PodFest Naija 2026 Explores Stories Behind Culture, Business and Everyday Life as Experts Share Insights
PodFest Naija returned for its second edition on Friday, September 25, bringing together more than 3,000 attendees and over 50 storytellers, creators, podcasters, brands, policymakers and industry leaders for a day of conversations, collaboration and learning.
Curated by The Muvmnt Studio, the storytelling platform of AT3 – The Muvmnt Agency, in partnership with Eventful Nigeria, the festival built on its inaugural edition with a focus on the people and experiences behind stories and platforms.
Across six themed stages—Life, Love, Culture, Money, Health and Brands—participants explored how lived experiences shape the way Nigerians work, create, build businesses and imagine the future. The festival also introduced the Citizen Stage, bringing everyday Nigerians’ experiences and concerns into the programme alongside voices from across the creative and public sectors.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat delivered a keynote address on the economic significance of Nigeria’s creative sector and the role of technology in creating, distributing and exporting Nigerian culture.
“Lagos is now telling its own story. The podcasters, the filmmakers, the musicians, the writers, the designers, the developers and the entrepreneurs in this room have turned a Lagos microphone into a global broadcast,” Hamzat said. “When a young man in Surulere records a conversation in his bedroom and it is streamed in Houston, in London or in Nairobi by the weekend, that is not just content. That is export. That is soft power. That is the Lagos economy speaking to the world in its own voice”
Tosin Adefeko, Convener of PodFest Naija and CEO of AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, said the festival was designed to bring together the people behind the content and platforms.
“We needed a convergence. A place where creators, storytellers, brands, policymakers, industry leaders and, most importantly, everyday people could come together and talk about the one thing we all have in common: our lived experiences.
“Behind every podcast is a person. Behind every microphone is a life. Behind every creator is a journey. And behind every seemingly successful person is a story you probably haven’t heard.”
A highlight of the programme was The Uncovered Series, in which Adefeko spoke with award-winning filmmaker, actress and producer Funke Akindele. The conversation explored the purpose, sacrifice, resilience, creativity and reinvention behind Akindele’s career, beyond her awards, box-office records and public profile.
The festival also launched The Next Big Podcaster, an initiative by The Muvmnt Studio to discover and support emerging podcasting talent. Sponsored by Afrinvest and Yolly, the competition culminated in Clement Akintade being announced as its winner. The initiative is part of the studio’s effort to create pathways for young Nigerians to develop their storytelling skills and build sustainable careers.
Established creative voices were recognised through the PodFest Hall of Fame. The festival also featured Joro Olomofin, Toolz Oniru-Demuren, Ify Mogekwu, Dr. Morenike Molehin, Francesca Uriri, Anthony Wolve, Grace Ofure, Tosin Olaseinde, Rufai Oseni, Fisayo Soyombo, Babajide Ogunsanwo, Joseph Edgar, Khadijah Okunnu, Dr. Foy and Masoyinbo, among others.
Alongside its stage conversations, PodFest Naija 2026 offered live podcast recordings, monetisation masterclasses, creator discussions and practical learning sessions. The programme was designed to connect creators with brands and industry leaders, while giving emerging talent opportunities to learn and participate.
The festival was supported by The Place, Yolly, Meta, MTN, DNIL, Afrinvest, Page International Finance Company, Lebara, Sahara Foundation, UAC, Coca-Cola, Crown Flour Mills, Beloxxi and Eve Essentials. Dashboard Innovations and Clover joined as strategic partners.
The participating brands reflect growing interest in platforms that bring together culture, creativity and audience engagement. For The Muvmnt Studio, PodFest Naija’s broader purpose is to create a space where stories from across generations, industries and communities can be heard.
As Adefeko puts it: “Everybody has a story. Tell your own.” The festival plans to continue building a platform for creativity, collaboration, innovation and learning, and for Nigerian stories to reach audiences beyond the country’s borders.
