By Damilola Abiola
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos hosted over 100 professionals from Nigeria’s creative industry for an inspiring fireside chat with Nigerian-American actor Bayo Akinfemi, renowned for his role in the Emmy-nominated CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola. The event, moderated by Arise TV host Steve Ayorinde, delved into Akinfemi’s journey from Nigeria to Hollywood and his insights as a dialect coach and cultural consultant for the sitcom.
“The global community is paying attention to Nigerian stories, music, and culture,” Akinfemi said. “If your focus is solely on creating content for local audiences, it will be challenging for your work to resonate on the global stage.” Drawing from his experience in Hollywood, where he’s worked on projects like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Criminal Minds, Akinfemi urged creatives to embrace persistence and innovation.
Chimezie Imo, a Nigerian actor known for his role in Amazon Prime’s Breath of Life, expressed his admiration for the event. “Seeing a Nigerian-American in Hollywood speak was truly inspiring. It felt personal to hear from someone who has been in our shoes share his journey and affirm that it’s possible to achieve global success,” he said.
Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg thanked Akinfemi for his mentorship, highlighting the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative industry. “The U.S. government is dedicated to facilitating exchanges that empower Nigerian creatives to thrive,” she said.
The event also included a debriefing session led by U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay with alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. Panelists like filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters and YBNL Music Executive Alex Okeke shared their experiences and insights on leveraging global partnerships to drive innovation in Nigeria’s creative sectors.
“Every year, the U.S. Mission engages with leaders in Nigeria’s creative industries to build sustainable ecosystems, unlock access to new markets, and advance opportunities for two-way trade and investment,” McKay noted.