Nigerian women are breaking boundaries and shattering myths in every sector of the economy, and entertainment is not left out.

Women are increasingly occupying the front role, from media to music and movies; pushing inspiring careers as actors, musicians, broadcasters, entrepreneurs, managers, and thinkers.

In recognition of this, Nigerian Entertainment Conference has, since inception in 2013, encouraged female participation at different levels, in the most important panels.

From Tiwa Savage, to Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Funke Akindele, Seyi Shay, Gbemi, Tosyn Bucknor, and Kemi Adetiba, to Nkiru Njoku, Ojoma Ochai, Lamide Akintobi, Mo’ Abudu, Joke Silva, TY Bello, Yetunde Babaeko, and more, NECLive has over the years featured some of the most promising, and most prominent women, doing amazing work capable of catapulting the creative industry to lofty heights.

As the conference enters year five, organisers say even more women have signed up for participation, as speakers, panelists, and moderators.

This year’s list includes, Nigerian Pop singer Tiwa Savage, 2010 Project Fame winner and hit maker Chidinma Ekile, broadcaster and vlogger Toke Makinwa, widely decorated actor Kemi Lala Akindoju, award-winning actress Adesua Etomi, entertainment business leader Chichi Nwoko, City FM CEO, Doja Allen, and many more, to be announced in the coming weeks.

Nigerian international singer Tiwa Savage will give a keynote speech at NECLive5. The Mavin Records superstar is the first female panelist to become a lead speaker at the annual event.

Tiwa has released two albums in a career spanning 21 years. She’s known for many solo and joint hit songs, including ‘Kele Kele Love’, ‘Eminado’, ‘My Darling’ and ‘Standing Ovation’.

She will join other speakers to discuss this year’s theme, ‘It’s time for Africa’.

Now in its fifth year, NECLive is the umbrella conference for the entertainment industry in Nigeria, providing an opportunity for strategic discussions, and a marketplace for ideas, products and services.

The organisers say this year’s edition will focus on how Nigerian entertainment, and indeed entertainment from Africa is finding renewed favour with fans at home, and the world over.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘It’s Time for Africa’.

Has the time come for Africa to provide entertainment for the major percentage of the world’s seven billion people? They say we tell a different kind of story in Africa; we have a rare, peculiar sound. And they’re buying it from America to London and Singapore.

Back home, the booming youth populations are also more interested in local content like never before. From Iroko to Mavin and Africa Magic, the numbers show audiences on the continent are increasingly embracing our creativity; millions are choosing their own local entertainment over the imported.

But the diverse entertainment industries are still struggling. The structure to rip the dividend of the boom continues to lie comatose. From weak government policies to unsustainable business models, it appears we have plenty work to do, if we are to benefit from what’s coming in significant ways.

It could indeed be time for Africa. But what does this mean for the industry players? What do we need to know? To do? And how can we make sure we do not collectively miss this opportunity?

NECLive is organised By Thenetng, with support from Multichoice, MTN, Newsroom Nigeria, Hip TV, MTV Base, AV Edge, EDS, Sodium Group, First Class Incorporated, ID Africa, TNS, 234 Stars, BHM and Edi Lawani & Associates.