Nigeria: Sony Music hosts In Her Element to empower female creatives

Held on 27 and 28 March 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, the event brought together female executives, cultural leaders, and emerging talents for discussions on career development, leadership, and industry success.

Through panel discussions, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and live performances, In Her Element provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, professional growth, and community building, the organisers said.

The first day of the event focused on leadership, self-management, content creation, and career growth in the creative industry. Attendees engaged with a panel of esteemed speakers, including Dr Olori Boye-Ajayi, strategist and personal transformation coach; Solape Hammond, co-founder of Impact Hub Lagos; and Sola Obagbemi, founder of The Bloom Conversations With Sola. Moderated by Tolu Thompson, the panel covered leadership development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and financial empowerment.

“Women in entertainment need platforms, access, and the right rooms to step into,” Sony Music West Africa head of marketing, Omolola Ige, said. “In Her Element proved that when those doors open, there’s no limit to what’s possible. Our goal at Sony music is to see more women taking up leadership positions in music and entertainment.

“That means investing in their growth, supporting them to get advanced degrees, professional certifications, and the right training to be the strongest and smartest in every room. This initiative is more than just a moment; it's a movement, and we look forward to continuing it every year.”

Discussions on the future of work, remote employment, and entrepreneurship featured insights from Remote WorkHER founder Adeife Adeoye, Tilewa Odedina, head of Culinary and Restaurants at Food Court; Nonye Udeogu, fashion and lifestyle influencer; and Elechi Bose Oddelm, branding consultant at Printcess.

Another major session explored the business of Afrobeats, with industry leaders such as Kikelola Ojewale of Dentons ACAS-Law, media personality Moet Abebe, and music executive Sarah Lorentzen sharing expertise on revenue streams, partnerships, and strategic positioning in the industry.

The second day, 28 March, featured a networking mixer with live performances from some of the most exciting contemporary African artists, including Gyakie, Winny, Shoday, Morravey, and Solis. DJ Latitude provided the soundtrack for the evening, with Melody M.I.A keeping the energy high as the event’s hypewoman.

Launch of mentorship programme for women in the creative industry

Building on the success of the event, Sony Music West Africa will launch a mentorship programme in partnership with Music Business Academy Africa and Girls in Afrobeats. The programme will select 20 aspiring female professionals and pair them with 10 experienced mentors from the UK and West Africa. It aims to provide hands-on guidance, industry insights, and career development opportunities to support the next generation of female leaders in entertainment.

Pictures to the two-day event can be downloaded here and here.