The Entertainment Week Africa experience was an incredible one both for connecting with industry professionals and engaging with fellow creatives. The event featured numerous classes and sessions led by knowledgeable facilitators across film, music, and the wider creative content industry. From behind the scenes insights to audience-facing discussions, there was something for everyone.
One of the standout sessions was by Lani Aisida, who spoke about the art of the opening scene. His session opened everyone’s eyes to how important opening scenes are in film, and how a powerful introduction can elevate an ordinary movie into a classic. He even introduced his humorous yet insightful rule: “Lani Aisida’s law of the art of the opening scene states that your opening scene has to be ghen-ghen.” As funny as it sounds, it makes perfect sense especially from a Nigerian perspective where language and expression add so much flavor.
Another memorable moment was the fireside chat, “IN CONVERSATION: Hollywood and the Diaspora,” featuring Odiri Iwuji, one of the most well-connected executives in the international entertainment space, with over 27 years of experience. He shared deep insights about the entertainment landscape in the diaspora, painting a clear picture from a Hollywood point of view.
There was also a vibrant panel session featuring Dami Ebele, Elozonam, Folu Storms, and Nichole, where they discussed the Nigerian movie industry from both streaming and cinema angles. Elozonam emphasized the growing importance of content creators, noting how they can break a two-hour film into engaging content of just two minutes or less. Dami Ebele, one of the leading writers in the Nigerian film industry, spoke about how writers are often underappreciated, using her own experiences and examples to highlight the issue. Folu Storms a lawyer, former OAP, and now an actor shared powerful advice for aspiring filmmakers, stressing the importance of training, working one’s way up, and grinding with purpose.
On the music side of Entertainment Week Africa, I had the chance to meet Boubacar Djiba, founder and CEO of Senmixmaster. He is a Senegalese music producer and entrepreneur who launched the platform in January 2024 to provide an AI-powered solution for music mastering and audio enhancement specifically for African artists who may lack access to expensive studio resources. We spoke about his vision, and it was inspiring to see how passionate he is about the future of African entertainment.
Entertainment Week Africa was more than just an event, it was a powerful reminder of how vibrant, innovative, and unstoppable the African creative industry truly is. From the knowledge shared to the connections made, every moment felt like a step toward a more collaborative and globally recognized future. I left inspired, motivated, and proud to be part of a community that is not only telling its own stories but shaping the narrative of entertainment on a global scale. I’m already looking forward to what comes next and how these conversations will continue to spark growth across the continent.
Hi!, I’m Victor Ogundeji – A passionate journalist and media creative who uses storytelling, Pidgin expression and culture driven conversations to inspire, entertain and spotlight voices that matter. You can follow me on Instagram @OmoBabaOniPako
Oh! if you were wondering, I’m the tallest of the three 😁
