NECLive 2026: Femi Adebayo, Genoveva Umeh Join Push to Turn Nigerian Fans Into Global Power

• NECLive 2026 brings Femi Adebayo, Genoveva Umeh, Kayode Kasum and music executives to Lagos to explore how Nigeria’s entertainment audience can drive lasting business growth.

Nollywood stars Femi Adebayo and Genoveva Umeh will join filmmaker Kayode Kasum and leading music executives at NECLive 2026, as Nigeria’s entertainment industry turns its attention to building stronger businesses from its growing audience.

VerseNews reports that the Nigerian Entertainment Conference will hold its flagship event on Thursday, November 12, at Alliance Française de Lagos in Ikoyi.

The gathering will examine how demand for Nigerian films, music and other creative products can generate sustainable income, strengthen local businesses and support international expansion.

Nollywood stars join the conversation

The announced participants include actors Chimezie Imo, Uzoamaka Power and Efa Iwara, alongside filmmaker Dika Ofoma.

Their participation brings perspectives from acting, directing and production to discussions about the future of Nigeria’s screen industry.

Comedian and compere Tee A will return as host, with organisers indicating that additional co-hosts, moderators and interviewers would be announced.

Turning audience demand into lasting value

This year’s theme, “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power,” places Nigerian audiences at the centre of the conference.

Rather than measuring success solely through overseas recognition, the programme will explore how a stronger domestic market can support creative businesses and their international ambitions.

Conference convener Ayeni Adekunle said the industry already has an audience but must do more to turn that demand into enduring economic value.

“Nigeria’s creative industries already have the audience. The work now is turning that demand into lasting value at home and abroad,” he said.

The organisers are bringing together participants across film, music, culture and business for that discussion.

Music executives bring publishing and talent expertise

The music lineup includes Godwin Tom, Foza Fawehinmi, Excel Joab, Bizzle Osikoya and talent manager Femisoro Ajayi.

Their work spans music publishing, artist development, entertainment law and talent management—areas that shape how creative work reaches audiences and generates income.

DJ Obi, Greatman Takit, Dr. Foy and Tobi Mohammed are also among the confirmed participants.

The combination gives the conference a wider focus than celebrity appearances, bringing the people who develop, manage and commercialise entertainment into the same conversation.

Business, fashion and technology also feature

The programme extends to business leadership, brand development and technology.

Confirmed participants include fashion entrepreneur Oluwaseye Oladejo, brand strategist Ozinna Anumudu and Joseph Enesu, Head of AI Labs at Plaqad.

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi and Jennifer Ukoh-Osamwonyi are listed among the moderators on the event’s official website.

Registration is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on November 12 at the Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre. The organisers have listed student, individual, duo and corporate ticket options.