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Since NECLive debuted in 2013, it has been at the forefront of conversations around moving the Nigerian entertainment industry forward and maximising its potential. Aside from providing a platform for conversations on the future of the Nigerian entertainment industry in the last decade, there’s never been a NECLive without some standout moments.
As the conference marks its 10th anniversary with the introduction of a new multi-venue, global format, we highlight eight of the most unforgettable and iconic moments in NECLive history:
1. The 2013 NET Honours:
While the idea behind NECLive came to the convener, Ayeni Adekunle, sometime in 2012, it was not until January 2013 that he decided that the event would be held in April with just two months to plan. But it was far from being an impromptu event as the first edition of NECLive became a splash which attracted the likes of Frank Nweke, the former Director-General of Nigerian Economic Summit Group who opened the conference themed “Building the Future of our Dreams” on Friday, April 26, 2013, at the Eko Hotels and Suites.
One of the highlights of the event was awarding 18 eminent and distinguished practitioners in the industry the first-ever NET Honours certificate for their outstanding performance in their various fields and for paving the path for other upcoming practitioners. Some of the recipients include veteran music producer Nelson Brown, Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti and African pop icon, 2Face Idibia.
2. Davido produced a song live at the conference:
The third edition of NECLive was an unforgettable moment as award-winning musician David ‘Davido’ Adeleke demonstrated live how he makes hit songs. At the conference, on April 22, 2015, Davido produced a song with Oluwaseyi ‘Shizzi’ Akerele, to the awe of attendees.
3. Orin.ng announced at NECLive3:
After recording artist Seyi Shay opened the event up with a soulful rendition of the national anthem at NECLive3, the convener of the conference, Ayeni Adekunle, during his welcome address announced that he and his team were working on a new music streaming site called orin.ng. This was in an effort to help solve the distribution problem musicians faced at the time.
4. Unveiling of 2Baba as Campari Ambassador:
Another unforgettable moment occurred during the fourth edition of NECLive when Legendary African music star, Innocent ‘2face’ Idibia was unveiled as the brand ambassador for Campari, an alcoholic liqueur, considered an apéritif, obtained from the infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water. With the unveiling, 2face became the first-ever Nigerian ambassador of the brand, and it all happened at NECLive.
5. The Heated Argument Between Patrick Doyle, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Toyin Abraham:
Not often do NECLive panellists and speakers disagree. However, NECLive5 in 2017 saw a heated conversation during the second session on ‘How Nollywood is Reclaiming the Market from Hollywood.’
The panel was one of the most remarkable sessions ever recorded at the conference. Toyin Abraham and John Ugbe were joined by the award-winning actress, Adesua Etomi, veteran actor Dr Shola Fosudo, and veteran broadcaster, Patrick Doyle.
Things got very heated when Adesua Etomi decided to make Nollywood take responsibility for its flaws. Her opinions led to Patrick Doyle calling her out, saying that she had benefited from the industry. Toyin Abraham asked if Adesua was a part of any actors’ association, to which Adesua said she wasn’t. This reply caused Toyin to immediately claim that Adesua was part of the problem. Thankfully, Adesua got to defend her comments stating that her point was not to criticise the industry but to open its eyes to its flaws – one of the many things NEClive has worked to do over the years.
6. NECLive’s First-ever Documentary:
The first-ever NECLive documentary titled “The Nigerian Entertainment Conference: NECLIVE Through The Years” premiered during the seventh edition of NECLive held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. It was a memory teaser from the very first NECLive in 2013 leading to NECLive 6 in 2018. It featured past speakers, moderators, panellists, partners, facilitators, the founding members of the conference, and the host for the past seven years, Tee-A.
7. Post-Covid NECLive:
After COVID-19 prevented NECLive from holding in 2020, the conference organisers ditched the usual physical gathering, and the conference went digital when it returned in 2021 as many businesses adopted new methods of conducting their business after the pandemic.
The one-hour 40-minute conference aired on Hip TV at 5 pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and was also streamed online via the conference’s website on nec.ng/watch-neclive. There was also a 1-hour 45-minute NECLive TV special that aired on both Hip TV and the website before the conference began.
8. 2Baba Pays Tribute to Sound Sultan at NECLive9:
It was an emotional moment during NECLive9 held on Friday, April 29, 2022, as legendary hip-hop singer Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia broke down in tears while paying tribute to late singer Sound Sultan during his special performance.
Sound Sultan passed away in 2021, and in a bid to keep his memory alive, a new album in his name is expected to be released alongside a merch line. 2Baba and Sound Sultan were best friends for years and they worked on many projects together while the latter was alive.
2Baba, who performed a special song in honour of his late friend, walked out of the stage in tears mid-performance.
The post 8 Most Unforgettable NECLive Moments appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
