, as well as Kunle Afolayan, whose film productions have set new standards in Nollywood.
The Netng Most Influential list is a meticulous attempt to identify and honour these individuals driving change in the industry and propelling it to new heights.
2Baba
The growth of the Nigerian music industry from the late 90s to the present day is incomplete without acknowledging the profound contributions of 2baba. Starting his career in secondary school, this music icon and legend, renowned for hit tracks like “African Queen,” “Nfana Ibaga,” “Ihe Neme,” and “Implication,” undeniably paved the way with his timeless songs that facilitated the spread of Nigerian music to international communities.
2baba stands as a record-breaker, whose achievements inspire musicians—be they young, established, or up-and-coming. He holds the distinction of being the first-ever winner of the MTV EMA Best African Act award (2005) and has clinched two BET Best International Act (Africa) awards (2011 and 2013). Moreover, he remains one of the most award-winning Nigerian artists to date. These feats put the Nigerian music industry in the limelight and raised the bar for Nigerian artists, who today are shattering ceilings with more awards, recognitions, and fame.
His musical works are shaping the trajectory of generations to come, with artists like Peruzzi, Kizz Daniel, SPECDO, and Seyi Shay all attesting to looking up to him as a mentor, who inspired their journey into the music industry and highly influenced their style of music.
Alex Okosi
As the Managing Director of Emerging Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for YouTube, Alex Okosi fostered the growth of African creatives through innovation with the rollout of the YouTube Black Voices seed funding. The initiative has contributed to the success stories of content creators like Kagan Tech, Kelechi Anyanwu, Taaooma, and Korty EO who received seed funding, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, with dedicated partner support for six months.
According to YouTube, the percentage of Nigerian YouTube channels making seven figures or more in revenue (Naira) between 2021 – 2022 went up to over 60%. More than 650 channels have over 100,000 subscribers, an increase of over 50%. Also, about 35 channels in the country have over one million subscribers, which represents an increase of 50%. These numbers further align with Okosi’s determination to advance growth in the African entertainment industry.
Currently, he’s the Managing Director of Google in Africa, and even here, he continues to drive growth in the entertainment industry as he has done throughout his career with Viacom International – MTV, BET, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central platforms.
Atunyota ‘Ali Baba’ Akpobome
In almost 40 years, Ali Baba has nurtured and mentored younger comedians to become stars while simultaneously retaining his spot as Nigeria’s king of stand-up comedy and nurturing the trade to become a profession. From Baketmouth to AY to new-age comedians, many comedians have credited the businessman for making the craft profitable and giving them a platform to thrive.
In recent times, his year-end show, ‘The Alibaba January 1st concert,’ held annually at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre has sponsored over 10 IVFs, given out eight cars to upcoming comedians, empowered small businesses and many more in a concert that blends multiple experiences.
Ali Nuhu
There are a handful of Kannywood stars who have broken through the big screens across Nollywood, and Ali Nuhu is on top of that list. Considered the King of Kannywood, his success and mannerisms in the industry have led the conservative society he’s from to see the limitless possibilities in the sphere, thereby leading to more acceptability of the art and the influx of younger actors.
Ali Nuhu’s ability to transition seamlessly from the world of Hausa to English movies, despite differences in cultures, has earned him widespread recognition, thereby making him Kannywood’s most sought-after actor.
In his 24 years in the industry, the actor boasts of an over 500-movie catalogue, with recent blockbusters like Netflix’s ‘Wrath and Revenge,’ ‘Shanty Town, and many more. Recently, he was also appointed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation.
Asa
Regardless of age, class and times, Asa’s music has stood against it all, as her soulful and relatable lyrics on themes bordering on love, equality, social justice, and heartbreak have resonated with people of all ages. Her unique sound has also inspired a new generation of artistes, such as Ayra Starr, Tems, Lady Donli and more. Before Alté became a movement, Asa was ‘Alté’ and in that way crafted a niche and sound for herself that has stood the test of time.
In a career spanning over 20 years, Asa has continued to thread unconventional paths with her music while infusing elements of her indigenous language (Yoruba). Her fluency and commitment to telling her stories in her local language and English as she explores sounds across the borders has allowed her to create a legacy in Nigeria where her sound resonates across generations as she shares her struggles, and the struggles of Nigerians while showing admiration for her culture.
Although she is not as cutthroat as her inspirations when it comes to her activism, over the years, Asa has used her music to spotlight social issues from education to gender equality, youth empowerment, and many more themes. She simply sets the trends.
Ayo Shonaiya
Spanning over three decades, the thought leader, filmmaker and documentarist has documented stories on the culture following his extensive career in talent management and entertainment law as a contract negotiator for A-list Nigerian acts such as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, D’banj, Don Jazzy and Eldee the Don. During this period, he was recognised as one of Nigeria’s top legal consultants and contract negotiators in entertainment.
With over 22 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Ayo Shonaiya has amassed many credits in the film, television and music industries with his R70 Production company. His recent documentary, Afrobeats: The Backstory, is one of his many works that have received industry acclaim as the docu-series features rare interviews from and behind-the-scenes footage of pioneers of the genre, including Ayo Shonaiya himself.
In 2023, Shonaiya also disclosed his intention to tell the story of famed globetrotter Olabisi Ajala, famously known in the 1960s as ‘AJALA The Traveller’ in a documentary series to be jointly produced with Olabisi Ajala jnr.
Over the years, he has positioned himself as the custodian and documentarist of African culture while curating events worldwide enlightening people on the genre, especially at renowned festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival.
Ayo Animashaun
Ayo Animashaun has stayed relevant in the entertainment industry for more than two decades. From publishing Nigeria’s only surviving hip-hop journal, HipHop World Magazine, to the establishment of his 24-hour cable channel, Hip TV – focused on telling entertainment news and promoting the culture – his consistency in creating a platform for Nigerian artistes across the world has made him one of the most respected personalities in the industry.
Alongside owning media assets, the media executive produces Africa’s biggest music award show, The Headies, which has given artistes an international platform through its recent expansion into the United States. Since its inception, The Headies has recognised and promoted upcoming acts in the industry with its highly anticipated ‘Next Rated Award’ while honouring those who had remarkable success in the year in review.
