Bolanle Olukanni: The first woman to host NECLive
This year’s Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) was an event of many firsts.
Breaking Tee-A’s hosting streak of seven years, TV personality Bolanle Olukanni becomes the first-ever female and second person to anchor the NECLive. It was also the first time in the conference’s eight-year run to assume a hybrid style where speakers were live-streamed from a studio to millions of people worldwide.
The eighth edition of the conference (NECLive8) was broadcast from the HipTV studios on Sunday, April 25, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The graduate of Loyola University, Chicago, who obtained a double degree in Bachelors of Arts in both Communications and International Studies, rose to prominence after clinching the hosting role from other 400 hopefuls for ‘Moments with Mo’, now rebranded as ‘Moments’. She also was co-host alongside Nollywood star Joseph Benjamin on the defunct music show Project Fame West Africa.
Fast on her feet, the ‘Moments presenter took her role as host for NECLive seriously and judiciously worked with the crew to output a seamless production. But what’s even more impressive was her ability to work with the speakers, approaching them with a warm demeanour that helped them settle in before proceeding to give their speech.
During her career, she has interviewed high-profile personalities like President Muhammadu Buhari, Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, Grammy award-winning singer Brandy, Minister of Power and Works Babatunde Raji Fashola. Having gained much experience, her role working with the NECLive8 speakers came naturally.
Welcoming the CEO of Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnibe, with grace; accolading the Future Africa cofounder Iyin Aboyeji; and TechCabal’s CEO Tomiwa Aladekomo on his impressive works in the tech/media space, her diligence in carrying out her tasks was nothing short of professional. But that was not the only side to the well-travelled co-founder of Sage and Walls; she also came with a bag filled with empathy
During Mercy Eke’s speech that saw her teary-eyed and emotional from telling her story on her climb to fame, Olukanni was there every moment of the way, providing her with the much-needed support as Mercy stood facing bright lights and cameras. Eventually, Mercy would finish her speech on a high note, returning backstage, where she and Olukanni bonded like true sisters. It was a moment like no other in NECLive’s history.
By the time prolific Nollywood actor Dakore Egbuson-Akande arrived, it was all party and fun. Dakore turned the NECLive8 stage to her private party with the crew serving as her guests. A high heel strutting Olukanni joined Dakore to share that momentous moment, taking photos and exchanging banter like two friends who met after a long while apart. Olukanni later introduced Dakore, who then went on to give a powerful speech on exploring new channels for storytellers in Nollywood
While Olukanni follows her script to a T, planned events don’t always go as planned. And when faced with such circumstances, she improvised. “She is smart,” Bovi said when Olukunni made last-minute adjustments to her script to align with the conversation. This incident occurred during the fireside chat with the comedian, where she grilled him on pressing industry issues affecting creatives in the comedy space. Though she might have been tough on him, they, at the end of the session, spent moments taking beautiful pictures.
The fashion-forward host brought her A-game to the NECLive8 stage donning a black top, colourful print skirt, and stylish pumps to go with it. She basked in elegance and grace. Her fashion choice was where simplicity met sophistication.
By and large, Olukanni’s dedication to her role alongside support from the technical team was what made this year’s event run seamlessly. Do we get to see her again next year? Or maybe hosting with Tee A? We can only hope.
