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Adedeji Adeyanju
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NECLive, one of Africa’s leading gatherings for the entertainment and creative industry, has brought together some of Nigeria’s most celebrated music stars for memorable performances over the years. Beyond conversations about the business of entertainment, the conference has provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents, celebrate Nigerian music and connect with audiences. NECLive 2026 is one event for Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry to look out for this November. The conference is scheduled to take place on November 12, 2026, at Alliance Française de Lagos, Mike Adenuga Centre, Lagos.
This year’s edition will be themed “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power.” The theme places the spotlight on how Nigeria’s growing appetite for local entertainment can translate into sustainable businesses, stronger industry structures and greater global influence.
From D’banj’s energetic delivery and Simi’s engaging performance to K1 De Ultimate’s celebration of Fuji music and 2Baba’s emotional tribute to Sound Sultan, the NECLive stage has witnessed several remarkable musical moments. Davido also brought a different dimension to the conference with a live music-production demonstration alongside Shizzi, while Gaise Baba and Timi Dakolo featured in the 2025 edition.
We take a look at seven memorable artists and performances in NECLive history
Timi Dakolo, known for his soulful voice and songs like “There’s a Light” and “Iyawo Mi,” made a memorable impact at NECLive 4 in 2016 with his performance of “Great Nation.” Although he attended the event as a panelist, he surprised the audience by taking to the stage and transforming the hall into a chorus of patriotism with his powerful vocals and commanding presence. His performance demonstrated the unifying power of music, as attendees joined in celebrating the patriotic anthem.
D’banj, popularly known as the Koko Master, brought his trademark energy to NECLive 4, turning the conference into a lively musical experience. Known for hit songs such as “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love” and “Emergency,” the entertainer thrilled the audience with fan favourites.
With his infectious dance moves, charisma and impressive stage presence, D’banj got the audience singing and dancing along. His performance demonstrated why he remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable entertainers, capable of turning a live appearance into a full-blown celebration.
Fuji music took centre stage at NECLive 5 in 2017 when K1 De Ultimate, also known as Kwam 1, delivered an energetic performance that introduced the audience to the richness of the genre.
The Fuji legend did more than entertain. He also explained the genre’s cultural significance, giving attendees a deeper appreciation of its place in Nigerian music. His selection of Fuji songs resonated with longtime fans, while his commanding performance encouraged the audience to clap, dance and participate.
Simi brought her distinctive vocals and engaging personality to NECLive 6 in 2018, delivering a performance that connected with the audience from beginning to end.
The singer performed “Joromi” and “Smile for Me,” two of her popular records that showcase her blend of Afropop, R&B and soul. Her gentle but captivating stage presence created an intimate atmosphere, while her decision to hand the microphone to audience members gave fans an opportunity to sing along.
One of the most emotional moments associated with NECLive came when Nigerian music icon 2Baba paid tribute to his late friend and fellow musician, Sound Sultan, at NECLive 9 in 2022.
Sound Sultan, who passed away in July 2021, was remembered for his contributions to Nigerian music and his influence on generations of artists. During the tribute, 2Baba delivered an emotional performance that reflected their friendship and the lasting impact of his colleague’s life and music.
Known for classics such as “African Queen,” “If Love Is a Crime,” “Amaka” and “Iheneme,” 2Baba demonstrated his ability to connect deeply with an audience. The tribute became a poignant reminder of music’s power to preserve memories and celebrate the lives of those who have shaped the industry.
Davido brought a different kind of excitement to NECLive 3 in 2015 when he joined music producer Shizzi for a live music-making demonstration.
Rather than delivering a conventional concert set, the Afrobeats superstar and the producer gave attendees a glimpse into the creative process behind hit records. They demonstrated how musical ideas could be developed in real time, highlighting the relationship between an artist’s vision and a producer’s technical expertise.
The session offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the work involved in creating successful music and reinforced NECLive’s role as a platform for both entertainment and industry education.
Gospel and Afro-fusion artist Gaise Baba brought contemporary gospel energy to NECLive 2025 with a performance of “No Turning Back,” the song that helped expand his audience beyond the gospel music community.
Known for combining faith-centred messages with modern African rhythms, Gaise Baba added a different musical dimension to the conference. His performance showcased the growing intersection between gospel music and contemporary popular sounds in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Entertainment Conference brings together professionals working across music, film, media, technology and other areas of entertainment to discuss the industry’s growth, challenges and opportunities. The 2026 edition is expected to create room for conversations about how Nigerian entertainment can move beyond popularity and build an even stronger commercial foundation.
