Lifestyle

Industry Leaders from Meta, Spotify, Sony Music, and BellaNaija Join Judging Panel for The Moment Awards

March 4, 2026

LAGOS, NIGERIA — February 2026 — The Moment Awards, a premium creator awards ceremony, today announced its inaugural judging panel featuring leaders from Meta, Spotify, Sony Music West Africa, BellaNaija, and other influential voices across entertainment, marketing, and media.

The seven-member judging panel will evaluate nominees across 16 award categories. The ceremony takes place on March 15, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Africa’s creator economy generated $3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $18 billion by 2030. Yet until now, no dedicated platform existed to formally recognize the creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving that growth at this scale. The Moment Awards was created to fill that gap by giving Africa’s digital creators the same caliber of recognition that the Grammys provide for music and the Oscars provide for film.

Industry Leaders from Meta, Spotify, Sony Music, and BellaNaija Join Judging Panel for The Moment Awards — Photo Courtesy: The Moment Awards

The Judging Panel

The following leaders will serve on The Moment Awards inaugural judging panel:

Enitan Omobosola Ayeni — International Product Growth Manager, Nigeria, Meta
Victor Okpala — Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, West Africa, Spotify
Omolola Ige — Head of Marketing, Sony Music West Africa
Dolapo Amusat — Founder/CEO, WeTalkSound
Chude Jideonwo — Media Entrepreneur, TV Host & Filmmaker; Co-Founder, Red Africa and Joy, Inc.
Tricia Biz — Marketing Strategist, Angel Investor & Founder, Ziba Resort
Mary Edoro — Chief of Staff & Head of Strategy, BellaNaija

The panel brings together expertise spanning global technology platforms, music industry partnerships, media strategy, brand building, and creator economy infrastructure — reflecting the breadth of talent The Moment Awards seeks to celebrate.

16 Categories Honoring Creator Excellence

The Moment Awards will recognize outstanding achievement across 16 categories, including: Creator Entrepreneur of the Year, Pan-African Creator of the Year, Music Creator of the Year, Storyteller of the Year, Community Builder of the Year, Tech Creator of the Year, Creator for Social Good, and the prestigious Pioneer Award — an honorary recognition for individuals whose contributions laid the foundation for Africa’s creator economy.

Additional categories include Rising Creator of the Year, Streamer of the Year, Funny Creator of the Year, Agency/Collective of the Year, Policy & Government Advocate of the Year, the Inspiration Award, the Inclusion Award, and the People’s Choice Award — the only category decided entirely by public vote.

Nominees will be evaluated on creative excellence, audience engagement, innovation in content or business model, and influence within their industry and beyond.

About The Moment Awards

The Moment Awards honor the creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s digital economy. Hosted by Mainstack, the awards recognize outstanding achievement across content creation, creative entrepreneurship, and cultural impact. Winners join an elite community of Africa’s most influential digital voices, gaining access to expanded opportunities for partnerships, media coverage, and global recognition.

“Africa has world-class creators building businesses, shaping culture, and defining the future of digital media,” said Adeola Adeniran (Marié), Head of Programs, The Moment Awards. “The Moment Awards exist because these creators deserve the same world-class recognition that other industries have had for decades. This judging panel — spanning Meta, Spotify, Sony Music, and some of Africa’s most respected media voices — signals that the world is paying attention.”