The Detty December season in Lagos has become synonymous with fun, parties, and celebrations. The activity calendar includes fashion, film, music, and arts. In 2022, the Livespot Foundation sought to make these events more accessible and created the Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) initiative.
Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) returned for its third year, spotlighting Nigeria’s creative economy and the voices shaping the industry. Designed as a platform to celebrate and inspire creatives, EWL fostered engaging discussions, showcased bold ideas, and amplified the stories of innovators in entertainment, media, and the arts.
EWL WENT BIG AND DID NOT GO HOME:
EWL 2024 was held from December 10th to 15th, 2024. The event brought together industry leaders, creative pioneers, and cultural influencers to discuss and shape the future of music, film, fashion, and technology in Nigeria. A highlight of the week-long celebration was Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State.
At the Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) 2024, the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Professor Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Rising Tides: Women Reshaping Africa’s Creative Economy.’
She highlighted the significant contributions of women in the creative industries and emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and innovation, citing initiatives like the Kwara State Film Village and the Nigeria National Women and Economic Empowerment Policy as key drivers of human capital development.
“We must create more opportunities for women—not just in traditional industries but also across emerging sectors like technology, film, and fashion,” she said. She spotlighted the #WeeLiftNigeria campaign, a national policy initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on economically empowering women and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge critical skill gaps. “The future of the creative economy is female—and the tide is rising.”
The First Lady also urged stakeholders to collaborate in empowering women and advancing sustainable growth across Africa’s creative industries.
The session also celebrated the achievements of women who have successfully navigated the challenges of the creative economy, such as Funke Akindele, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s film industry. Her journey exemplifies how resilience, creativity, and strategic partnerships can transform personal dreams into global movements.
WHAT WENT DONE ON THE OTHER DAYS:
One of the standout sessions of EWL 2024 was a panel discussion on Day 3 that zeroed in on the fast-evolving content creation industry. The panel featured a diverse group of creators, including filmmakers, YouTubers, digital creators, screenwriters, actors, and content marketing experts. The discussion was filled with laughter, honesty, and practical insights that left the audience inspired.
Takeaways From the Content Creation Panel:
Authenticity is Key: Panelists emphasised the importance of authenticity in content creation. Korty EO advised creators to stay true to their stories, while Hauwa Lawal urged them to find inspiration in everyday life.
Originality and Relatability Matter: Yhemo Lee highlighted the need for originality and relatability in content creation. He advised creators to carve a niche for themselves and understand their audience.
Building a Sustainable Content Creation Business
The conversation also focused on how creators can build sustainable businesses. Panelists shared valuable insights on scaling content creation efforts, monetisation strategies, and brand collaborations. Korty advised creators to focus on personal branding to attract collaborations. Enioluwa shared practical advice on scaling content creation, suggesting that creators shouldn’t rely solely on it for income initially.
Collaboration is Key, But Reputation Matters: The panelists discussed the importance of collaboration and reputation management for creators looking to work with brands.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Creators
The panelists also offered valuable advice for aspiring creators, including not letting fear hold you back from creating content. The need to stay grounded and believe in yourself, regardless of whoever like your work. And never be afraid to reach out and keep creating content.
EWL 2024: A Celebration of Nigeria’s Creative Potential
EWL 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative economy. The event provided a platform for creators to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and empowerment, EWL 2024 paves the way for a bright future for the Nigerian creative industries.
