NECLive 2026 Announces First Lineup of Nollywood Stars, Music Executives
The Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) has unveiled its first lineup of participants for the 2026 edition, featuring Nollywood actors, filmmakers, music executives, entrepreneurs and other industry leaders.
The 11th edition of the conference will hold its flagship event on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Alliance Française de Lagos in Ikoyi. Organisers have also confirmed comedian and compere Tee A as the event’s host.
This year’s conference will focus on the theme, “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power.” The discussions will explore how Nigeria’s creative industries can turn local audiences into sustainable business opportunities at home and internationally.
Genoveva Umeh, Editi Effiong Join NECLive 2026
The first lineup features several prominent figures from Nigeria’s film and television industry.
Actress Genoveva Umeh is among the confirmed participants. She won an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for her role in Breath of Life and is known for her appearance in Netflix’s Blood Sisters. She also received a 2026 AMVCA nomination for Best Lead Actress for her performance in The Herd.
Filmmaker Editi Effiong, founder and chief executive officer of Anakle Films, will also participate. His film The Black Book became the first Nigerian-made film to reach Netflix’s global top three.
Other confirmed names include director Kayode Kasum, actor and rapper Efa Iwara, filmmaker and culture journalist Dika Ofoma, and MultiChoice public relations manager Jennifer Ukoh.
Together, the participants represent different aspects of Nigeria’s growing film and television industry.
Music Executives to Discuss the Business of Entertainment
NECLive 2026 will also bring together professionals working behind the scenes in the music industry.
Godwin Tom, the inaugural managing director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, is among the confirmed participants. He is also the founder of the Creative Business Academy.
Other music industry representatives include entertainment lawyer Foza Fawehinmi, The Plug co-founder Bizzle Osikoya, AWAL’s senior manager for A&R and artist development in West Africa, Excel Joab, and talent manager Femisoro Ajayi.
Their participation will bring business, music publishing, artist development and talent management perspectives to the conference.
These areas are important to discussions about building sustainable careers and creating stronger business opportunities for Nigerian artistes.
DJ Obi, Greatman Takit Feature in Sound and Culture Lineup
The conference will also spotlight music, entertainment and cultural innovation.
DJ Obi, who set a world record with a 240-hour DJ set, is among the confirmed participants. He is also the founder of the Obi’s House party series.
Gospel singer and songwriter Greatman Takit will join the lineup. His 2026 album, Flames of a Wildfire, features Nathaniel Bassey.
Other participants include medical doctor and Energize Music head Dr. Foy, broadcaster and fashion entrepreneur Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, and Tobi Mohammed, managing partner at The Plug.
Their involvement reflects the range of creative businesses and cultural experiences represented at this year’s conference.
AI, Business and Creative Leadership on the Agenda
Beyond entertainment, NECLive 2026 will feature professionals working in business, public relations and technology.
The confirmed participants include Njideka Akabogu, regional manager at ID Africa; Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, regional manager at BHM; and Sheye Oladejo chief executive officer Oluwaseye Oladejo.
Joseph Enesu, head of AI Labs and systems intelligence architect at Plaqad, is also on the list.
Their participation aligns with the conference’s wider focus on business growth, innovation and the development of Nigeria’s creative economy.
NECLive convener Ayeni Adekunle said the industry already has a strong audience. He stressed that the next step is turning that demand into lasting value both locally and internationally.
NECLive 2026 to Build on Creative Economy Research
The 2026 edition follows the release of The State of Nigeria’s Creative Economy 2026, a research report produced with Frontyard.
According to the organisers, the report draws on responses from 377 creative professionals across eight sectors. Its findings are expected to provide additional context for discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing Nigeria’s creative industries.
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NECLive is presented by ID Africa and Netng, in partnership with Plaqad, The Macallan, MTN Nigeria, BHM and Huce Valeris.
Organisers say additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Date and Venue for NECLive 2026
The flagship event is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Alliance Française de Lagos in Ikoyi.
The conference describes itself as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing products and services, and building partnerships across the African entertainment industry.
With participants drawn from film, music, fashion, business and technology, NECLive 2026 aims to explore how local creative talent and audiences can support wider international growth.
Registration and further event information are available through the official NECLive website at nec.ng.
