At NECLive 2025, Steve Babaeko highlighted the international success of Afrobeats and Nollywood while warning that Nigeria’s creative infrastructure remains fragile. He used examples such as Ikorodu Boi’s viral content and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo, noting that these works succeed despite inconsistent power, limited funding, and outdated systems. Babaeko argued that talent alone cannot sustain long-term growth.
He cautioned that Nigeria risks replicating the historical pattern of exporting raw materials without capturing value. Afrobeats has opened doors globally, but most platforms and revenue streams behind the success are controlled outside Africa. Babaeko also warned that artificial intelligence could soon use Nigerian music to train AI algorithms abroad, potentially creating future AI-generated artists without compensating local creators.
Babaeko proposed building creative hubs in major cities like Lagos and Enugu, investing in physical and digital infrastructure, and creating policies that protect intellectual property. He emphasized that the creative economy should transform culture into wealth and empowerment for Nigeria. By strengthening studios, arenas, and digital pipelines, the country can secure long-term value for its talent.
