NECLive9: It’s time to celebrate our music, culture globally – Oye Akideinde

A music, digital and tech business executive, Oye Akideinde has said this is the right time for Nigerians to celebrate her music and culture.

Speaking at the ninth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive9), at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, on Friday, April 29, 2022, Akideinde said based on the stats, Nigerian music is already global.

“Based on the stats our music is already global.Even though they box everything to Afrobeats its already global. We have millions of Africans in the diaspora especially in the U.S and Europe. Our music has already gone beyond our borders, our award going global is only a natural precedence. We saw just recently how one of our biggest artistes shut down Madison Square, so the time is now. Everything is perfect. The world has been able to show that we can succeed digitally through the pandemic. Its only right for us to celebrate our music and culture at this time”.

Oye who earlier in the year joined the advisory board of TurnTable Charts, was one of the panelists who discussed the topic: “Heading to America: Can Our Awards Be Truly Global?” moderated by Efe Omorogbe – Founder, Now Muzik. The other panelists were Yinka Adebayo – Executive Director, Media Investments & Sponsorships, Omnicom Group; Ayo Animashaun – CEO, Smooth Promotions; and Dr. Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau – Dancer and Founder, Imagneto Dance

When asked about the impact the 2022 edition of The Headies 2022 holding in Atlanta USA, will have on the Nigerian music industry, Akideinde said, “The exposure will be massive, I expect streaming numbers to increase. There will be more investment in opportunities. The Headies will showcase not only our music, but also our fashion, dance, culture and food. It is going to showcase everything that everyone loves about the Afrobeats movement. Everyone will want to tap into this, you will see more collaborations. In terms of streaming alone, all the artistes that will be showcased and nominated, their streaming numbers will go off the chart. They will get more business opportunities as well”.

NECLive which was founded in 2013 by media and PR expert Ayeni Adekunle, is an annual deliberative conference of Nigerian entertainers, which convenes entertainment, media and creative industry professionals from across Africa for a full day of conversations, workshops, exhibitions and master classes. The conference encourages establishment of connections and professional relationships between big names in the industry and developing or upcoming talents for mentoring.

Speakers at the ninth edition included award-winning singers Tuface Idibia (2Baba) and Darey Art-Alade; media executives, Obi Asika and Sam Onyemelukwe, amongst others.