Entertainment
CARVEN by Gamr Launched to Redefine the Future of Entertainment
CARVEN by Gamr was unveiled on Sunday, January 14, 2023. Situated at Landmark Boulevard, Victoria Island, Lagos, this state-of-the-art facility not only revolutionized gaming in Nigeria but also cements Gamr status as a continental gaming leader.
The grand opening was a spectacular affair, attended by celebrities from the gaming, technology, fintech, and lifestyle industries. Professional gamers and influential social media personalities graced the event, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the dawn of a new gaming era.
Responding to the long-standing demand for a sophisticated gaming hub, CARVEN by Gamr sets a new standard in gaming experiences. Offering a diverse array of gaming platforms, from immersive simulations to classic arcade, high-octane racing games, Mobile, Console and PC games, streaming etc., the center caters to a variety of tastes and preferences.
What truly sets CARVEN apart is its commitment to providing a holistic gaming experience. Beyond the cutting-edge gaming platforms, the facility features an exclusive VVIP bar and lounge. This luxurious space not only enhances the gaming experience but also positions CARVEN as a social hub in Lagos, recognizing that gaming is not just a pastime but a lifestyle.
As a trailblazer in the African gaming community, Gamr Africa’s vision aligns with the global recognition of Africa’s gaming potential. The Landmark Boulevard gaming hub stands as a testament to the thriving gaming culture in Nigeria and the continent, fulfilling a long-standing demand for a sophisticated gaming infrastructure.
CARVEN by Gamr is not just a venue; it’s a symbol of progress, innovation, and the limitless potential of the gaming industry in Africa, inviting enthusiasts to step into a world where entertainment knows no bounds. Join us on this exhilarating journey into the future of gaming.
L-R: General Manager, Ebonylife Place, Mr. Michael Williams, Head of the Ebonylife Creative Academy, Mr. Drikus Volschenk, Head Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, Hari Elluru, Marketing Manager, LG Electronics, Mr. Paul Mba at the LG Electronics and Ebonylife Creative Academy partnership press conference held at Ebonylife Place Victoria Island Lagos today.
LG Electronics (LGE) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA), a renowned institution dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of creative talent. This collaboration is designed to support the filmmaking community through state-of-the-art technology and foster the development of world-class cinematic content in Nigeria and across Africa.
Under this exciting partnership, LG Electronics will provide ELCA with top-tier products that will enhance the learning environment and support students in producing high-quality films, leveraging on LG Filmmaker’s mode. The product lineup includes: Several LG OLED TVs, Refrigerator and Microwaves.
At the sign-on ceremony, General Manager, Home Entertainment, TV Division, Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics said, “these products are known for their superior display technology and energy-efficient performance, ensuring that ELCA’s students have access to the best tools to refine their craft, whether they are working on film editing, post-production, or on-set display needs.”
“We are excited to expand our strategic partnership with LG,” said Mr. Drikus Volschenk, Head of The EbonyLife Creative Academy. “This collaboration underscores EbonyLife Creative Academy’s commitment to being at the forefront of delivering filmmakers who can service both the local and international film and television market, and produce content that introduces our unique style of Nigerian story-telling to the world.
This collaboration between LG Electronics and EbonyLife Creative Academy exemplifies a shared commitment to empowering Africa’s creative industry and providing the best-in-class technology to aspiring filmmakers. By leveraging LG’s state-of-the-art products and ELCA’s creative expertise, this partnership is set to revolutionize the filmmaking experience for students and professionals alike.
The ‘FILMMAKER MODE’ on LG’s premium smart TVs, already a favorite among movie directors worldwide, showcases the director’s intent and preserves the artistic vision and creative nuances of every film. With unparalleled picture quality, impressive contrast, and vibrant colors, LG OLED TVs ensure an immersive cinematic experience.
LG OLED TVs, LG’s premium Smart TV offer, are the ideal choice for playing first person shooters, real-time strategy titles and racing games as they ensure immaculate HDR picture quality, deep blacks and precise colors courtesy of self-lit pixels. What’s more, LG OLED’s ultra-fast 0.1 millisecond response time and extremely low input lag without picture quality loss gives gamers the edge they need to win every time.
A new wave is sweeping through Africa’s betting landscape, led by the rapid growth of crypto-based betting and prediction markets. This trend was the focus of a recent event hosted by Decentralised News and proudly sponsored by Sportsbet.io at Workshop 17, V&A Waterfront. Attendees, including key industry players, content creators, and local influencers, explored how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are transforming the region’s betting market, especially in South Africa.
Crypto Betting Gains Ground in South Africa’s Betting Scene
As a leading hub for sports betting and iGaming on the continent, South Africa is uniquely positioned to embrace the benefits of crypto-based betting. The country’s betting market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by its digitally engaged population and the rising popularity of crypto assets.
“The South African market is ripe for crypto betting. With over 50% of South Africans involved in some form of betting and the market expected to grow to around R35 billion (approximately $2.3 billion USD) by 2025, there’s a significant opportunity for growth,” commented Heath Muchena, founder of Decentralised News. “The increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in South Africa is opening up new, exciting opportunities in the world of betting.”
