The Chief Executive Officer of Stonebridge Music and Entertainment Limited and convener of Okon and Friends Live, Emmanuel Bassey, has said the comedy show was created to deliver world class entertainment experiences in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during an interview with Sunday Scoop, he said the initiative was inspired by a desire to create a platform that celebrates comedy, music, culture and creativity, while projecting Akwa Ibom as a viable entertainment destination.
According to him, years of experience in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, as well as exposure in Canada and the United States, convinced him that Uyo was ready for premium entertainment events.
He said, “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.”
Bassey added that the debut edition featured notable entertainers including I Go Save, Duncan Mighty and other indigenous acts, attracting what he described as a massive turnout.
He also recalled the presence of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, at the event, noting that the governor encouraged the growth of globally competitive entertainment platforms in the state.
Speaking on the most recent edition held on Workers’ Day in Uyo, Bassey said entertainers such as AY, Klint da Drunk and African China performed at the show.
He noted that Stonebridge Entertainment is currently handling Legacy Entertainment Packaging, an initiative he said focuses on creating entertainment projects with long term cultural and documentary value rather than temporary trends. According to him, such productions could attract stronger sponsorships, build national relevance and evolve into enduring intellectual property.
