NECLive 2026 has announced its first confirmed lineup of participants, bringing together some of Nigeria’s recognised actors, filmmakers, music executives, entrepreneurs, creative professionals and DJs for the 11th edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
The three-day annual conference will take place in November, with its flagship event scheduled for Thursday, 12 November 2026, at Alliance Francaise de Lagos in Ikoyi. This year’s edition will focus on the theme “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power”, highlighting the importance of building stronger businesses and creating lasting value within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Comedian and compere Tee A will return as host, continuing his role as the conference’s resident host and committee member. Additional co-hosts, moderators and interviewers are expected to be announced at a later date.
The first group of confirmed participants includes prominent names from Nigeria’s film and television industry. Among them are Inkblot Studio founder Naz Onuzo and actors Genoveva Umeh, Omowunmi Dada, Chimezie Imo, Uzoamaka Power, Efa Iwara and Charles Born.
The film and television lineup also features directors Kayode Kasum and Dika Ofoma, content creator Tobe Ugeh and public relations expert Jennifer Ukoh-Osamwonyi, alongside other industry professionals.
Music and fashion business leaders will also feature prominently at the conference. The confirmed participants include managing directors Godwin Tom and Foza Fawehinmi, senior manager Excel Joab, music executive Bizzle Osikoya, fashion stylist The Style Infidel and talent manager Femisoro Ajayi.
The Sound and Culture lineup brings together DJ Obi, singer Greatman Takit, Energize Music head Dr. Foy, co-founder Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and managing partner Tobi Mohammed.
Business and leadership will form another part of the programme, with regional managers Njideka Akabogu and Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson among the confirmed participants. They will be joined by CEO Oluwaseye Oladejo, TSC Agency founder Ozinna Anumudu, Big Tech This Week founder Fatu Ogwuche and AI Labs head Joseph Enesu.
According to NECLive convener Ayeni Adekunle, this year’s theme reflects the need for Nigeria’s creative industries to turn their existing audience and commercial demand into sustainable economic value.
“Nigeria’s creative industries already have the audience. The work now is turning that demand into lasting value at home and abroad. Everyone in this first lineup has done that in their own field, from the AMVCAs to Netflix, Sony and a Monday night in Lagos,” Adekunle said.
The theme places particular attention on how Nigerian entertainment businesses can strengthen their local markets while expanding their reach internationally. It also reflects the growing importance of connecting creative talent with the business structures, investment and industry expertise needed to build sustainable ventures.
NECLive 2026 is presented by ID Africa and Netng, in partnership with Plaqad, an African artificial intelligence and business solutions company, The Macallan, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, BHM and Huce Valeris.
With its first lineup now announced, the conference is preparing to bring together professionals from different parts of Nigeria’s creative economy for discussions on the business, opportunities and challenges shaping the industry.
