A walk into The Palms Lekki last Sunday and you can tell from the hundreds of crowd moving in one direction in sequence that something was happening, and so for those who were not aware the common question was, “what is happening here?”

It was the debut edition of Chude Jideonwo talk concert, tagged, #WithChude Live! and Nigerians from all walks of life showed up for the interview series with icons such as, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, prophetic voice Pastor Jerry Eze, screen icon Funke Akindele, rapper and activist Falz, gospel sensation Moses Bliss, and music powerhouse Teni the Entertainer, beloved filmmaker and actress Ruth Kadiri, celebrated creative Hauwa Lawal, and media personality Kiekie, others,  all baring their hearts and lighting up the stage with both personal and career journey stories that moved the audience to tears, laughter, and roaring applause.
  
The #WithChude Live event was not only a testament to the healing powers of storytelling where these icons gave insights to the highs and lows of both their personal life and career path, but also a showcase that hard work and consistency regardless of life challenges and setbacks would always lead to successful life transformation.

From intimate storytelling to thought-provoking conversations, each guest offered a window into the souls of the audience consisting of students, celebrities, dignitaries, change makers etc.
  
Adichie, who spoke about surrogacy, said: “I want more women to feel less ashamed of talking about reaching motherhood through non-traditional means.”
Falz, known for his bold social commentary, opened up on a rarely discussed aspect of fame, love and relationships. He said: “It’s incredibly tough to have a healthy love life and be in entertainment.”
  
A panel, which included Teni, Taaooma, and Kiekie, took the stage to share unfiltered stories about their personal journeys, touching on fame, burnout, and the ongoing pursuit of authenticity. Their candour was met with laughter, nods, and moments of stillness as the audience connected with the realities behind their public personas.
  
Later, Ruth Kadiri, Hauwa Lawal, and Moses Bliss offered a different, equally moving perspective, reflecting on the role of faith, the search for purpose, and the importance of mental wellness. Their heartfelt words brought fresh insight into the strength it takes to live fully and truthfully in the spotlight.