Why I host comedy show in Akwa Ibom– Emmanuel Bassey

Emmanuel Bassey, CEO of Stonebridge Music and Entertainment Limited, has established the "Okon and Friends Live" comedy show as a platform to deliver world-class entertainment experiences in Akwa Ibom State. Bassey stated that the initiative stems from a desire to celebrate comedy, music, culture, and creativity while promoting Akwa Ibom as a viable destination for the entertainment industry.

Drawing on his extensive experience in Nigeria's entertainment sector, as well as his exposure in Canada and the United States, Bassey believes Uyo is ready for premium entertainment events. "We believed the time had come to position Akwa Ibom State not only as a political destination but also as a serious entertainment, tourism and creative economy hub in Nigeria," he said.

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We believed the time had come to position Akwa Ibom State not only as a political destination but also as a serious entertainment, tourism and creative economy hub in Nigeria. That vision led to the maiden edition of Okon and Friends Live in Uyo.

The debut edition of "Okon and Friends Live" in Uyo featured notable entertainers such as I Go Save and Duncan Mighty, attracting a large audience. The event also saw the presence of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who reportedly encouraged the development of globally competitive entertainment platforms within the state.

The most recent show, held on Workers' Day in Uyo, included performances by AY, Klint da Drunk, and African China. Bassey also mentioned that Stonebridge Entertainment is involved in Legacy Entertainment Packaging, an initiative focused on creating entertainment projects with lasting cultural and documentary value, rather than fleeting trends. He believes such productions can attract stronger sponsorships, build national relevance, and evolve into enduring intellectual property.

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We believed the time had come to position Akwa Ibom State not only as a political destination but also as a serious entertainment, tourism and creative economy hub in Nigeria. That vision led to the maiden edition of Okon and Friends Live in Uyo.