Deola Art Alade is recognized as one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful People in Tourism & Hospitality 2026 (TOHO100) for her visionary leadership in experience tourism, destination branding, and her remarkable contribution to positioning Africa as a global hub for culture, entertainment, and hospitality.
As the Founder and Group CEO of Livespot360, Deola Art Alade has spent more than a decade building one of Africa’s most influential creative companies, transforming how destinations are experienced through large-scale festivals, immersive live events, entertainment, hospitality, and cultural experiences. Under her leadership, Livespot360 has become a creative powerhouse delivering internationally acclaimed productions, destination activations, and brand experiences that attract visitors, stimulate local economies, and strengthen Africa’s tourism appeal.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading creative entrepreneurs, Deola has consistently demonstrated that tourism is no longer driven solely by landmarks—it is powered by unforgettable experiences. Through flagship initiatives such as Livespot X Festival, Entertainment Week Africa, Detty December Fest, and Born in Africa Festival (BAFEST), she has helped establish Lagos as one of the continent’s most vibrant cultural and entertainment destinations, attracting audiences, creators, investors, and visitors from around the world.
Her influence extends far beyond event production. As Executive Producer of globally recognized productions including The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Voice Nigeria, and Amazon Prime Video’s LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, Deola has showcased Africa’s creativity, hospitality, and lifestyle to international audiences while strengthening the continent’s cultural economy. Through strategic partnerships with global brands such as Amazon, Netflix, Meta, Microsoft, and Heineken, she has created platforms that connect African talent and destinations with the world.
A passionate advocate for women in leadership and the next generation of African creatives, Deola continues to shape the future of the creative economy through initiatives such as Women Driving Culture and talent development platforms that nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Her leadership demonstrates that tourism thrives when creativity, culture, entertainment, and hospitality work together to create memorable experiences that inspire travel and investment.
What distinguishes Deola Art Alade is her extraordinary ability to turn bold ideas into institutions that leave a lasting economic and cultural impact. She has redefined the intersection of tourism, entertainment, and hospitality, proving that Africa’s creative industries are among its greatest tourism assets. Through every festival, production, and cultural platform she builds, Deola continues to strengthen Africa’s global tourism narrative while creating opportunities for businesses, communities, and the next generation of innovators.
Why She Was Recognized
Deola Art Alade is recognized as one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful People in Tourism & Hospitality 2026 for her transformative leadership in experience tourism, destination branding, cultural innovation, and her exceptional contribution to positioning Africa as a world-class destination for live experiences, entertainment, and hospitality.
Recognized by TOHO Africa
Powered by Ranks Africa
