•From left: Director Pink, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Yemisi Falaye, Ruth Kadiri, Funmbi Ogunbanwo, Banke Meshida-Lawal, Nancy Isime, Deola Art Alade, Lisa Folawiyo, Ayo Amusan, Leslie Okoye, Ijeoma Balogun, Stephanie Busari and Sade Teyibo
The African creative and entertainment landscape is being actively redefined, and leading the charge is entrepreneur and co-founder of Livespot360, Deola Art Alade, who recently hosted the Women Driving Culture Luncheon. This intimate, yet highly strategic, gathering brought together a select cohort of women who are fundamentally shaping Nigeria’s cultural, creative and consumer economy. Held at Mr Panther, the discussions were centred on critical challenges, including access to capital, authorship in African storytelling and how women can collectively influence policy and pipelines for the next generation.
The luncheon convened leaders across film, fashion, beauty, media, tech, and public policy, including: Lisa Folawiyo, fashion designer and founder, Lisa Folawiyo; Toke Benson‑Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture; Titi Ogufere, founder Design Week Lagos; Sasha P, pioneer Nigerian rapper; Korty Eniola, YouTuber and filmmaker; Ruth Kadiri, actor, filmmaker and digital content powerhouse; Funmbi Ogunbanwo, filmmaker and co-founder, Fatherland Productions; Nicole Asinugo, screenwriter; Beatrice Eneh, beauty entrepreneur and founder, Nectar Beauty Hub and Beauty In The Motherland; Banke Meshida‑Lawal, beauty entrepreneur and founder, BM Pro; Tobi Hamilton, founder, The House Lagos; Leslie Okoye, founder, Cookie Skin. Also in attendance were Bukunmi Grace, talent manager, United Talent; Osayi Alile, CEO Act Foundation; Sade Teyibo, founder, FOLA PR, Addy Awofisayo, Head of YouTube Music, Sub-Saharan Africa; Stephanie Busari, journalist and founder, SBB Media; Anita Adetoye, beauty influencer; Linda Edozien, CEO, Barazhi Spa and Wellness, Ayo Amusan, founder and CEO, Persianas Retail, Director Pink, film director; Lamide Akintobi, TV producer, CNN; Henny Zinzuwadia, award-winning sommelier, Busola Tejumola, head of content, MultiChoice West Africa; Wangi Mba‑Uzoukwu, media, film & TV content executive; Bola Balogun, founder, Glam Brand Agency; Ijeoma Balogun, founder, Redrick PR, Yemisi Falaye, entertainment lawyer at The Temple Company; and Blossom Maduafokwa, editor at Nataal and Grammys.
Speaking at the luncheon, Deola Art Alade underscored the intent behind the gathering:
Deola Art Alade Giving Her Opening Remarks“When women are intentional about lifting other women, the impact goes far beyond one person. We change rooms, we change systems, we shape what’s possible for the next generation. Today is a celebration but it’s also an invitation to connect, to share and to leave here thinking about who you can move forward.”
The event reinforced a growing shift toward intentional female-led power circles within Africa’s creative industries. The Women Driving Culture Luncheon was supported by Livespot360, Moet & Chandon, M·A·C Cosmetics and Estée Lauder, whose involvement reflects their continued investment in women-led leadership and cultural impact.
•Images by @theseyekehinde)
