Buckwyld Media Network and BHM have teamed up to bring you Naija To The World, a groundbreaking series of international showcases that will celebrate the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s culture and creativity.’
The first edition of Naija To The World will kick off at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City on September 16, 2023, after touring several Nigerian cities from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Benin, Abuja, Jos.
The theme of the debut showcase is the Niger Delta Experience, a tribute to the region that has produced some of the most influential talents in the creative industry over the past 25 years. The Niger Delta is also home to most of Nigeria’s crude oil, but it has faced many challenges such as environmental degradation, poverty, and violence.
Naija To The World will shine a light on the positive aspects of the Niger Delta, such as its vibrant music, its delicious cuisine, its colorful fashion, and its inspiring literature. You will hear stories that you have never heard before, from the people who have lived them. You will see performances that will blow your mind, from the stars who have made it big. You will discover the culture that has shaped Nigeria’s national identity and global influence.
Ayeni Adekunle, founder of BHM, says: ‘We are thrilled to co-host this new series of cultural showcases around the US and later other parts of the world. The aim is to tell original African stories through live concerts, exhibitions, films, documentaries, and so on. And the first instalment will focus on the Niger Delta region of Nigeria where most of Nigeria’s crude oil comes from but which continues to be troubled, abandoned, and impoverished. The world already knows this and many have had cause to use the oil directly or indirectly. But what many do not know is that most of the African pop music dominating the world right now also comes from there (Burna Boy For example). So we want to showcase the music, the food, the fashion, and the literature from a place many only previously associated with oil and violence…’
Efe Omorogbe, Chief Executive Officer of Buckwyld Media Network, adds: ‘Against a backdrop of multi-billion dollar operations and squalid communities, confounding extremes that seem to leave the polity constantly tethering on the brink of crisis, the Niger Delta region remains the premiere incubator for talent in Nigeria. Talent who have continually shaped the course of creative enterprise in Nigeria; talent who are driving the redefinition of Nigeria’s national identity and burgeoning soft power; talent who are primed for world domination and seem unwilling to let anything deter them from reaching their goal.’
Naija To The World – The Niger Delta Experience will feature a star-studded line-up of emerging and leading actors, comedians, designers, chefs, musicians and performers from Nigeria’s Niger Delta. You will witness the culture of Ken Saro-Wiwa; the culture of Burna Boy; the culture of Don Jazzy; the culture of Timaya; Rema and so many more.
Only 1,500 lucky fans will get to watch live at the Apollo Theatre, while millions more will tune in through broadcast partners across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
N2TW is the first instalment of the original African exhibition concert series which will happen annually and feature the brightest and biggest stars from Nigeria and other parts of Africa headlining at the most iconic music venues around the world.
Apart from live-curated concerts, the series will also produce themed biographies, biopics, and documentaries in partnership with select platforms.