Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, one of Nigeria’s most decorated on-air personalities and celebrity entrepreneurs, has been appointed as co-founder and co-executive producer for one of Africa’s most promising media and entertainment startups – TNC Africa.
This is the former OAP’s first announcement since quitting her radio job in December 2021 after spending 13 years at The Beat FM in a broadcast career that spanned almost 20 years at three organisations.
“My time as a media girl has come to an end and now, I am transitioning behind the microphone to explore more creative and business opportunities. I have listened to hundreds of Nigerians call into my shows for 20 years, and I can use that insight from them, the media, the entertainment industry to develop impactful and enjoyable content. I am excited for this new phase and what we can achieve together at TNC Africa,” Gbemi said.
TNC Africa, a digital-focused TV and film production company committed to taking original African Stories to the world, was launched in January 2021 by Olawale Adetula and Daniel Aideyan. The outfit has created 300 hours of television; developed four original stories, amassed over 10 million content views in 12 months; and is recognised by Google as a member of the YouTube Black Voices Fund class of 2022. And Gbemi already has a vision as she steps into the new role.
“Many of us grew up watching foreign movies, and while there’s nothing wrong with their content, I want to see people from across the world consume our content voraciously. It will be powerful to see the demand for original African stories – stories that mirror our socio-economic situation and can capture our essence as Africans. But we need to stoke that desire with powerful storytelling that passionate creatives like TNC Africa can bring to the table,” Gbemi added.
As co-founder and co-executive producer, Gbemi is expected to lead operations – a role which will see her taking charge of each of TNC Africa’s productions, end to end.
Co-Founder, Olawale Adetula said, “We have always had a fantastic relationship with Gbemi from the inception of TNC. Whilst I am very proud of all that has been achieved together – her role as Kemi Manuel on our hit web series Our Best Friend’s Wedding which has amassed over four million views to date – I am even more proud of the ideas and projects that we have in store for the African market. I am positive that Gbemi coming on board will be a precursor for great things at TNC Africa.”
‘‘I look forward to doing amazing work with the TNC Africa team, while also continuing to develop my other ideas and businesses, including Gbemisoke shoes and Speakerboxx Productions.” Gbemi concluded.
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