The Abuja Entertainment Seminar held over the past weekend at Sandralia
Hotel Abuja and was well attended by top personalities and celebrities
in Abuja entertainment circle and beyond such as Tee Y Mix, Terry Tha
Rapman, GospelOnDeBeatz, Bigmo (Wazobia FM), Tunde (Styl Plus),
Modenine, Morell, Paul Play, Shortcut, Chuks D General, King Akan (CEO,
Green Label Entertainment), Mr. Collins Adeyemi (Former PMAN Governor,
Abuja Chapter), Dominic (Barcity TV), Candelbeats to name a few.
Officials from top government organizations such as the Nigeria
Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission
(NBC) were also present.
The annual event which is organized by 41 Naija Entertainment brought
together entertainment practitioners and stakeholders. The theme of the
seminar was “Investing in our local content and growing the economy
through entertainment.” The event which was hosted by popular On-Air
personality, Bigmo of Wazobia FM and moderated by Oge Kimono, saw
thrilling performances from star artist Morell and popular Abuja based
comedian, Shorcut.
There were a total of four speakers at the seminar. Paul Alaje, a
Business Consultant spoke on the topic “The creative industry and the
economy”, Mr. Okoh Aihe, Deputy Director, Online Media Publications
(NCC), who represented the Director of Public Affairs, Nigeria
Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo, spoke on “ICT and
entertainment: the drive to a sustainable economy”, Professor S.E.
Ododo, President of the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artists spoke on “The
place of arts and entertainment” and renowned music producer, Tee Y Mix
who was also an invited speaker treated the topic “Building a brand
with your craft.”
There were a total of three panels. The first panel session featured
Mrs. Franca Aiyetan of the NBC, Andy Madaki, Mode 9, Paul Play and
Belema Meshack Hart (CEO Tatafonaija), Burnertunes who deliberated on
the topics “Creating Content for a Target Audience and “The Social Media
and Showbiz.” Panel two was made up of Blessing Tangban, Rex Idaminabo,
Ustaz Pharouk, Terry the Rap Man who treated the topic “Branding”. The
third panel session titled “The Power of Collaboration” was handled by
Taiwo Olukorode, Godwin Adogame, Timi Elegbede and Bamike Olawunmi.
After many insightful conversations, questions, discussions, the seminar
ended at about 4pm with the National Anthem.
Guests reconvened at the seminar venue by 8pm for an exclusive dinner
which was strictly by invitation. The audience were treated to music
from Alternate Sounds; a live band which comprises of popular music
producer Gospelondebeatz. Similar to the seminar, the dinner which was
strictly by invitation was well attended by top personalities from the
entertainment and government circle such as Tee Y Mix, Terry Tha Rapman,
Gospelondebeatz, Bigmo (Wazobia FM), Tunde (Styl Plus), Modenine, Succy
Blue, Mr. Collins Adeyemi, Professor Sunnie Ododo, Jamix,
representatives from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and a
host of others. The Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, Lai
Mohammed was ably represented by Deputy Director, Special Duties,
Entertainment and Creative Services Department, Mrs. Akudo-Nwosu U.N and
other members of staff of the Ministry of Information and Culture.
The major highlight of the evening was the award presentations. While
receiving an award in recognition of his efforts in developing young
talents in Abuja, which was presented to him by long time mentor and
friend, Tee Y Mix, Gospel Obi popularly known as GospelOnDeBeatz
reflected on his journey into music production and how Tee Y Mix
mentored him ten years ago. Tee Y Mix also expressed his satisfaction in
GospelOnDeBeatz’s career and wished him greater heights in the future
as he presented the award to him. Other award recipients were Mama Cass
and NCC.
During the course of the dinner, there were performances from some of
the hottest up and coming acts in Abuja namely Jessica Bongos, Matilda,
Peerayce and E Marshal. Popular Abuja dancer, Adela, also thrilled the
audience performing with her group. Popular comedian and On-Air
personality, Chuks D General who was the host for the evening.
The 2016 Abuja Entertainment Seminar was in many ways better than the
previous edition and the efforts of 41 Naija Entertainment to bring
together industry stakeholders, policy makers, practitioners,
professionals from private and public sector in an attempt to help build
a unifying structure, support growing talents and open more
opportunities for investment in the Entertainment industry in the
Federal Capital Territory is commendable. Word has it that the
organizers are already planning for the next edition.
More photos…
