The event was an opportunity for Chocolate City to celebrate Ms Gillespie and Amazon Studios’ support for the Nigerian film industry in recent years.
Chocolate City Group, one of Africa’s leading media and entertainment companies, on April 7th, 2023, hosted a reception in honour of Latasha Gillespie, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at Amazon Studios and Prime Video. Welcoming Latasha and guests, Nollywood superstar Osas Ighodaro said it was an opportunity to celebrate Ms. Gillespie and Amazon Studios’ support for the Nigerian film industry over the years.
Reiterating her point, Ifeyinwa Anyadiegwu, Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Chocolate City Group, said, “We appreciate Amazon Studios’ recognition of diversity and inclusion in storytelling. By supporting authentic African stories, they promote cultural exchange, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for underrepresented voices. As an entertainment company, Chocolate City Group shares this commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Other guests at the event attended by media and entertainment industry stakeholders include AFRIFF Founder Chioma Ude, Co-Founder of Chocolate City Group Paul Okeugo, Head of International Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for Amazon Studios and Prime Video Miranda Wayland, Author/Producer Arese Ugwu, Managing Partner Creative Economy Practice Ojoma Ochai, Red Africa CEO Adebola Williams, Co-Founder Chudor MMC Enyi Omeruah and Aboriginal Productions CEO Ikhane Akhigbe.
Franklin “Twizz” David, President of Brand, Content, and Partnerships in North America, while expressing his thanks to Latasha and Amazon Studios, said, “We are grateful to Latasha and Amazon Studios for supporting African storytelling. We are invested in partnerships that advance the narrative of Africa to the world, and we are excited to host Latasha in the epicentre of Africa’s movie industry Nollywood.”
The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume and has been a significant cultural export for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse narratives. With Prime Video’s recent expansion into Africa, the company has shown a keen interest in investing in African stories and talent.
Recently, Prime Video launched its first African Original, the much-celebrated “Gangs of Lagos,” a crime thriller co-produced by Jade Osiberu and Kemi Lala Akindoju. The film stars Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and musician-turned-actor Chike as three childhood friends struggling to survive Lagos while escaping the pull of the city’s underworld.
Thanking the Chocolate City team, Latasha Gillespie said, “Chocolate City Music defines culture not just in Africa but globally. It is an honour to be recognized by them for the work Amazon Studios is doing.”
CEO of Chocolate City Music, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, added, “We are thrilled to host Latasha Gillespie at The Brunch and remain committed to creating opportunities and partnerships that will enable African talent to break into global markets. At Chocolate City, we believe that the world is ready for Africa’s incredible talent, and we will continue to do our part to support and showcase these talents on the world stage.”
The Brunch is a series of interactions Chocolate City Group is putting together to celebrate the icons and drivers of the Nigerian entertainment industry. For almost two decades, the company has provided a platform to promote some of the continent’s biggest entertainment talent, such as Femi Kuti, Blaqbonez, Young Jonn, Candy Bleakz, Ice Prince, Ckay and M.I Abaga.