Bada Akintunde-Johnson
In an impressive career trajectory, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, through his stories, creativity, vision and capacity as the Country Manager for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, has discovered talents and made global superstars from budding talents while using his experience in media and entertainment to help African creatives tell better stories.
With his position as the overseer of entertainment brands such as MTVBase, Nickelodeon, BET and Comedy Central in Nigeria, he has overseen programmes like MTV Shuga, MTV Base, and has overseen the production of other culture-defining moments including the MTV Africa Music Awards, and more.
For decades, he has been committed to telling compelling stories with marketing communications. He has created impactful and award-winning campaigns from his time at HiTV to Glo to Paramount. During his time with Glo, he created successful advertising campaigns for brands such as Guinness, Johnnie Walker, UAC foods, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Harp, Smirnoff Ice, Gordon Sparks, Malta Guinness, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Adidas, ExxonMobil, Lagos City Marathon, Indomie and more.
With multiple creative entertainment solutions through Peaceville Entertainment, which he co-owned with Ernest Audu, he had incubated and managed talent across Africa with his clientele, including Vector tha Viper, Dija, Nosa, Babyfresh, Egar Boi, Ozedikus, London, and more. They also partnered with brands such as Universal Music, Chocolate City, Mavins, Glo, MTN, and Livespot.
Basketmouth
Leading standup comedian Basketmouth has diversified his artistic expressions with groundbreaking albums like ‘Yabasi’ and ‘Horoscope,’ while retaining his spot as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished comedians. In his over 20-year career, he has worn many creative hats – From understudying one of the fathers of comedy in Nigeria, Ali Baba, to selling out and headlining shows worldwide, including the 12,500-capacity SSE Arena Wembley London, the 2,800-capacity Indigo at O2 Arena and the 5,000-capacity Eventim Apollo Hammersmith. He has broken many records while retaining his streak as the first and only African comedian to headline a show at Wembley Arena.
During this period, his successful ‘Basketmouth Uncensored’ show reached every form of success. He has all this under his belt alongside his career as an actor with features on shows such as Africa Magic’s ‘My Flatmates,’ web series ‘Papa Benji,’ Showmax’s ‘Ghana Jollof,’ and more.
With his deal with Empire Distribution, an independent label, he explored his first love, music. The deal signed in 2021 led to the production of his highly acclaimed album ‘Horoscopes’ featuring top Nigerian acts like 2Baba, M.I. Abaga, The Cavemen, Simi, Blaqbonez and more. He had previously released ‘Yabasi,’ a project considered one of the best projects of 2020.
Ben Amadasun
In 2015 when Netflix hatched its plans to venture into the African market, they sought the expertise of a seasoned professional to effectively connect with its 1.2 billion population. Ben Amadasun was that expert. On multiple occasions, Amadasun revealed the meticulous process he and his team undertook in searching for the greatest and most authentic African storytellers to showcase African content. This was in a bid to give African storytellers the opportunity to reach a vast audience worldwide.
In the past year, Amadasun has furthered his vision with strategic partnerships with Africa’s top filmmakers, including Kunle Afolayan, Mo Abudu, and Kemi Adetiba. In the streamer’s partnership with Afolayan, the filmmaker was commissioned to produce three new films – a historical drama, a folklore fantasy and a character drama, including ‘Anikulapo’ and ‘Ijogbon.’
Meanwhile, Abudu and her production company, EbonyLife Films, were expected to produce five projects – two series and three films – which included ‘Blood Sisters,’ ‘Oloture,’ an adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ Lola Shoneyin’s ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives’ and more. The streamer also licensed titles like ‘The Wedding Party,’ ‘Chief Daddy,’ ‘Castle & Castle’ and ‘Fifty.’
Adetiba’s partnership with the streaming service yielded a series adaptation of the blockbuster thriller ‘King of Boys 2.’
In 2021 alone, under Amadasun’s supervision, Netflix licensed 31 Nigerian films, including ‘The Set Up,’ ‘Merry Men 2,’ ‘Coming From Insanity’ and more. The expanding slate of Nigerian films on Netflix is largely due to Amadasun’s dedication to sourcing the best of African stories relevant to the streamer’s African audience while amplifying local talents and fostering the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
Bolanle Austen-Peters
Known for sustaining and creating the first privately-owned modern state-of-the-art multipurpose theatre in Nigeria, Bolanle Austen-Peters has earned her title as the ‘Queen of Theatre.’ Through her influence, she has created a cultural centre, Terra Kulture, that actively promotes African film and art. What began as an art gallery has metamorphosed into a cultural and educational centre that promotes the richness and diversity of Nigeria’s art and culture.
Even before it became a profitable venture, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions) promoted African literature and plays, with the production of notable plays like ‘Saro! The Musical,’ ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens,’ ‘Death & The King’s Horseman,’ ‘The Trials of Brother Jero,’ ‘Moremi The Musical,’ and more. She soon went into film production with the release of ‘93 Days,’ which was screened at the renowned Toronto Film Festival and subsequently produced films like ‘The Bling Lagosians (2019),’ ‘Collision Course (2021),’ ‘Man of God (2022)’ and ‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti (2024)’ – a biopic that is set to make history at the Oscars.
In the eighteen years of its existence, Terra Kulture has exhibited over 300 arts and hosted over 140 plays. Through this platform, Austen-Peters also founded Terra Academy for the Arts, where she offers free training in set design, animation, screenwriting and sound to budding talents.
Cecil Hammond
Cecil Hammond is a renowned entertainment promoter whose connection with Ben Bruce, founder of Silverbird Group, led to the emergence of some of Africa’s most anticipated music festivals, including the Flytime Fest, which has given a platform to stars like Wizkid, Asake, Davido among others, and Rhythm Unplugged which is currently West Africa’s longest running music concert.
These music festivals have showcased the best of African music and entertainment to its over 20,000 attendees year-on-year for over 19 years. Since he ventured into music promotion, he has done over 40 shows nationwide, providing a platform for young African talents and creating a space for both rising and established stars to meet – A move that has kept him at the forefront of the showbiz industry ever since.
