13 Short-Takes From The AMVCA Digital Content Creators’ Brunch

On Wednesday, May 11, the first-ever AMVCA Digital Creators Day hosted by Showmax was held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Lagos. The event’s host, Akah Nnani, also announced Kenya’s Jacktone Alufwani as the first AMVCA Digital Creators Competition winner at the brunch event.

The event, created to showcase exceptional talents continent-wide doing brilliant work through digital content creation, also had a few discussions about how to remain relevant in the industry for longer. KieKie, Elozonam Ogbolu, Frank I-tom, Debo Adebayo aka Mr Macaroni, Grant Housley, and Tosin Ajibade (Olorisupergal) were on the panel hosted by Toyosi Etim-Effiong, Global Director of Content at Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD).

Here are 13 takeaways from the speeches at the AMVCA Digital Content Creators’ Brunch:

1. Digital content has impacted the way TV functions. Many content creators have used their content to promote new movies, even in the cinemas.

2. Even though the digital media industry is different from traditional media, seven principles remain. They speak to audiences. They are like channels. Creators can monetise content, and the government will always try to regulate the space. Platforms will compete like traditional media houses, content creators will compete like channels, and creators will need to continuously create great content to stay relevant.

3. Content creators must continue to collaborate to expand the industry.

4. “It’s important to keep government out of creativity, especially a government that is not creative in itself” – Emeka Mba, Head of Questtech Media and former Director-General of the NBC.

5. Frank I-Tom shared some apps that other upcoming content creators can try. They include InShot, Premiere Pro, and Premiere After Effects.

6. Digital content doesn’t always have to make you laugh; sometimes, it can be thought-provoking.

7. You can stay relevant longer if you tell stories that are authentic to you in the most unique way possible.

8. You have to treat every skit like a full production and pay attention to every detail that goes into it.

9. You shouldn’t just talk about social issues without actively working on them. It would help if you only contributed when there are issues you are passionate about, regardless of how large your audience is.

10. It’s not by force to speak about social issues. Still, the onus is on you as a content creator with a platform to set society straight without making light of the problems.

11. Do use your voice. However, be innovative and specific about what you are saying and how you speak up about it because content creators will be held to a different standard than regular people.

12. Do not talk about social issues with the aim of clout-chasing. Use your platform responsibly.

13. Think of how you can stand on your own away from popular social media platforms. Remember that anything can happen because they are not your platforms.

The Digital Content Creators’ Brunch is the fifth event from the 8-day lineup of AMVCA events. Other events include the pan-African food festival and cultural day on Thursday, May 12, and a special gala for nominees on Friday, May 13. The glamorous awards night will hold on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The eighth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is brought by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice and is proudly sponsored by Amstel Malta.

For more information,  visit www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA and follow all official handles of Africa Magic on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.