LAGOS, Nigeria — An extraordinary evening of storytelling, music, and heartfelt conversation unfolded in Lagos as some of Nigeria’s most influential cultural voices gathered for the first-ever edition of #WithChude Live, hosted by award-winning storyteller and media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo.
The event, which drew a distinguished crowd of students, celebrities, dignitaries, and changemakers, celebrated vulnerability and connection through personal stories that moved the audience to tears, laughter, and standing ovations.
Literary icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, prophetic leader Pastor Jerry Eze, rapper and activist Falz, gospel star Moses Bliss, music sensation Teni, filmmaker Ruth Kadiri, creative artist Hauwa Lawal, and media personality Kiekie were among the headline participants.
Held under an electric atmosphere, the evening was described by many as a defining cultural moment for Africa’s storytelling and live events scene.
The evening commenced with a dazzling red carpet, where cameras captured Nigeria’s brightest stars and thought leaders in style.
Once inside, the audience was invited into an intimate world of deeply personal revelations.
Among the distinguished attendees were the Minister of Culture, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Arunma Oteh, Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Dabota Lawson, Honourable Hannatu Musawa, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Jimi Agbaje, Sienne Allwell-Brown, Honourable Desmond Elliot, Honourable Seun Fakorede, Yeni Kuti, Morayo Brown, and Mai Atafo, among others.
Their participation highlighted the event’s cultural importance and the powerful connection WithChude has forged with leaders and influencers across different generations.
Falz, renowned for his fearless social commentary, spoke candidly about the difficulties of balancing fame and personal relationships.
“It’s incredibly tough to have a healthy love life and be in entertainment,” he shared, his words resonating with fans who have long followed his career.
In a particularly emotional highlight, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie broke societal taboos by speaking openly about surrogacy, a subject rarely discussed publicly in Nigeria.
“I want more women to feel less ashamed of talking about reaching motherhood through non-traditional means,” she said, drawing resounding applause and visible emotion from the audience.
The event featured a lively panel discussion with Teni, comedian Taaooma, and Kiekie, who reflected on their personal journeys through fame, burnout, and the search for authenticity.
Their unguarded stories brought laughter, empathy, and solemn reflection from the packed audience.
Faith, purpose, and mental wellness were central themes in the heartfelt contributions from Ruth Kadiri,
. Their reflections shed light on the unseen struggles behind public success and underscored the importance of inner strength and community.
Beyond the powerful testimonies, #WithChude Live marked a broader milestone for media innovation on the continent.
Organisers said the event symbolised a new benchmark for what African live events could achieve — honest, human, and transformational.
#WithChude Live stems from WithChude.com, an independent subscription-based podcast and video-on-demand platform that has emerged as a major force in Africa’s media landscape.
Known for its flagship interview show that regularly goes viral, the platform reaches an estimated 8 million people weekly across television and social media.
The success of #WithChude Live affirms the brand’s commitment to creating platforms that, according to organisers, “strengthen the mind, the heart, and the spirit” by showcasing stories that inspire connection and healing.
Jideonwo’s production company, Chude Jideonwo Presents, continues to build momentum with a robust slate of factual films and television projects, including the award-winning “Awaiting Trial” and the highly anticipated docu-series “Is It Your Money?” exploring the story of former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
For the many who witnessed it, #WithChude Live was more than an event — it was a movement, and perhaps the beginning of a new tradition in African storytelling.
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