Charles Ebuebu
Like his predecessors, the current Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, has focused on digitalisation, but most importantly, his plans to create an enabling environment for content to thrive in the industry by creating strategic policies that enable distribution and monetisation has progressed. Since he came into his role as DG in October 2023, he has noted that the commission will focus on creating enabling environments for stakeholders in the industry, as every regulation will be designed to drive creativity and encourage investment. One of his newest offerings is the consideration for the introduction of Pay-per-view (PPV) options on Nigerian satellite television.
With over thirteen years of experience as an in-house solicitor and external counsel and eight years of experience in channel/programme acquisition and management at Continental Broadcasting Service, operators of TVC News, TVC Entertainment and Max FM, Ebuebu remains one of the most powerful forces in the industry, who can make or mar the industry’s growth with his policies.
Chidi Aneto-Okeke
When discussing executives who actively champion the cause of Nigerian and African music through innovation, Chidi Aneto-Okeke stands tall in this regard.
With almost two decades in the sub-Saharan African entertainment and media industry, the founder and CEO of Groove platforms launched the flagship product: uduX – a music streaming and subscription-based store providing access to high-quality multimedia music content.
uduX, recognized as Nigeria’s first indigenous music streaming platform, is noteworthy for reshaping the process of music streaming, breaking barriers to disseminate African music worldwide, and bridging the gap for experiencing live concerts digitally. The groundbreaking streaming of Wizkid’s 2022 MIL O2 Arena concert stands as a testament to uduX’s impact on the industry.
Chidi’s strategic partnerships with telecommunications giant – MTN Nigeria, Piggyvest, and Universal Music Group, show his drive to take the best of Africa to the world and make the process of investing in artistes and earning profits from music more accessible.
Chocolate City Crew
Chocolate City as a label has successfully turned the tides in their favour. From the label that housed hip-hop powerhouses like M.I Abaga, and Jesse Jagz to the label that introduced the world to the chart-topping Ckay, who went on to produce one of Africa’s biggest songs of all time, ‘Love Nwantiti,’ Chocolate City, founded by Audu Maikori and Paul Okeugo in 2005 has become an incubator of stars.
Since Ckay’s success, the label has seen the rise of rap stars like Blaqbonez, whose blend of unrivalled flow and interactive marketing strategy has gained him fame. There’s also Young Jonn, who successfully transitioned from ‘the wicked producer’ with all the hits, to a music star with back-to-back hit singles.
All this was achieved under the supervision of the Chocolate City Crew. They have unarguably shown their commitment to fostering hip-hop music and culture by cultivating and platforming stars. With the rise of acts like Tar1q, Young Jonn, and CandyBleakz, Chocolate City has once again showcased its ability to cultivate and spot talents who can change the face of music in the future.
Adebola Wiliams & Chude Jideonwo
Individually and collectively, Adebola Williams and Chude Jideonwo have made names for themselves in the industry. From founding their PR agency RED to creating initiatives such as The Future Awards Africa – celebrating the outstanding achievement of young individuals – these media investors have continued to invest in talents, the industry and changing the African narrative with their work.
Beyond the collective, through his film production company, AW Network, Adebola Williams has invested in some of Nollywood’s top-grossing films of all time, including ‘Sugar Rush,’ ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ which has raised the standard and redefined the way thriller films are viewed in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Chude Jideonwo, through his media platforms has created a series of films with a focus on social justice and culture, especially with his show #WithChude and the documentary, ‘Awaiting Trial.’
Cobhams Asuquo
Master of the keys, voice, and pen, Cobhams Asuquo is a singer, songwriter, and producer of international repute who shot to fame in 2004 for producing Asa’s debut album, “Asha.” He wrote and co-wrote key hit songs on the album like “Fire on the Mountain,” “Bibanke,” “Jailer,” and “Fire on the Mountain.”
Over two decades later and with a rewarding career, he has released hit songs such as “Boosit ft. Falz” (2016), “Ordinary People” (2014), and “Do the Right Thing ft. Bez” (2015). He’s also produced multiple award-winning songs for popular Nigerian music artists such as Banky W (“Yes/No”, “Final Say”, “Strong Ting”), Omawumi (“If you ask me”), Djinee (“Shoutout to My Lover”), Dare Art Alade (“Not The Girl”), and many more. In 2023, he produced the theme song for Africa’s biggest reality TV show, BBNaija.
Promising to never stop evolving with his music, Cobhams continues to wow the world with his musical ingenuity. Through Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions (CAMP), he has nurtured stars like Bez and Stan Iyke. He places huge importance on discovering, nurturing, and bringing to light great new talents through Vintage Gray Media, his all-around entertainment brand founded in 2016.
Beyond music, Cobhams speaks against the exploitation of artists and serves as a beacon of inspiration to many across the world.
Davido
For twelve years, Davido has maintained his top spot in the music industry, mentoring talents, producing hits and providing a platform for emerging artistes with his projects. But more than ever, he reached international acclaim with the release of his latest album ‘Timeless,’ a 17-track album featuring some of Africa’s best artistes, including Asake, The Cavemen, Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Musa Keys, Fave and more.
The Grammy-nominated album earned him his first set of Grammy nominations in the Best Global Music Album, Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories. Simultaneously, he broke the record for the most first-day streams ever for an African album with over 50 million plays while recording the highest number of first-day album sales by an African artist. The album sold over one million copies on its first day of release.
Still, in 2023, he revamped his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), adding budding acts Morravey and Logos Olori to the roster of talents on his team. Over the years, he has contributed to the growth of artistes like Mayorkun, Peruzzi, Humblesmith and more.
Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye
For over five decades, Mama Nike, as she is affectionately known, has been committed to the revival of traditional art practices and empowering Nigerian women through art. Her work with Adire acts as a beacon of courage for Nigerian women and contributes to the passing down of the Adire craft to successive generations for cultural preservation.
As of 2023, she has trained over 3,000 young Nigerians for free and continues to support emerging artists in her capacity. The veteran textile artist has showcased her work in over 100 international exhibitions, led lectures at Ivy League Universities, sat on the Nigerian Tourism Board, and won awards, including the Ordine Della Stella Della Solidarietà Italiana—one of the highest national honours in Italy.
From the 14-year-old young lady married off to then-famous musician and painter Twin Seven Seven, she has become a formidable force. Through her skill, she not only empowered her fellow wives during that period but also inspired millions globally with her story and art. Her teaching model is currently being used at numerous training centres and galleries across the country.