The post From Davido to 2Baba: 7 Unforgettable NECLive Performances appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
This year’s edition will be themed “Home Advantage: Transforming Local Demand into Global Power.” The theme places the spotlight on how Nigeria’s growing appetite for local entertainment can translate into sustainable businesses, stronger industry structures and greater global influence.
From D’banj’s energetic delivery and Simi’s engaging performance to K1 De Ultimate’s celebration of Fuji music and 2Baba’s emotional tribute to Sound Sultan, the NECLive stage has witnessed several remarkable musical moments. Davido also brought a different dimension to the conference with a live music-production demonstration alongside Shizzi, while Gaise Baba and Timi Dakolo featured in the 2025 edition.
We take a look at seven memorable artists and performances in NECLive history
1. Timi Dakolo — NECLive 4 (2016)
Timi Dakolo, known for his soulful voice and songs like “There’s a Light” and “Iyawo Mi,” made a memorable impact at NECLive 4 in 2016 with his performance of “Great Nation.” Although he attended the event as a panelist, he surprised the audience by taking to the stage and transforming the hall into a chorus of patriotism with his powerful vocals and commanding presence. His performance demonstrated the unifying power of music, as attendees joined in celebrating the patriotic anthem.
2. D’banj — NECLive 4 (2016)
D’banj, popularly known as the Koko Master, brought his trademark energy to NECLive 4, turning the conference into a lively musical experience. Known for hit songs such as “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love” and “Emergency,” the entertainer thrilled the audience with fan favourites.
With his infectious dance moves, charisma and impressive stage presence, D’banj got the audience singing and dancing along. His performance demonstrated why he remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable entertainers, capable of turning a live appearance into a full-blown celebration.
3. K1 De Ultimate — NECLive 5 (2017)
Fuji music took centre stage at NECLive 5 in 2017 when K1 De Ultimate, also known as Kwam 1, delivered an energetic performance that introduced the audience to the richness of the genre.
The Fuji legend did more than entertain. He also explained the genre’s cultural significance, giving attendees a deeper appreciation of its place in Nigerian music. His selection of Fuji songs resonated with longtime fans, while his commanding performance encouraged the audience to clap, dance and participate.
4. Simi — NECLive 6 (2018)
Simi brought her distinctive vocals and engaging personality to NECLive 6 in 2018, delivering a performance that connected with the audience from beginning to end.
The singer performed “Joromi” and “Smile for Me,” two of her popular records that showcase her blend of Afropop, R&B and soul. Her gentle but captivating stage presence created an intimate atmosphere, while her decision to hand the microphone to audience members gave fans an opportunity to sing along.
5. 2Baba — NECLive 9 (2022)
One of the most emotional moments associated with NECLive came when Nigerian music icon 2Baba paid tribute to his late friend and fellow musician, Sound Sultan, at NECLive 9 in 2022.
Sound Sultan, who passed away in July 2021, was remembered for his contributions to Nigerian music and his influence on generations of artists. During the tribute, 2Baba delivered an emotional performance that reflected their friendship and the lasting impact of his colleague’s life and music.
Known for classics such as “African Queen,” “If Love Is a Crime,” “Amaka” and “Iheneme,” 2Baba demonstrated his ability to connect deeply with an audience. The tribute became a poignant reminder of music’s power to preserve memories and celebrate the lives of those who have shaped the industry.
6. Davido — NECLive 3 (2015)
Davido brought a different kind of excitement to NECLive 3 in 2015 when he joined music producer Shizzi for a live music-making demonstration.
Rather than delivering a conventional concert set, the Afrobeats superstar and the producer gave attendees a glimpse into the creative process behind hit records. They demonstrated how musical ideas could be developed in real time, highlighting the relationship between an artist’s vision and a producer’s technical expertise.
The session offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the work involved in creating successful music and reinforced NECLive’s role as a platform for both entertainment and industry education.
7. Gaise Baba — NECLive 2025
Gospel and Afro-fusion artist Gaise Baba brought contemporary gospel energy to NECLive 2025 with a performance of “No Turning Back,” the song that helped expand his audience beyond the gospel music community.
Known for combining faith-centred messages with modern African rhythms, Gaise Baba added a different musical dimension to the conference. His performance showcased the growing intersection between gospel music and contemporary popular sounds in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Entertainment Conference brings together professionals working across music, film, media, technology and other areas of entertainment to discuss the industry’s growth, challenges and opportunities. The 2026 edition is expected to create room for conversations about how Nigerian entertainment can move beyond popularity and build an even stronger commercial foundation.
The post From Davido to 2Baba: 7 Unforgettable NECLive Performances appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.