Featured Speakers: Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze (CEO, Desperanza Studio), Dr. Tolu Demuren / Toolz (Co-host, Off Air), Adetutu Laditan (CEO, Woof Studios), and ChinneyLove Eze (CEO, ChinneyLove EzeTV)
Target Audience: Filmmakers, YouTubers, digital storytellers, producers, editors, creative entrepreneurs, and students
While social media feeds are filled with viral success stories and lucrative brand deals, building a long-term, profitable career on YouTube requires navigating complex algorithms, shifting monetization policies, and creative burnout. To provide digital storytellers with realistic guidance, Women in the Arts Nigeria (WIA) has partnered with The Usual Suspects Podcast to present a dedicated masterclass titled “Building in Public: What They Don’t Tell You About YouTube.”
Scheduled for August 25, 2026, at the iconic Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos, the event forms a core feature of the Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS) 2026. The collaborative program brings together leading voices from across film, podcasting, television, and digital media to unpack the business mechanics behind sustainable creative careers.
Data-Driven Insights for African Content Creators
The event kicks off with a research presentation titled “Inside the Algorithm — UNGATEKEPT.” While many creators rely on trial and error, this presentation shares new research examining how the platform recommends and distributes African video content globally.
By analyzing audience discovery patterns and visibility metrics, the session provides an evidence-based blueprint for video producers and digital storytellers. Understanding these technical mechanisms helps African creators design content strategies that reach wider international audiences while maximizing engagement and watch time.
Live Podcast Conversations
Following the data presentation, the program moves into “Building in Public,” a live podcast recording featuring seasoned entertainment executives and digital entrepreneurs. Moderated by Lagos Fringe Co-Founder Brenda Fashugba and Shutterspeed Productions CEO Biodun Stephen, the panel features:
Blessing Jessica Obasi-Nze: Actor and CEO of Desperanza Studio
Dr. Tolu Demuren (Toolz): Filmmaker and co-host of Off Air with Gbemi & Toolz
Adetutu Laditan: CEO of Woof Studios
ChinneyLove Eze: Director and CEO of ChinneyLove EzeTV
Moving past surface-level motivation, the panel will address production economics, channel monetization, copyright management, and mental health challenges. Speakers will share candid personal experiences regarding the financial fluctuations and operational demands hidden behind polished digital channels.
Connecting Women in Arts with Industry Leaders
The session concludes with “Off the Record,” an interactive networking segment designed to foster direct mentorship and strategic partnerships. The mixer connects emerging female filmmakers, editors, writers, and digital producers with established media executives and platform representatives.
As Africa’s creator economy continues to expand, initiatives like this ensure that creators—particularly women in media—build resilient networks, secure fair compensation, and establish sustainable businesses. Organizers invite all filmmakers, YouTubers, media students, and digital entrepreneurs attending NIFS 2026 to join this transformative conversation.
