Since NECLive debuted in 2013, it has been on the forefront of conversations round shifting the Nigerian leisure trade ahead and maximising its potential. Apart from offering a platform for conversations on the way forward for the Nigerian leisure trade within the final decade, there’s by no means been a NECLive with out some standout moments.
Because the convention marks its tenth anniversary with the introduction of a brand new multi-venue, world format, we spotlight eight of probably the most unforgettable and iconic moments in NECLive historical past:
1. The 2013 NET Honours:
Whereas the concept behind NECLive got here to the convener, Ayeni Adekunle, someday in 2012, it was not till January 2013 that he determined that the occasion can be held in April with simply two months to plan. However it was removed from being an impromptu occasion as the primary version of NECLive turned a splash which attracted the likes of Frank Nweke, the previous Director-Common of Nigerian Financial Summit Group who opened the convention themed “Constructing the Way forward for our Desires” on Friday, April 26, 2013, on the Eko Accommodations and Suites.
One of many highlights of the occasion was awarding 18 eminent and distinguished practitioners within the trade the first-ever NET Honours certificates for his or her excellent efficiency of their numerous fields and for paving the trail for different upcoming practitioners. A few of the recipients embrace veteran music producer Nelson Brown, Afrobeat legend, Femi Kuti and African pop icon, 2Face Idibia.
2. Davido produced a music stay on the convention:
The third version of NECLive was an unforgettable second as award-winning musician David ‘Davido’ Adeleke demonstrated stay how he makes hit songs. On the convention, on April 22, 2015, Davido produced a music with Oluwaseyi ‘Shizzi’ Akerele, to the awe of attendees.
3. Orin.ng introduced at NECLive3:
After recording artist Seyi Shay opened the occasion up with a soulful rendition of the nationwide anthem at NECLive3, the convener of the convention, Ayeni Adekunle, throughout his welcome tackle introduced that he and his workforce have been engaged on a brand new music streaming website referred to as orin.ng. This was in an effort to assist clear up the distribution drawback musicians confronted on the time.
4. Unveiling of 2Baba as Campari Ambassador:
One other unforgettable second occurred throughout the fourth version of NECLive when Legendary African music star, Harmless ‘2face’ Idibia was unveiled because the model ambassador for Campari, an alcoholic liqueur, thought-about an apéritif, obtained from the infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water. With the disclosing, 2face turned the first-ever Nigerian ambassador of the model, and all of it occurred at NECLive.
5. The Heated Argument Between Patrick Doyle, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Toyin Abraham:
Not typically do NECLive panellists and audio system disagree. Nonetheless, NECLive5 in 2017 noticed a heated dialog throughout the second session on ‘How Nollywood is Reclaiming the Market from Hollywood.’
The panel was probably the most exceptional classes ever recorded on the convention. Toyin Abraham and John Ugbe have been joined by the award-winning actress, Adesua Etomi, veteran actor Dr Shola Fosudo, and veteran broadcaster, Patrick Doyle.
Issues acquired very heated when Adesua Etomi determined to make Nollywood take accountability for its flaws. Her opinions led to Patrick Doyle calling her out, saying that she had benefited from the trade. Toyin Abraham requested if Adesua was part of any actors’ affiliation, to which Adesua mentioned she wasn’t. This reply precipitated Toyin to instantly declare that Adesua was a part of the issue. Fortunately, Adesua acquired to defend her feedback stating that her level was to not criticise the trade however to open its eyes to its flaws – one of many many issues NEClive has labored to do through the years.
6. NECLive’s First-ever Documentary:
The primary-ever NECLive documentary titled “The Nigerian Leisure Convention: NECLIVE Via The Years” premiered throughout the seventh version of NECLive held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. It was a reminiscence teaser from the very first NECLive in 2013 resulting in NECLive 6 in 2018. It featured previous audio system, moderators, panellists, companions, facilitators, the founding members of the convention, and the host for the previous seven years, Tee-A.
7. Submit-Covid NECLive:
After COVID-19 prevented NECLive from holding in 2020, the convention organisers ditched the same old bodily gathering, and the convention went digital when it returned in 2021 as many companies adopted new strategies of conducting their enterprise after the pandemic.
The one-hour 40-minute convention aired on Hip TV at 5 pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and was additionally streamed on-line by way of the convention’s web site on nec.ng/watch-neclive. There was additionally a 1-hour 45-minute NECLive TV particular that aired on each Hip TV and the web site earlier than the convention started.
8. 2Baba Pays Tribute to Sound Sultan at NECLive9:
It was an emotional second throughout NECLive9 held on Friday, April 29, 2022, as legendary hip-hop singer Harmless ‘2baba’ Idibia broke down in tears while paying tribute to late singer Sound Sultan throughout his particular efficiency.
Sound Sultan handed away in 2021, and in a bid to maintain his reminiscence alive, a brand new album in his title is predicted to be launched alongside a merch line. 2Baba and Sound Sultan have been greatest associates for years they usually labored on many initiatives collectively whereas the latter was alive.
2Baba, who carried out a particular music in honour of his late good friend, walked out of the stage in tears mid-performance.