Chris Ubosi
Beyond being the CEO of Megalectrics Limited, owners of Classic FM, The Beat FM, Naija FM and Lagos Talks, Chris Ubosi is a pioneer in broadcasting in Nigeria and has operated and consulted for various private radio stations. This includes a consultation for the Federal Government after the 1992 deregulation of the broadcast media landscape to private ownership, which led to the establishment of 32 digital stations nationwide.
Currently, his radio stations are among the leading broadcasting channels across the country. Beat FM is celebrated for its youth-centric content, Classic FM for its old-school flair, Naija FM for its focus on indigenous languages and grassroots audience, and Lagos Talk for its conversational nature that gives a balanced view of social issues. This diverse range of stations has not only captivated audiences but has also served as the launching pad for the illustrious broadcasting careers of top media personalities, including Osi Suave, Toolz O, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Douglas Jekan, and many more.
Megaletrics is presently making significant strides globally with the establishment of Beat 103.6 in London, the first African station to be on the FM band in London.
Dapo Ayo-Adeusi
In the space of six years, five Nigerian artistes have performed at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena, a feat that has put these artistes on the radar of investors across the globe. Dapo Ayo-Adeusi, with his position as YouTube’s Strategic Partner Manager for artists & labels in Sub-Saharan Africa, has facilitated partnerships with streaming sites like YouTube to give the average music lover access to livestream landmark concerts.
He specifically facilitated the Asake and Rema O2 Arena YouTube livestream. This, alongside other initiatives, including music workshops at strategic events, has led to nuanced discussions on the culture and further led to the exportation of African music globally.
Deola and Dare Art Alade
From producing global unscripted reality TV shows such as ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ and ‘Last One Laughing,’ to producing music competition shows like ‘The Voice’ alongside curating some of Africa’s biggest and highly acclaimed events, and creating innovative jingles across media platforms, Deola and Dare Art Alade have established themselves as creative directors who are setting the benchmark for experiential events in Nigeria and have recorded financial success as a result.
Through Livespot 360, the power couple have pulled off renowned concerts like the ‘Love Like A Movie’ show that saw the attendance of top Hollywood stars like Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Kim Kardashian; to the highly acclaimed The Falz Experience; and Cardi B’s unforgettable showpiece at Livespot X Festival in Lagos and Accra.
In seven years, they’ve built a company that has worked with top brands such as Heineken, Apple, Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, Showmax, AFRIFF and more, and formed partnerships with both blue-chip Nigerian companies and multibillion-dollar global industry giants who envision tapping into the growing Nigerian creative space.
Given their achievements and clientele, they deserve a spot on this list.
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
In Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s six years of hosting Africa’s biggest reality TV show, BBNaija, he has inspired over 80,000 young BBNaija hopefuls to look beyond the superficial and tap into their respective craft as he has honed his craft of TV hosting.
From his unrivalled style that platforms African designers and African textiles to his hosting skills that keep BBNaija’s 40 million total viewers at the edge of their seats, Ebuka has become a force in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his showcase of African culture through his use of African proverbs, Ebuka has become one of Africa’s leading fashion influencers, transforming every hosting gig from Rubbin’ Minds to Judging Matters to his runway.
Falz
Over the years, Falz has carved a niche for himself where he has become the go-to conscious artiste unafraid to highlight social ills with his music while pushing the barriers of sound and basically following the footsteps of the iconic progenitor of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. From ‘This Is Nigeria,’ a cover version of American rapper Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America,’ Falz critiques corrupt politicians, places of worship, and the security forces to ‘Mr Yakubu,’ a song criticising the 2023 electoral process, Falz has consciously over the years made his catalogue a blend of party bangers and conscious music that detail the travails of Nigerian citizens.
In a way, Falz has become one of the most politically relevant Nigerian artistes who can herald a following to change a social cause. That’s how influential he has become over the years. His 2020 album, Moral Instruction, is simply a timeless album of nine tracks criticising politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud. For Falz, the album was a movement, a re-education and a re-orientation.
The lawyer-turned-musician from a family of renowned lawyers has juggled a successful acting and music career alongside his love for activism and has gained a following and respect as a result.
Flavour
Flavour has never found it difficult to release hit singles. Whether it was with his debut single ‘Nwa Baby’, evergreen song ‘Ashawo,’ his 2023 single ‘Game Changer,’ or his latest single ‘Big Baller,’ which has become the go-to hype song. Since his debut in 2005, the singer and songwriter has made a name for himself with his unique blend of highlife and other contemporary African sounds.
With his masterful blend of indigenous sounds with modern production, he has fostered a sense of cultural pride and identity among Eastern Nigerians, home and abroad. His unique sound has enabled him to mentor a host of talents and has influenced many artists with his sound. He has done all this while promoting his culture with acts like Phyno, Umu Obiligbo, Zoro and the like with strategic collaborations and partnerships.
Ifedayo ‘Daddy Freeze’ Olarinde
Daddy Freeze is quite vocal about issues in the entertainment industry. He is not one to shy away from addressing heated topics, and this has endeared him to his millions of followers who seek out his platforms to hear unconventional angles to societal issues. He has thrived with this for years.
Within the Nigerian media and entertainment space, his unique views on socio-political issues and ability to question any personality regardless of rank have earned him influence in the industry. From starting his radio career in 1996 with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) to joining the Cool FM Hall of Fame, his impact is undeniable.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is simply the Queen of the Box Office. For decades, she has thrived in the industry as an actress and went on to break boundaries as a film producer with her influence. From ‘Jenifa’ to her latest film ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ she has continuously dethroned her films as the top-grossing Nigerian films of all time.
Currently, her film ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, in 21 days has grossed over N1 billion, thereby becoming the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time. This feat makes her the first Nollywood filmmaker to gross a billion naira in one film.
Akindele’s winning streak at the box office started in 2020 with her film ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ which raked in N636.1 million, setting a new record for the highest-grossing movie. In 2022, ‘Battle on Buka Street’, a comedy-drama film, broke her record as the movie grossed N668.4 million.
