As Nigeria marks her 52nd year of independence, editors of the Nigerian Entertainment News pulled up a list of 52 men and women shaping our growing entertainment industry…
2face Idibia: Mr Innocent Ujah Idibia is one of the most influential, the most consistent, the most decorated, and the most successful musician in his generation. Even his peers attest to that. From humble beginnings in Jos, he has grown to become Africa’s most iconic pop star, clearing the path for hundreds of others after him. Respected at home and abroad by almost everyone that matters, Idibia is now building his Hypertek dreams, mentoring younger acts like W4, Rocksteady and Dammy Krane.
Alaba Marketers: Although digital distribution is now finding its way to Nigeria with platforms such as Spinlet, Truspot, Iroking and Notjustok, and with the coming of Apple, marketers like Obaino, ABHU, and TJOE still wield their potent influence on music distribution. With many Nigerians consuming physical CDs, and the industry lacking the much-needed distribution framework, Alaba is the headquarters of music sales, with those there responsible for at least 90 percent of annual music sales.
Alex Okosi: Okosi sits atop Viacom‘s business in Africa, with Nigeria being a major market. From MTV Base to Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and now BET, he is one of the few determining the direction of today’s home entertainment.
Ali Baba: Nigeria’s stand-up comedy industry has him to thank for its rebirth and survival. The godfather of modern comedy, Ali Baba is arguably one of the most inspiring mentors and leaders still working within entertainment. Still actively performing, he continues to hold up the ladder for many to climb.
Amaka Igwe: One of the architects of Nollywood, Amaka Igwe is mostly known for creating Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion. But the writer/director/producer has, for many years, been involved in training through her Lagos-based institute. There’s also her annual TV expo BOBTV as well as Top Radio, the Lagos-based FM station that’s doing things differently.
Andy Bello: For the last four years, Bello has taken it upon himself to honour Nigerian musicians with the annual South South Music Awards; the only recognized awards show from that region. Solely organized by his Lockdown Entertainment company, Bello has been able to run the awards show with little or no sponsors since 2009.
Audu Maikori: For years, he was lawyer by day and poet by night. These days, Maikori is a music entrepreneur by day and night, building, along with his team, Chocolate City, one of Africa’s most successful labels. Audu’s label has brought hip hop music and culture to more Nigerians than any other label – thanks to the success of their recording artistes M.I, Brymo, Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince.
Ayo Animashaun: Animashaun is the executive producer of Nigeria’s only surviving music awards. Through his company, Smooth Promotions, he has built The Headies (also known as Hiphopworld Awards) as Nigeria’s most respected awards, as acknowledged by audiences and the musicians they reward. Animashaun is also the publisher of Nigeria’s only surviving (although epileptic) hip-hop journal HipHop World Magazine. His TV show Hip TV, syndicated on multiple channels here and abroad, is now warming up to become a 24 hour cable channel.
BellaNaija: Bellanaija has been able to tag itself as the one-stop online portal for stories revolving around Nigerian fashion, wedding moments and heart-touching stories. If you are a lady who’s single, married or a mother, you definitely have this website bookmarked.
Biola Alabi: The Managing Director at M-NET Africa over the last three years has harnessed the African TV viewing culture, with not just the quantity but quality of African programming. She also spearheaded the creation of the newly launched AfricaMagic channels.
Cecil Hammond: Hammond’s Flytime has become the go-to promoter for those hoping to have successful shows in Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment HQ. From owning the famous Rhythm Unplugged property, to exclusive deals with Silverbird and Eko Hotels, and a media structure that works, Hammond is emerging as a major force in today’s industry.
Chris Ubosi: A complete behind-the-scenes man, Ubosi moved from being a big player at Cool FM to set up Megalectrics Limited, owners of radio stations – Premium choice BEAT 99.9FM, retro-styled Classic FM 93.7 and pidgin-speaking Naija FM 102.7, which have all become fan favourites in Lagos. Beat FM especially, has redefined today’s pop music, with OAPs like Olisa Adibua, Gbemi and Toolz creating a new set of stars that otherwise could have remained unsung. Megaletrics is now taking the game to Ibadan and other regions…
Clarence Peters: No other director in Nigeria can match up to Clarence Peters’ combination of talent and work. From shooting videos for top artistes in and outside Nigeria to co-running a record label, he keeps setting standards by taking his work up a notch every time.
Cobhams Asuquo: classical yet contemporary, the revered visually impaired producer is placed in the highest of ranks when music production in Nigeria is mentioned. His recent successful work with his label artiste Bez proves beyond words his mastery of sound.
D’Banj: ‘Entertainer’, the best word to describe the 32-year-old. Dapo Oyebanjo has broken barriers again and again; name it - winning world recognized awards, collaborating with international artistes, signing up with one of the biggest labels in the
