5 NECLive speeches we will never forget

Since its launch in 2013, NECLive has become Nigeria’s premier platform for creative minds, industry leaders, and innovators to exchange ideas and inspire growth in the entertainment and creative sectors. Over the years, countless speeches have been delivered at the event that have left a lasting mark, shaping the industry and inspiring generations of creatives.

Here, we highlight the top five unforgettable NECLive speeches:

Amaka Igwe – NECLive 2013

Amaka Igwe, one of Nigeria’s pioneering filmmakers, delivered the inaugural NECLive speech in 2013, setting the tone for the conference. Known for her trailblazing work in Nollywood, Igwe highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with shaping Nigeria’s cultural narrative. She encouraged filmmakers to balance creativity with professionalism, emphasizing that their work influences how the world perceives Nigeria.

She famously stated, “The new breeds are coming … What we are putting out is what the world thinks about Nigeria,” and added, “Storytelling is our power, and we must wield it responsibly.” Her message underscored the importance of producing authentic content that could appeal to global audiences while remaining culturally grounded. Igwe’s insights reflected her belief that Nigerian creatives are both entertainers and cultural ambassadors. Her NECLive speech inspired a generation of creatives to approach their craft strategically, focusing on quality, authenticity, and global relevance, and established NECLive as a platform for thought leadership and industry growth.

Pat Utomi – NECLive 2014

At NECLive 2014, economist and public intellectual Pat Utomi addressed one of the creative industry’s biggest challenges: distribution. He argued that talent alone cannot sustain growth, emphasizing the need for effective systems to deliver creative products, music, films, and digital content to audiences. He stated, “You cannot grow an industry without solving how products reach the people who want them,” adding, “A strong distribution network is the backbone of a thriving creative economy.” Utomi highlighted the importance of infrastructure, logistics, and strategic planning as essential to building a sustainable entertainment sector.

His speech inspired both established companies and startups to rethink content delivery, accessibility, and monetization. By linking creativity with business strategy, Utomi underscored that robust distribution networks are as vital as the content itself. His insights sparked innovative approaches within the industry and continue to influence how Nigerian creatives and companies approach reaching their audiences effectively.

KWAM 1– NECLive 2017

Kwam 1, the legendary Fuji musician, spoke about the origins, growth, and future of Fuji music, calling it Nigeria’s only truly indigenous and lasting musical style. He traced its roots to Ajisari (an Islamic wake-up call) and credited his mentor, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, for popularizing it worldwide. Describing Fuji as deeply Yoruba, authentic, and adaptable, he noted how it blends traditional instruments like sakara, gangan, and agidigbo, and how Lagos became the heart of Nigerian entertainment.

Kwam 1 reflected on his role in modernizing Fuji by introducing new rhythms and mixing it with contemporary styles while preserving its essence. Proud of inspiring younger and hip-hop artists, he stressed the need for discipline, collaboration, and cultural preservation. Declaring that “You cannot connect the past, present, and future of Nigerian music without Fuji,” he urged artists to document their work, praised women’s growing influence, and reaffirmed that Fuji remains the heartbeat of Nigerian music constantly evolving yet impossible to erase.

2Baba – NECLive 2014

At NECLive 2014, 2Baba highlighted how Nigerian artists have many potential revenue streams from record sales, royalties, publishing, licensing, touring, and performances to merchandising and brand partnerships, yet the fractured nature of the local industry forces them to rely on only a few. He explained the essence of Collective Rights Management: organizations acting on behalf of artists, songwriters, and producers to license their work and collect royalties. But in Nigeria, he said, this system has been crippled by long-standing confusion, poor structure, a mindset that treats music as “free,” resistant broadcast organizations, multiple conflicting CMOs, and decades of disputes that weaken artists’ ability to earn fairly. COSON, he noted, is legally recognized as the sole collecting society, yet broadcasters and rival bodies continue to avoid compliance, creating loopholes that deny artists their rightful income.

2Baba described this breakdown as the “Collective Rights Monster” not a person, but a culture of ignorance, selfish interests, and refusal to follow the law. He urged rights owners to educate themselves, understand their legal protections, and collectively push for transparency, accountability, and cooperation. He emphasized that COSON must do its work properly, the NCC must enforce the law, broadcasters must comply, and artists must stay informed and involved. Technology, he added, can fix logging and distribution issues if everyone commits to honest participation. Slaying the monster, he concluded, requires unity, structure, and a willingness from all stakeholders to build a fair, world-class royalty system that truly rewards creators.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – NECLive 2014

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde emphasized that Nigerians possess intelligence, creativity, and resilience, but the country can only thrive if citizens commit to ethical living, unity, and social responsibility. She highlighted the historical and ongoing consequences of division, selfishness, and the exchange of rights for personal gain, urging individuals and communities to form strong bonds and uphold collective standards. “All intelligent people know their power lies in numbers and unity in purpose,” she noted, stressing that even in industries like entertainment, creating basic minimum standards, fair treatment, discipline, and respect can model dignity and accountability for society at large.

She also addressed the role of education and social responsibility for entertainers, emphasizing that influence carries ethical obligations. Celebrities should avoid aligning their brands with corrupt actors, using their platform instead to drive positive change. “Destiny is not a matter of chance but a matter of choice,” she reminded her audience, encouraging conscious decision-making and ethical leadership. Omotola concluded by calling on young Nigerians and entertainers to lead by example: “We are the true leaders… we have been sleeping giants for too long, let’s wake up and lead truly by example,” inspiring the audience to harness their influence to build a socially responsible nation

NECLive is set to hold its next edition on November 28th at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, with a lineup of prominent speakers and performers, including Gaise Baba and Timi Dakolo. The event will be hosted by Bolanle Olukanni and Tee A.