With these achievements, she has certified her spot in the list of Nollywood legends. After making statements with her pull and influence at the box office, she partnered with international streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon to further showcase her films, striking multi-million dollar deals.
Every year, Funke Akindele opens the eyes of investors and Nigerian entertainers to what bounds the industry can reach with her production and marketing excellence.
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi & Toolz Oniru
Not every broadcaster can be iconic enough to influence a generation of radio listeners and create a community that’s dedicated to their content through a handover show, enough to make it into cable television. In the space of ten years, Gbemi and Toolz have transitioned from their barely 30-minute handover show on radio to a YouTube podcast and now, have become hosts on a self-made show on Africa Magic. The Off Air show has transitioned from airing old episodes that had performed best with their online audience to airing brand-new episodes on Africa Magic.
The talk show with exclusive episodes airing on DStv, GOtv, and Showmax has earned the duo their first-ever AMVCAs as their show was nominated for the Best Unscripted Drama at the Viewer’s Choice award show in 2023.
Before they were TV duos, they were veteran broadcasters who, in their rights, have influenced and are influencing the next generation of broadcasters with their achievements and work in the industry over the years. Currently, Toolz is the Group Director of Programmes of Megalectrics. Meanwhile, Gbemi has ventured into content creation as the co-founder of TNC Africa, a production company that snagged three AMVCA nominations at the last Viewers Choice Awards.
Whether as a duo or individually, their impact cannot be contested.
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is simply a pacesetter who through storytelling has promoted African languages, especially with her feature films ‘Lionheart’ and ‘I Do Not Come To You By Chance.’ ‘Lionheart’ marked Netflix’s first original Nigerian film and went on to become the first Nigerian film to be submitted for consideration in the Best International Feature Film at the 2020 Oscars.
Despite being banned by film marketers alongside eight other actors in 2004 for charging huge fees that were considered exorbitant by Nollywood standards, she has maintained her position in the industry. She serves as a blueprint of how intentionality, rather than constant visibility, can chart a successful trajectory in the creative industry.
Godwin Tom
In a career spanning 20 years, the current Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing, Nigeria/West Africa, has worked with top talents such as Wizkid, Davido, MI, Show Dem Camp, Guiltybeatz, Tems, Lojay, Ladipoe, Sarkodie, Dj Maphorisa, London and many more, managing their talents, while developing the next set of music and entertainment industry leaders through his Music Business Academy For Africa initiative.
Over the years, he has developed strategies for branding, publishing and image consulting that have fostered relationships between foremost African artistes and their audiences. He’s also committed to inclusion, as the MBAA initiative ensures that at least 50% of participants in the programme are women.
Idris Olorunnimbe
Idris Olorunnimbe’s mission in the industry is to nurture a new generation of creatives with the Temple Company and its subsidiaries, which include Ogidi Studios, TMPL Motion Pictures and more – the media executive has created an avenue and state-of-the-art facilities to not only empower budding creatives but to foster collaborations between Nigeria and the diaspora.
While his company manages top talents like Tobi Bakre, Kunle Remi, Bisola Aiyeola, Bolanle Ninalowo, Biodun Stephen and more, through the Gidi Creative Centre (GCC), he has trained over 200 young creatives in relevant skills in collaboration with the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Henley Business School, London among others.
In the past years, Ogidi Studios has attracted partnerships from multiple international studios, such as Hollywood producer Ryan Coogler, who flew to Lagos to score the soundtrack of the blockbuster ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ at Ogidi Studios. Also, in his capacity as a media investor, he has invested in films like My Village People, which in 2022 became the 17th title to cross the N100 million mark at the Nigerian box office and Introducing the Kuju’s, which went on to win multiple awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Recently, he has announced a partnership with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, owners of Zee World and Zee Cinema, among other channels, where the Temple Company stands as its representative to interface with public sector organisations. All of these are in line with his vision to foster collaborations between Nigerian and the international industry.
Jade Osiberu
Jade Osiberu is simply redefining Nigerian thriller series with her films while simultaneously being unafraid to poke pre-existent systems to further tell her story. With Sugar Rush, she spotlighted the shortcoming of the police force, and with Gangs of Lagos, she ruffled the feathers of custodians of the Eyo festival – the impact of her stories go beyond entertainment.
From her time as the head of Ndani TV, pioneering and developing hours of original web content, to her time as a full time filmmaker, she has been committed to telling relatable stories while infusing themes that expands her viewers thoughts. She pioneered web series like Gidi Up, The Juice, Skinny Girls In Transit.
Her impressive portfolio has further led to groundbreaking shows like Sugar Rush, which introduced us to what Tobi Bakre was capable of as an actor, and her shows Gangs of Lagos and Brotherhood has marketed and platformed him as the king of Nigerian thriller series. For years, she has done this across productions, creating bold and groundbreaking stories, while platforming talented actors to bring those stories to life.
In the last two years, she has produced box office crime-thriller hits like Gangs of Lagos and The Trade, all which were a part of her three-year deal with Amazon to develop and produce original scripted TV series and feature films for the platform, a feat considered a first of its kind for the studio in 2022. In 2023, Gangs of Lagos entered the top three on Amazon Prime Video’s global chart after generating over N320 million at the Nigerian box office in 14 weeks.
Her impact in the industry led her to be chosen as a member of the Oscars Academy in 2023.
Don Jazzy
He is called Don for a reason. He embodies the prefix with everything, from being a music executive who promotes, grooms, and introduces talents to a music producer with hit singles such as D’banj’s ‘Oliver Twist,’ Mavins’ ‘Overdose’ and many more. Don Jazzy’s transformative influence has solidified his standing in the African music industry.
In 2019, he successfully secured a multi-million dollar investment with Kupanda Holdings, an investment company with significant investments in companies like Spotify, Uber, STX Entertainment and more. This investment led to a new wave of superstars that started with the unveiling of Rema, who has become an international success with the release of his hit single ‘Calm Down.’ This signing was followed by Ayra Starr, who is breaking international records with her anthems. In the same vein, Mavins signed Crayon, Bayanni, Magixx and Boy Spyce, who have gone on to release multiple hit singles.
His outstanding business strategy has also led the Nigerian music industry to have its first confirmed label exit as Universal Music Group acquired major stakes in his record label, Mavin Global in 2024. The investment is expected to accelerate Mavin’s advancement and create career opportunities that will produce more global talents while amplifying their pre-existing talents.
