Entertainment
How Nigeria’s Hospitality Industry can Leverage the Entertainment Sector
Hospitality has so many branches which include but not limited to music and film. To present a total hospitality package to tourists and visitors, these two must be aligned.
In Nigeria, you can arguably posit that there is yet to be a synergy between the hospitality and entertainment industry. This is a minus for both industries because the country is losing out from a major revenue loop. Although both sectors can exist independently, it will do the economy a whole lot of good if they synergise.
Let’s give more credence to this. According to Nigeria’s Hospitality Report, Travel and Tourism was directly responsible for 1.9% (N2.3 billion in actual numbers) of the country’s total GDP in 2017.
Meanwhile, a report in the Vanguard Newspaper reveals that the entertainment and creative sector contributed 2.3 per cent which was approximately N239 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP in 2016. Definitely, the numbers would have increased in 2017.
You can only imagine how much the Nigerian government will earn if both industries are synergised. In fact, more than the above-referenced figures can be earned if the government and stakeholders explore the endless gains of the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Unlike in the past when Nigerians have the knack for foreign films and music, the opposite is the case now. They have embraced Nigerian films and music. The likes of Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie, Funke Akindele, Wizkid, Olamide, and Davido et al are known all over the world including African countries. They are also celebrated in the country. Hence, they are ‘tools’ that can be used to push the Nigerian hospitality industry.
Interestingly, the government has recognised that the creative industry has a huge goldmine and has supported the industry with several grants.
In 2013, the government then established N200 billion (or about $1.2 billion) intervention fund for the entertainment industry. Last year, the federal government again supported the Nigerian film industry with N420m grant.
The government support has largely boosted the entertainment industry. You can observe this in the quality of videos and songs emerging from the country.
The Hospitality industry
There has really been no reported grant or fund for the hospitality industry unlike what is happening in entertainment. This is probably why the industry is laid back.
When you talk about hospitality in Nigeria, we mostly look at it from the perspective of hotels and tourist attractions-which need government attention. It is beyond this. There is food, flight, festivals, culture, film, music and much more.
The industry has infinite opportunities that only being explored by a few stakeholders and government interest is limited.
Again, quoting the Nigeria Hospitality report, the number of direct jobs created by the sector peaked at 1.2 million compared to 651,000 in 2016 (1.6%), that’s 1.8% of total employment in the country. This is estimated to rise by 4.7% by end of 2018 to approximately 1.3 million jobs (1.8% of total employment). If the government could invest in the hospitality industry, these figures will definitely increase.
How the hospitality industry can leverage the entertainment sector
Since entertainment is getting more attention from the government, it can be said that the hospitality industry will have to leverage on entertainment for the purpose of business and earn more revenue.
This said it is not rocket science to synergise both sectors to earn more revenue.
Artists and producers must recognise that there are beautiful, pleasant and awesome Nigerian destinations where they can shoot their videos. For example, we have the Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Kajuru Castle, Olumirin Waterfalls and a host of others.
They do not need to visit South Africa or Dubai to shoot their movies. The more these destinations get celebrity endorsements, the more Nigerians will be interested in checking out these destinations and of course, these destinations can earn more revenue.
Furthermore, hospitality stakeholders should partner with artists so that they can endorse their hospitality spots. They do not need to pay the artists cash but they can compensate them in kind. For example, whenever, they have shows or performances, they can provide a certain number of rooms to the artistes and his backroom staff. This will translate to more bookings for the hotel.
Finally, the Nigerian tourist spots need dire attention. So, these artists can organise shows and performances at these spots. The more performances at these tourists attractions, the more they feature prominently in the media. Since the media sets the agenda, the condition of these destinations will be known to the government. They can now, in turn, develop these destinations.
Conclusion
Entertainment and Hospitality can contribute more than it is currently doing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. That is if it is synergised. The government have a key role to play. They have to also give the grant to the hospitality sector. However, because hospitality is yet to have the influence or impact that entertainment has, the former can leverage on the later to more revenue.
Submitted by Ogunfowoke, Adeniyi Ayuba
Spotify today announced the launch of its ‘Detty December’ hub with playlists for December, a celebration of the vibrant festive season in West Africa and South Africa. The hub is a one-stop shop for all things Detty December, with curated playlists featuring the biggest hits and emerging sounds of the season. Users can find everything from Afrobeats and Amapiano anthems to chilled-out vibes for those much-needed recovery days.
“Detty December is a special time for our users in West Africa and ke Dezemba symbolises South Africa’s spirit of celebration,” said Phiona Okumu, Head of Music at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re excited to be part of their celebrations with this dedicated hub and playlists, bringing them the best music to soundtrack their festive moments.”
This unapologetic season of street jams, back-to-back concerts, and endless summer fun has developed its own culture that draws diaspora and local fans alike. The curated sounds of Spotify’s Detty December hub will pay homage to the Lagos rooftop lounges, Accra’s beachside festivals, and South Africa’s township tunes that keep people grooving.
In addition to the hub, Spotify has also launched a new playlist called ‘Songs of Detty December’. This playlist is a curated list from Spotify Africa’s editors on the songs predicted to dominate this year’s Detty December. From DJ Skelm’s Afro Tech sounds to Flytime Fest’s tour of songs that tell Africa’s aspirational stories, the hub will be the home of takeover playlists that display Africa’s diverse talent. Barrier-breaking Amapiano talent Kamo_ww has taken over a South African Summer playlist too.
Spotify is also supporting Jerk x Jollof, a popular event making its way to Africa for the first time, through its Frequency program. Held at The Ostrich event space, the Jerk x Jollof Cape Town takeover will feature DJs and artists such as TxC, DBN Gogo, Spinall, Sarz and Odeal, merging the spirit of Detty December and ke Dezemba experiences and bringing South and West African cultures and artists together.
“We’re committed to supporting African music and culture,” said Okumu. “We believe that music is a powerful way to bring people together, and we’re excited to be part of the Detty December celebrations.”
You can keep the good vibes going as you make your way to the hotel, beach or next Detty December party with Spotify’s curated and immersive sound selection. Discover something new or run the year’s best party anthems back on your app today.
The ‘Detty December’ hub is available now on Spotify.
Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus.
The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world.I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
Purchase I Just Saw Jesus on Amazon or the Cru store, and join the ongoing conversation about how media can inspire the next generation.
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
Samsung Expands Accessibility with Local Language Integration on Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 Devices
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
