Nigerian TV host, Chude Jideonwo took his critically acclaimed talk series, #WithChude, from screen to stage on April 27, 2025, at Palms Mall in Oniru, Lagos.
Transformed into a sanctuary of truth, healing, and vulnerability, the event attracted over 5,000 people to witness history as it was more than just a show — it was a cultural moment.
In what he calls Africa’s first “talk concert,” filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Jideonwo created a space where the heart met the spotlight. The audience wasn’t just packed with fans — it was graced by a league of powerhouses: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Minister Hannatu Musawa, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, former World Bank VP Arunma Oteh, and Bella Adenuga — each representing pillars of influence across literature, government, finance, and business.
The lineup of speakers was as electric as the crowd’s energy. Stars like Funke Akindele, Pastor Jerry Eze, Falz, Bovi, Taaooma, Kiekie, Veekee James, and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu took the stage not to entertain, but to expose their scars, share triumphs, and remind everyone that behind the headlines and hashtags are real human beings navigating life’s battles.
In a standout moment, Chude gave an emotional reading from his upcoming memoir, How Depression Saved My Life, bringing raw honesty to mental health, a topic still heavily stigmatized across Africa. “WithChude Live is a place where people can feel seen, heard, and deeply moved,” he said, his voice steady, his message clear.
The event also doubled as the fifth anniversary of the #WithChude brand — a platform that’s redefined storytelling in Nigeria by celebrating the courage it takes to be vulnerable in public.
What was meant to be a single live event may now mark the beginning of a national movement. With the overwhelming success of this debut edition, #WithChude Live has laid the groundwork for future gatherings that blend therapy, theatre, and thought leadership — all on one unforgettable stage.