Don Jazzy’s impact on the growth of the industry is immeasurable. Over the past 20 years, he has proved himself not only as a music producer but by also creating an artistic pipeline for his signees to flourish while helping other budding acts grow. His artiste management prowess from Mo’Hits to Mavins is one to be studied.
Joey Akan
Multi-award-winning journalist Joey Akan is one of Nigeria’s foremost music journalists, who has created a community with his ‘Afrobeats intelligence’ initiative – a podcast and newsletter dedicated to educating and telling never-before-heard stories on African acts and Urban pop culture.
With more than eight years of experience, he has become notable for his insightful and tell-all interview series that has become the go-to spot for insider knowledge on the trajectory of the career of artistes he has featured on his platform. In 2023, he featured some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Asa, Don Jazzy, D’banj, Ckay, Sarkodie, Tempoe, Mr Eazi, Ayra Starr and more.
His in-depth breakdowns on industry topics across social media have become a focal point for music enthusiasts keen on understanding the intricacies of the Nigerian music industry. This has equally earned him membership at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), Music of Black Origin (MOBO) and The Recording Academy (Grammy Awards).
Kafayat ‘Kaffy’ Shafau
Starting from her ascent through the entertainment industry, her passion for her craft, and her immense influence in positioning dance as a well-respected and rewarding career path, Kaffy is the ‘queen’ and pioneer proponent of the dance subsector of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Over the years, the prominent dancer, award-winning choreographer with one of the most successful dance academies in Nigeria – Imagneto Dance Company, and Guinness world record holder for the “Longest Dance Party” in 2006, has actively advocated for the rights of dancers in the industry. She shares insights on the sustainability of the dance business, inspires and mentors dancers (both new and professional), while also promoting rich African culture and expression to the world through dance.
Her dedication to elevating dance as an art form and providing opportunities for dancers to thrive has reshaped the landscape of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Kemi Adetiba
Although most might know Kemi Adetiba as the filmmaker behind one of Nigeria’s biggest films of all time ‘King of Boys,’ Kemi Adetiba has been thriving in the industry way before that – shooting the most creative music videos, from Wizkid’s ‘Tease Me,’ Banky W’s ‘Lagos Party,’ Olamide’s ‘Anifowoshe,’ TY Bello’s ‘Ekundayo’, amongst others.
At every facet of her career, the popular filmmaker, whose father, Dele Adetiba, was notable in advertising and broadcasting, has moved across the creative industry, trying her hands at broadcasting before telling stories via music videos and further moving into the film industry as an acclaimed filmmaker.
From her debut 2008 film ‘Across a Bloodied Ocean,’ which was released in the United States of America to ‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘King of Boys,’ the filmmaker has not only brought back the nostalgia missing from new Nollywood but with her films she has brought back iconic veteran actors such as Sola Sobowale who have been missing from the big screens for awhile. Alongside this, she has introduced us to multiple musicians turned actors whose outstanding performances have further shot them into the limelight with actors like Illbliss, Reminisce, Banky W and more.
Kene Okwuosa & Moses Babatope
FilmHouse Group is unarguably Nigeria’s biggest independent entertainment company. Focused on distribution and production across the globe, the company has fostered partnerships and exclusive distribution contracts with international platforms such as 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Sony Pictures and other Hollywood studios.
Spanning ten years in the industry, Kene Okwuosa and his partner, Moses Babatope have used their platform to support Nollywood by raising international capital funds like the 2019 $1 million fund with China’s Huahua Media that led to films like Quam’s Money, Kambili, The Wedding Party 2, The Prophetess and more. Currently, Filmhouse is distributing the record-breaking Funke Akindele film ‘A Tribe Called Judah.’
In 2022, the entertainment company had the highest local box-office performance, bringing about a whopping N714 million after producing 12 movies in 2022, including ‘Dinner at My Place,’ ‘The Blood Covenant,’ ‘Ile Owo,’ ‘The Order of Things,’ ‘Passport,’ ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ ‘Obara’m,’ and ‘Ijakumo,’ among others. Generally, the company’s investment in co-productions accounted for 35% of box office revenues between 2020 and 2021.
Linus Idahosa
When you think of the foremost film institutions in Africa, one that almost immediately comes to mind is the Del-York Creative Academy (DCA). The brain behind this initiative is Linus Idahosa, an entrepreneur and leading advocate for Africa’s creative economy, who, in a career spanning 15 years, has championed initiatives to drive innovation in media and entertainment by actively bridging the skill gap between academia and industry.
For years, he has nurtured and created a conglomerate – Del York International, Del York Infrastructure, Del York Creative Academy (DCA), Del York Technologies and Del York Global Trading – now considered Africa’s foremost PR and Strategic Communications Company.
With Del-York Creative Academy (DCA), he has repositioned the film and media industry by grooming and connecting African creatives to their global audience. He has achieved this with strategic partnerships with organisations, such as the New York Film Academy. This partnership led to NYFM flying in 52 lecturers who for 60 days trained hundreds of budding creatives.
Currently, the academy has trained over 5,000 students across the creative industry while offering scholarships and ensuring subsidised fees through partnerships with key stakeholders.
In his efforts to foster growth in the film industry, Del York International Group and Del York Infrastructure have partnered and have currently taken on the role of lead developer to build the Lagos ultra-modern film city valued at $100 million. The construction, which commenced in March 2023, will serve as a production hub equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and all the infrastructure necessary to elevate Nollywood’s filmmaking.
Mr Macaroni
For most, their first introduction to Mr Macaroni was his skits. He had made ‘freaky freaky’ at the time a popular parlance. In the space of months, it all changed when he, alongside other creatives, took it upon themselves to use their platform to support the #EndSARS protest. Fearlessly, through every form of intimidation and persecution, he has constantly used his platform to spotlight and advocate the rights of young Nigerians while calling out corruption and police brutality.
Alongside his activism for social change is the thespian side to his content creation that has seen him feature in some of Nigeria’s biggest film exports, including Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Anikulapo,’ Femi Adebayo’s ‘King of Thieves: Agesinkole’ and ‘Jagun Jagun,’ and Jade Osiberu’s ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘Gangs of Lagos.’
