Creative
LG Electronics Partners EbonyLife Creative Academy to Empower Next-Generation Storytellers
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.
Canon concludes the ‘Women Who Empower’ initiative with an exclusive media event at Lagos, Nigeria on July 24; 15 participants from WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers) showcase their creativity in an exhibition.
Canon, a global leader in imaging solutions, successfully concluded “Women Who Empower,” an initiative in collaboration with WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers). A month-long program, which aimed to empower women in the print and imaging sectors, culminated in an event held on July 24th at Radisson Blu Ikeja, Lagos was attended by participants, and guests including media, industry leaders and senior executives from Canon and WISCAR.
The program consisted of three modules: printing, photography, and content creation, each designed to equip the 15 participants with valuable skills and knowledge. The content creation curriculum was led by Canon Ambassador, Nigerian cinematographer & director, Daniel Ehimen. The photography curriculum and the printing module was led by Emmanuel Oyeleke, Nigerian Lifestyle photographer, and a Canon ambassador.
As demonstrated by Canon’s various diversity and inclusivity programs, this initiative also aligns with its corporate philosophy ‘Kyosei,’ which means living and working together for the common good.
Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Founder & Chairperson WISCAR said, “Our partnership with Canon has been a resounding success, empowering women in the print and imaging industries. This collaboration serves as a powerful blueprint for partnerships that break down barriers, drive meaningful change, and pave the way for a more inclusive future in the print and imaging industries. At WISCAR, we believe in the transformative power of empowering women and girls, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our values of inspiring, educating, and mentoring women to reach their full potential. By working together, we have made a tangible impact on the lives of women in Nigeria, and we look forward to continuing this important work, creating a ripple effect of positive change that resonates throughout the industry and beyond.”
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director- Canon Central & North Africa, added, “Canon is guided by an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These core values are not just aspirations, but the very foundation upon which we build a thriving and innovative future. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and collaborating with partners like WISCAR reinforces this commitment. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and groundbreaking future in the imaging industry.”
The event culminated in a captivating portfolio exhibition, where participants brought their remarkable achievements and newfound skills to life. The exhibition captivated audiences with its blend of evocative photographs, rich in storytelling and dynamic video content, each a vibrant reflection of the participants’ unique talents and passions.
Among the many talented individuals, two standout participants received special recognition for their exceptional dedication, creativity, and progress. Joy Ngwolo and Obianuju Lilian Ikegbune were honored for their outstanding contributions to the program.
Joy Ngwolo a PR professional and photographer, reflecting on her journey, shared: “Prior to ‘Women Who Empower’ photography classes, my camera skills were limited by a basic understanding. The program’s comprehensive training has been transformative, equipping me with a solid grasp of photographic techniques and the science behind them. The resulting improvement in my image quality is remarkable. I highly recommend these classes to anyone seeking to elevate their photography to the next level. I’m incredibly grateful to Canon & WISCAR for this invaluable experience.”
Obianuju Lilian Ikegbune expressed her gratitude, stating, As a Public Relations and Marketing Communications Strategist, I was drawn to the Canon x Wiscar Women Who Empower Program for its focus on empowering women in the thriving creative industry. I gained valuable knowledge on storytelling techniques like the ‘rule of thirds,’ camera handling fundamentals, and key considerations for brand storytelling, which will undoubtedly set me apart in the professional arena. I am incredibly grateful to Canon and WISCAR for offering this program, the chance to learn from industry leaders like Emmanuel and Ehimen, and the opportunity to connect with a network of fellow creatives.”
Led by renowned Nigerian cinematographer, director, and Canon Ambassador Daniel Ehimen, spearheaded an intensive content creation course, equipping participants with essential videography skills. The course delved into the fundamentals of videography, camera mastery, the art of storytelling, and provided invaluable hands-on experience with personalized feedback.
Renowned Nigerian lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador Emmanuel Oyeleke led a captivating photography course, focusing on the core principles of photography with a storytelling emphasis. Participants actively engaged in numerous sessions and practical exercises, gaining a thorough understanding of photography fundamentals, and solidifying their behind-the-lens capabilities. Expanding participants’ knowledge base further, Emmanuel also led a comprehensive printing workshop. This session explored various printing solutions for photography portfolios and delved into the intricacies of photo studio setups, ensuring participants are well-equipped for all aspects of their photographic journey.
The ‘Women Who Empower’ campaign marked a significant milestone in empowering women in the printing and imaging sectors. As Canon continues to champion diversity and inclusion, initiatives like ‘Women Who Empower’ demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving positive change. With plans for future collaborations and programs, Canon remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals and communities through innovation and creativity.
Canon which has more than 63% of women occupying leadership roles in the Middle East and Africa HQ, has been championing empowerment initiatives for many years as demonstrated by its various diversity and inclusivity programs
