Darey and Deola Art Alade: Revolutionizing Industries Through Bold Entrepreneurial Vision

*Darey and Deola Art Alade: Revolutionizing Industries Through Bold Entrepreneurial Vision In 2013, Lagos witnessed an unprecedented spectacle. Against the backdrop of a city known for its vibrant energy, a groundbreaking theatrical production titled Love Like a Movie took to the skies—literally. With aerial performers gliding above the audience and an immersive fusion of storytelling, music, and visual design, the show redefined what entertainment in Nigeria could look like.

At the heart of this creative revolution were Darey and Deola Art Alade, a husband-and-wife team whose shared vision and complementary talents would soon lay the foundation for an innovative empire: Livespot360.

A Creative Gamble That Paid Off

Before launching Livespot360, both Darey and Deola had carved distinct paths in the creative industry. Darey, a celebrated musician and media personality, brought a deep understanding of performance and public engagement. Deola, a designer and seasoned , contributed a sharp eye for branding and strategic business development.

Their first major collaboration—Love Like a Movie—was ambitious, risky, and ultimately transformative. It was not merely a performance but a statement: Nigerian creatives could compete on a global stage with the right resources, vision, and boldness.

“At the time, we didn’t realize how unconventional our approach was,” Darey recalls. “We just knew we wanted to tell stories in a way that had never been done before. That moment became the catalyst for everything that followed.”

Bridging the Gap in Nigeria’s Creative Industry

As they delved deeper into the world of entertainment production, the couple quickly identified a major pain point: the fragmentation of creative services in Nigeria. Multinational brands often worked with multiple agencies, each interpreting campaign briefs differently, leading to inconsistent execution and diluted impact.

Deola recalls a pivotal moment involving a global brand's marketing campaign in Nigeria. “Every agency involved had a different take on the message,” she says. “That’s when it hit us—we could offer everything under one roof.”

From that insight, Livespot360 was born. Originally launched as Livespot Media, the company evolved into a full-service creative ecosystem, offering live experiences, content production, fabrication, talent management, and entertainment technology. The “360” in the name reflects their holistic approach: creativity from every angle.

Creativity Meets Structure

Despite their artistic roots, the Art Alades were quick to recognize that creative brilliance alone wasn’t enough to sustain a business. “Creativity without structure is chaos,” Darey explains. “You need discipline, process, and a clear vision of where you’re headed.”

This philosophy has become central to Livespot360’s operational DNA. Every project—no matter how visually stunning or emotionally compelling—must pass through a rigorous evaluation process. Strategy, commercial viability, and long-term impact are non-negotiables.

“We treat creativity as both an art and a business,” Deola says. “Every bold idea must be anchored in purpose and planning.”

Building Intellectual Property and Diversifying Revenue

While many creative agencies rely solely on client commissions, Livespot360 has adopted a more sustainable model by building its own intellectual property. The company has launched branded festivals, digital platforms, and marketplaces that generate recurring revenue and reduce dependency on external projects.

This forward-thinking strategy has enabled the company to navigate the volatility of the creative industry and emerge stronger. “You need to question the value of what you’re creating,” Darey emphasizes. “How does it contribute to your long-term vision? How can it diversify your income streams?”

Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives

Beyond producing high-profile events, Livespot360 is committed to nurturing emerging talent. Recognizing a gap in the African creative ecosystem, the company launched Entertainment Week Africa (EWA)—a platform designed to bridge the divide between raw talent and industry readiness.

“There are many people looking for jobs in the creative industry, but how many are actually employable?” Deola poses. “We saw a responsibility to build systems that empower young creatives with the skills, exposure, and opportunities they need to thrive.”

EWA has become a cornerstone initiative, offering workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities to creatives across disciplines. It’s part of Livespot360’s broader mission to not only create memorable experiences but also to cultivate a more robust, professional, and globally competitive creative industry in Africa.

A Vision for Global Impact

Today, Livespot360 stands as a testament to the power of integrated creativity and strategic execution. From staging unforgettable live events to building platforms that empower the next generation, the company continues to push boundaries.

“We’d love Livespot360 to be remembered for being the bridge that carried African culture to the world,” Darey says.

With each project, the Art Alades reaffirm their belief in the transformative potential of creativity—when it’s guided by purpose, grounded in strategy, and powered by bold vision. In a continent brimming with untapped talent, they are not just building a business; they are shaping the future of African entertainment.

*Innovation, integration, and impact—these are the pillars that define Darey and Deola Art Alade’s entrepreneurial journey. And it’s only the beginning.