Mai Atafo
When you see well-tailored suits on famous Nigerian personalities, the ATAFO brand almost instantly comes to mind – a testament to what Mai Atafo has achieved with his brand. He rivals international fashion brands with his collections. But beyond the craftsmanship he brings to suits, his traditional pieces, which stand out for their modern twists, ever-innovative womenswear and bridal collection, have set the pace for fashion designers across Africa.
For 12 years, Atafo has stayed true to his craft while mentoring young creatives through his partnership with the ultra-premium Scottish whisky brand, The Macallan, to empower over 50 young Nigerian fashion enthusiasts across Nigeria. Through Fashion Conversations, young designers get to have conversations on the commercialisation of fashion and how to navigate the industry, with tips from Atafo.
Mary Remmy Njoku
Before the emergence of international streaming services into Nollywood, Mary Remmy Njoku, with her platform, art, and technology, has been committed to telling African stories that resonate with Africans. She has done this for years while employing local talents to deliver her purely African stories.
With the emergence of ROK Studio, she has overseen the production of thousands of locally made films with four international TV channels on DSTV and Sky, distributing their content worldwide. The filmmaker, for over 15 years, has platformed thousands of creatives in the industry, from directors to cinematographers down to actors, with a range of movies and TV series, including Picture Perfect, Ripple, and Husbands of Lagos, amongst others.
She has simply written her name in gold in Nigeria’s film industry.
Mike & Gloria Bamiloye
When speaking of gospel films, one name that is prevalent and has become an umbrella name for the genre is Mount Zion Films. The film production company owned by Mike and Gloria Bamiloye, through its vision to spread the gospel of Christ through drama, has emerged as Nigeria’s foremost Christian film company.
As Mount Zion Faith Ministries enters its 39th year, the platform has moved from lobbying for stage performances in church to being a cultural influence in the portrayal of Christian values while creating a viable enterprise out of the industry with over 1 million subscribers on YouTube.
With culture-defining Christian films like Agbara Nla, Akpoti Eri, Abejoye, The Forgotten Ones, The Gods Are Dead, One Careless Night, and many more, the renowned filmmakers have created a media empire that has passed on to their children, Joshua and Damilola, who have gone on to create other subsidiaries like Mount Zion Music Studios, Mount Zion Radio and Mount Zion Movies Studio.
Currently, the Bamiloyes have become a household name and through their platforms have trained over 6,000 gospel moviemakers, Christian film producers/directors and drama evangelists worldwide.
Mo Abudu
Over the years, Mo Abudu has come to embody the title ‘Oprah Winfrey of Africa’ as she has successfully transitioned from hosting her very successful talk show ‘Moments with Mo’ – the first syndicated daily talk show on African regional television – to owning a studio that fosters international and local partnerships while telling and amplifying original African stories.
Ebonylife Studios, a part of the EbonyLife Group, Nigeria’s foremost media conglomerate has been rated in the top 25% of all channels most watched on the DStv platform and her multi-title deal with Netflix had seen the production and adaptations of ‘Death and the King’s Horseman,’ a play by Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, and a series based on Lola Shoneyin’s best-selling debut novel, ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives.’
Her impact led to international partnerships, including a Netflix-Nollywood deal which has financed and amplified African stories through highly acclaimed films like ‘Blood Sisters,’ ‘Oloture,’ ‘Castle & Castle,’ and ‘A Sunday Affair.’ Through this partnership, Netflix also licensed some of Nollywood’s classics, including ‘The Wedding Party.’
Abudu’s influence is so widespread that in 2021, a historic case study about her titled: ‘The Harvard Business School – EbonyLife Case Study’ was taught at Harvard Business School (HBS) to over 1,000 MBA students.
Through Ebonylife Group, she has been able to build EbonyLife Media, EbonyLife Place, a luxury entertainment resort and the EbonyLife Creative Academy, which has positioned her as one of the most influential women and media business owners in Nigeria.
Dj Obi
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Guinness World Record holder DJ Obi created a show that eventually led to the movement that is known as ‘Obi’s House.’ The platform has not only catapulted emerging artistes and DJs into the spotlight but has also reshaped the Lagos nightlife scene. Remarkably, this transformation occurred on what many would consider the most unlikely day of the week—Monday.
Through this movement, DJ Obi, alongside his team, has showcased the best of African music while being the one-stop for new music, especially since songs like Kcee’s ‘Ojapiano,’ BNXN’s ‘Traboski’ and Shallipoppi‘s ‘Elon Musk’ became street anthems due to the exposure they got at their premieres at the night party. The platform is one of the respected hubs for fun, scouting, partnerships and music marketing. Even Native Records, Def Jam, and Roc Nation partnered with Obi’s House to premiere the Wakanda Forever soundtrack there after the movie premiere in Lagos.
Beyond introducing music lovers to songs that eventually became some of the hottest club bangers of 2023, the platform has helped launch and nurture the careers of DJs and given them a platform to showcase their artistry. Through Obi’s House, we were introduced to DJs like Dope Caesar, who broke the internet at the BBNaija All Stars night party with her masterful transitions and set.
In two years, DJ Obi has created and nurtured a platform that gives instant feedback to new artistes on their songs, platforms DJs from all parts of Africa, exposes upcoming acts and DJs to potential investors and possible collaborations as Africa’s biggest stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido have been spotted at this party. All of this is done at no cost to the creatives.
Mildred Okwo
Starting from simple stories written and acted by everyday Nigerians in the 90’s, the evolution from VHS to cinema in the late 2000s, to the unprecedented growth of the Nigerian Movie Industry, filmmakers like Mildred Okwo is an indelible part of this historic journey and has been instrumental in the massive export of our culture and storytelling from the shores Nigeria to the world.
Mildred with close to two decades in the industry, produced and directed the internationally acclaimed noir psychological thriller – La Femme Anjola which bagged multiple awards and nominations from the AMVCA, AMAA and “Publix du Prix” at Nollywood Paris, the 2012 top box office movie – The Meeting, and played an active role on the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) as a founding member with a goal to showcase Nigerian films and filmmakers to compete equally with counterparts from other parts of the world at the academy awards.
