16:Xisten Events CEO, Smith Oseghale, has debunked the long-held belief that entertainment professionals can only thrive in Lagos. Speaking on the industry’s growth, Oseghale asserted that the immense potential in Nigeria’s population allows practitioners to flourish anywhere in the country.
While Lagos remains a powerhouse for the industry, Oseghale emphasized that social media and growing regional markets have made it possible for stars to be discovered and thrive in cities like Benin, Warri, and Abuja.
He highlighted the success of shows like Edwardo Untamed and MC Edo Pikin Undiluted as proof that entertainment knows no boundaries.
With major upcoming events like King Zina set for January, 16: Xisten Events is leading the charge for a nationwide entertainment revolution.
While noting the immense infrastructure and support the industry gets in Lagos, Oseghale
Indicated that everybody do not need to relate to the former capital to contribute their quota in the sector.
He said the industry must be diversified to promote excellence and professionalism to satisfy the entertainment needs of millions of Nigerians living in different regions.
According to him, the large population of Nigeria is of immense advantage to anybody to benefit from in any business venture hence the notion of moving to Lagos as surest way to become a star is not totally correct.
While applauding the role Lagos plays in the growth and development of different sectors of the entertainment industry like music, movies, comedy, dance, event manage, among others, he pointed out that stars over the years have been discovered in other parts of the country.
The 16: Xisten CEO, who said the world has become a global village with the emergence of various social media platforms insisted that “such insinuations are no longer entirely true but just a figment of the imaginations of a few naysayers”.
“As the sky is wide enough to contain the millions of birds, so is the industry wide enough to contain practitioners irrespective of the location they play in”.
“Our population is one of our biggest strengths as a nation and if we can explore the huge market inherent, then we will know that with the right strategy, we can thrive in Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Lokoja, Benin, Owerri, Oshogo or Illorin”.
The young entrepreneur, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and a Master Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Benin, maintained that all the shows he has produced in Benin, Abuja, Warri and other cities are testaments that a true professional can blossom anywhere.
According to him, “I just produced a massively successful event Edwardo Untamed on October 1st which is an annual show held in Benin City. “That event also made its debut in Abuja in February this year and we are working assiduously to replicate the second edition in Abuja in 2025”.
“Most of the shows we have produced as thoroughbred professionals is testament that entertainment can break boundaries anywhere”.
“Over the past few years, 16: Xisten Events have produced some of the biggest shows particularly in South-South part of the country including but not limited to Maleke Unchanged, MC Edo Pikin Undiluted, Just Comedy with Funny P, Medica Live among many others”.
“Our Company has other shows coming up this year but we are currently finalizing plans for a major one coming up in January and that one is King Zina”.