Prediction Markets: Changing the Game with Blockchain
The event highlighted the transformative potential of crypto-based prediction markets, which leverage blockchain technology to offer a transparent, secure, and decentralized betting experience. These markets allow users to bet on the outcome of a wide range of events, from sports matches to political elections, using smart contracts to ensure fair payouts and eliminate the need for intermediaries.
“Crypto prediction markets are not just a trend; they are a revolutionary step forward in how we bet,” said a Sportsbet.io ambassador who attended the meetup. “They provide bettors with increased transparency, security, and lower fees compared to traditional platforms, making them especially appealing in markets like South Africa, where trust and cost efficiency are critical.”
Mobile Betting: The Heart of Africa’s Betting Boom
One of the key topics of discussion was the surge in mobile betting in South Africa, with nearly 80% of all bets now being placed via mobile devices. This shift reflects broader global trends toward mobile-first experiences and is further fueled by the country’s expanding access to smartphones and mobile internet.
Local gaming influencers provided firsthand insights on how mobile crypto betting is transforming user engagement. “People want convenience and speed, and mobile crypto betting delivers just that, with instant deposits, fast payouts, and access to a global betting community,” said one of the popular local content creators in attendance.
Earning Opportunities: Affiliate Marketing in the Crypto Betting Ecosystem
The event also underscored the lucrative opportunities in affiliate marketing for those promoting crypto betting platforms. Affiliates can earn substantial passive income by referring new users to platforms that offer enticing bonuses and high conversion rates.
“Crypto betting platforms are offering some of the most competitive affiliate deals in the market today,” explained a veteran affiliate marketer. “With the growing interest in crypto betting, content creators and marketers can tap into this trend to build a steady income stream while engaging their audiences with valuable content and offers.”
A Bright Future for Crypto Betting in Africa
As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, the appetite for innovative betting solutions like crypto-based platforms is only expected to grow. The event concluded on a high note, with industry leaders and attendees expressing optimism about the future.
“We’re excited to see how quickly the crypto betting scene is gaining traction in South Africa,” said an attendee. “It’s clear that there is tremendous potential for growth, and we’re thrilled to be part of this journey toward a more decentralized and inclusive betting ecosystem.”
The second edition of the Entertainment, Media, Technology and Arts (EMTA) Conference and Awards 2024 curated by BAO Live, an event division of leading media and brand consulting company, Business Africa Online (BAO) concluded on a high note. EMTA 2024 brought together industry leaders, innovators, and creatives for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and celebration. The pivotal event was held on Friday 30th August at The Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s EMTA conference and awards themed ‘Redefining Entertainment and Media Business In A World of AI’ kicked off with a welcome address from Joy Harrison Abiola, BAO Board Advisor. The event featured a keynote address from Victoria Abiola Ajayi, Group CEO TVC Communications. Victoria shared her insights on the topic; Unlocking New Growth in Media and Entertainment Business.
Joy Harrison-Abiola (BAO Board Advisor).
Victoria Abiola Ajayi (Group CEO, TVC Communications)
The interactive panel sessions featured notable speakers; as Mary Ephraim-Egbas of Homelands Films, Ike Nnaebue of LP House of Creatives, Judith Audu of Judith Audu Productions, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson of Paramount Africa, Ladun Awobokun of FilmOne, Israel Obatunde of Ideas Origin Media and Ebele The Flutist (Nigeria’s Foremost Female Flutist). The panel topics discussed were Beyond the screen: Unraveling the prospects in the film industry and Storytelling: Reimaging media and content production.
L-R: Joy Harrison Abiola, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Ayomide Idogun, Ladun Awobokun, Israel Obatunde and Ebele The Flutist.
L-R: Joy Harrison-Abiola, Moses Agochuckwu, Alaba Ayinuola, Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Judith Audu and Ike Nnaebue.
The panel hosts; Moses Agochukwu of Silverbird Film Distribution and Ayomide Idogun of Lightning Sports were excellent moderators. The Showcase experience featured Michael Odiong of Premier Records Limited as he shared his insight on talent development, marketing and the impact of Premier Records in The African music industry. Attendees gained valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the entertainment and media landscape.
The awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements with six (6) winners announced. Notable winners; Obi Asika (Director General/CEO of National Council for Arts & Culture, Nigeria) and Victoria Abiola Ajayi (Group CEO of TVC Communications) took home the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and Exemplary Leadership Award (Media) respectively, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the industry. Other winners are; Mary Ephraim-Egbas (Industry Champion Award – Film), LG NIGERIA ELECTRONICS (Smart Tech & Innovation Leadership Award), Ideas Origin Media (Design & Creative Excellence Award) and Premier Records Limited (Recording Legacy Company Award).
“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s conference and awards. It was a fantastic opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate the best in entertainment, media, technology and arts. Preparations are in gear to make EMTA 2025 even much more a bigger success.” said Alaba Ayinuola, Publisher & CEO at BAO.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners. Ideas Origin Media and LG ELECTRONICS NIGERIA as the Gold sponsors. And TVC Communications, Premier Records Limited, Olokpo App and GAIA Africa as partners. The event compere Segun Akinola (MC SHEGAZY) was exceptional.
For more information, please visit BAO Live. Join the conversation on social media using #EMTA2024 #BAOEMTA2024.