As one of the few notable female filmmakers in Nigeria and through The Audrey Silva Company (TASC), a film company co founded with star actress, Rita Dominic-Anosike, Mildred is empowering young Nigerian women, creating quality content and stories that transcends and excites generation, old or new, while tactfully breaking the gender stereotypes in Nollywood.
D’Prince
Don Jazzy’s connections might have led to Rema’s world domination, but without D’Prince’s talent acquisition skills, we might not have seen the greatness that Rema is exhibiting today. The same goes for Ruger, who is currently conquering charts worldwide barely four years after his discovery. The emergence of all these great acts is credited to D’Prince and his team.
Following the Kupanda Holdings deal with Mavins, the label unveiled Rema, who was signed under Jonzing World, Mavin’s first-ever imprint record label. However, this deal did not apply to Ruger when he was unveiled. On the Billboard US World Albums Imprints year-end chart (2023), Jonzing World, D’Prince’s record label, ranked atop charts alongside international labels like RCA, BigHit Music, Interscope and more.
Rema
In five years, Rema has unarguably become one of Nigeria’s most influential new-age artists. From the young man from Edo State who just had a dream to selling out stadiums in London and India, his rise to fame is unprecedented.
In 2023, he single-handedly sold out the 60,254-capacity Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, India. In the same year, he broke Afro juju legend King Sunny Ade’s 41-year-old record on the US Billboard Albums chart as his album, ‘Rave and Roses,’ spent 30 weeks, exceeding the previous record of 29 weeks set by the icon.
Beyond his records is the distinct sound that has set him apart from his peers, where he explores his unique sound, Afrorave, which mixes African sounds with pop, trap, and rock elements. Before Rema, there were the big three. After Rema, the industry is creating a space for the big four, a feat no one saw coming.
Joke Silva & Olu Jacobs
Considered one of the most respected African actors, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva have created an empire in the Nigerian film industry while writing their names in gold with their achievements. The culture icons have not only played a pivotal role in the scaling of Nollywood, but they have contributed to the growth and education of talents in the sphere with strategic partnerships through their joint venture, Lufodo Group.
Through Lufodo Group, they cover film production, distribution, management and assets. Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, where Joke Silva is the Director of Studies, trains creatives in Performing and Media Arts while awarding National Innovative Diploma (NID) and Certificate, respectively, as licensed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Recently, their partnership with Netflix has enabled talented actors and experienced screenwriters to undergo training aimed at improving the local talent pool and promoting Nigerian stories on the global stage.
In the past year, their acquisition of the 1,000-capacity Glover Memorial Hall (GMH), a heritage building for theatre and performing arts in Lagos, which was built in 1887, has further shown their commitment towards preserving culture while increasing the scale of media and film in Nollywood.
With a catalogue of stars like Okechukwu Ukeje, Kate Henshaw, Kemi “Lala” Akindoju, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycent, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Bimbo Akintola, alongside projects like Potato Potahto, Wat’s Dis All About, and more, their commitment to storytelling and Nollywood has shown across boards.
Due to their contribution to art, Olu Jacobs was conferred with the National Honour of the Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, while Joke Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2014.
Colette Otusesho
Currently, the Head of Accelerate TV, Colette Otusheso, is an experienced communications professional who has specialised in growing Accelerate TV, an Access Bank-owned platform, specialising in online youth-focused digital content focused on empowering, educating and entertaining content creation in Africa.
With over 20+ years of work experience, she has managed its four business arms – Accelerate Production Studios, Accelerate Plus, an African-focused SVOD platform, Accelerate Creative Agency and The Phoenix Project, which is focused on training and empowering young people in the creative sector. Other projects like the Accelerate Filmmaker project have trained over 150 young Nigerians and directly impacted over 1000 Nigerian youth.
Before her capacity as Head of Accelerate TV, she worked as the marketing and events manager at Mnet and has successfully launched several Africa Magic channels across Africa as well as the marketing of MNET’s biggest properties, including Big Brother Africa, Tinsel, Naija Sings, Face of Africa and other MNET shows. She did the same at VIACOM with MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA’s), The award-winning MTV Shuga, MTV VJ Search, The BET Awards, BET Top Actor and the Dora the Explorer financial literacy campaigns across Nigeria.
John Ugbe
As the CEO of MultiChoice, John Ugbe has fostered growth in the Nollywood industry with the introduction of GOtv, and Nigerian major language channels – Africa Magic Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. This is alongside the $35 million annual film budget dedicated to the production of films.
Beyond investment, Ugbe pioneered the multi-layered talent academy – MultiChoice Talent Factory – which has trained over 1,000 creatives since 2019 and offered free online masterclasses to over 40,000 creatives through the MTF Portal. For years, he has focused on initiatives that have helped develop talents across Nollywood.
In addition to this, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was launched under his leadership. For ten years the prestigious award show has recognised outstanding talents and performances in television, film, and entertainment in general. According to the AMVCA Impact Report researched by BHM’s Research and Intelligence team, the award show had created over 27,000 jobs, issued over 267 awards, and invested about N9 billion into the award show.
Ademola Ogundele
For years, through his platform, NotJustOkay, Demola Ogundele has cultivated a following for his digital media company for African music. The CEO of Notjustok Inc. with his work, has grown his company into a global market leader with a reach stressing 15 million users across media and social platforms with a distribution company, Notjustok Distribution LLC, that has signed artistes such as Davido, Mayorkun, Kizz Dantel, Patoranking, Larry Gaaga, Show Dem Camp, Soundz and many more.
With Notjustok Inc., He has curated a dedicated global community that troops to his platforms for everything pop culture alongside a global music distribution platform that protects artiste against piracy.
Dr. Busola Tejumola
As the Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice, Dr Busola Tejumola has continuously showcased the best of African content through African storytellers while promoting culture and art. This has not only spurred the expansion of the television landscape in Africa but has propelled it into global recognition.
In recent years, her leadership has led to the continuous and successful run of Africa’s biggest film awards, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs); Africa’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija; and another franchise of the reality TV show, BBTitans that showcases a blend of cultures – South Africa and Nigeria. She has successfully run this alongside other flagship Africa Magic shows, including the star-studded ‘Slum King.’
Due to her contribution to the film industry, she was recently appointed a member of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.