Command Your Stage: Owning Your Power of Self-Expression – Lessons from Bimbo Oloyede’s Journey to Amplifying Voices
In today’s world of creative economy, it’s no longer enough to simply have talent. One must also possess the ability to communicate and express that talent in ways that captivate and engage. Few understand the power of self-expression more than Bimbo Oloyede, a Nigerian media pioneer, author, and public speaking coach who has spent nearly five decades honing the craft of communication.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
In an empowering episode of the Obehi Podcast, Oloyede talked to Obehi Ewanfoh about her remarkable journey and shared powerful insights on commanding the stage through owning one’s voice.
For creative entrepreneurs, especially those in the African diaspora, her words are not only inspirational but a clarion call to take charge of their narratives and, ultimately, their success.
See the full podcast episode below: Command Your Stage & Own Your Power: Insights from Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede | Obehi Podcast.
A Legacy of Leadership and Self-Expression
Bimbo Oloyede’s story begins in the early years of Nigerian independence, a time when opportunities for women in media were few and far between. Starting as an assistant producer at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1975, Oloyede’s rise to prominence was both groundbreaking and indicative of her indomitable will.
She went on to become the first woman to present Network News on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. But Oloyede’s legacy isn’t just one of professional success; it’s about the message she imparts: that public speaking and self-expression are tools for empowerment.
For nearly five decades, Oloyede has been at the forefront of media, presenting news, moderating live shows, and establishing herself as a thought leader.
Yet, it was her transition from journalism to entrepreneurship that has solidified her status as a mentor and voice of transformation for many.
As the CEO of Strictly Speaking, Oloyede has trained hundreds in the art of public speaking and communication, helping them harness the power of their voices to make a mark in both the business and political spheres.
See also Awakened With New Beats: How Mr Eazi And Other African Artists Are Redefining The Creative Economy
Her message is clear: owning your voice is not only about professional success but about reclaiming your personal power.
The Journey to Command Your Stage
Oloyede’s latest book, Command Your Stage, builds upon her decades of experience in media and communication. In it, she offers an extensive guide to mastering the art of public speaking, focusing not just on technical aspects but on how to overcome the internal barriers that prevent many from stepping into the spotlight.
The book is not merely about speaking well—it’s about owning your stage, asserting your presence, and using your voice as a vehicle for change. It’s a message that resonates deeply in today’s creative economy, where self-expression is a key currency for success.
The creative economy, particularly in the African diaspora, is booming. Investors are increasingly eager to support Africa’s rapidly growing art, music, and film industries. And for good reason: by 2030, Africa is expected to account for up to 10% of global exports in creative goods, valued at around $200 billion—roughly 4% of the continent’s GDP—and generate more than 20 million jobs.
Global platforms like Netflix and Spotify are already playing a pivotal role in amplifying African talent, bringing local creativity to the global stage, and attracting investment.
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized, “Our focus is not only on global superstars but also on supporting local artists—those who are heroes in their communities. Ultimately, it’s about fostering job creation and enabling African music to reach a global audience.”
See also Bob Marley: The Legacy Of A Global Icon And A Blueprint For Creative Entrepreneurs
Creative professionals—ranging from designers to filmmakers, musicians, and entrepreneurs—are emerging as key players in global markets, shaping narratives, and influencing cultures.
However, for these entrepreneurs to succeed, they must learn not only how to create but how to communicate their stories effectively. This is where Oloyede’s advice becomes invaluable: owning one’s voice isn’t just about speaking—it’s about making an impact.
The Cultural Context of Self-Expression
For Oloyede, the issue of self-expression is particularly pressing in Africa, where a culture of silence often stifles political engagement and social activism.
The podcast interview with Obehi Ewanfoh touches on how silence, particularly in African nations, prevents citizens from engaging in key societal issues, including politics. “We need to speak up,” Oloyede emphasizes. “Without expression, there is no participation.
Silence has kept many Africans in the shadows of political discourse.” In a country like Nigeria, where political participation has historically been limited, the ability to voice one’s opinion can create significant shifts in both societal and governmental structures.
This silence isn’t just a social issue—it has economic ramifications too. According to a 2023 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Africa’s informal sector, where many creatives reside, accounts for over 80% of employment in some African countries.
Yet, many of these creatives struggle to find platforms to express their work and make their voices heard in the global marketplace. As such, Oloyede’s call for creative entrepreneurs to “command their stage” takes on a deeper meaning.
In an economy where visibility and voice are often intertwined with success, owning your stage is fast becoming a vital skill for African creatives and business owners in the diaspora.
Public Speaking as a Tool for Empowerment
Beyond politics, Oloyede also highlights the crucial role public speaking plays in business success. For creative entrepreneurs, particularly those in the African diaspora, mastering the art of communication is essential for personal branding, networking, and market expansion.
At AClasses Media, we are deeply passionate about the power of effective public speaking. A great example of this is The AClasses Business Storytelling Series—a LinkedIn audio live event designed to transform your business approach through the art of storytelling. Join us every two weeks to discover valuable tips and strategies that will help you connect with your audience in ways you never thought possible.
In a crowded marketplace, where standing out can feel impossible, the ability to articulate a clear and compelling narrative is what sets leaders apart from their followers.
In 2019, Forbes reported that storytelling was one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses. Entrepreneurs who could tell compelling stories about their brands and journeys saw greater engagement, customer loyalty, and success. For creatives, this is especially important.
See also The Continuous Learning Edge: How Creative Entrepreneurs Can Thrive in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The global marketplace, particularly in the Western world, is increasingly driven by stories—authentic, personal, and emotional. For African entrepreneurs, this trend presents a unique opportunity to not only showcase their creative talents but also share the rich cultural narratives that are often overlooked or underrepresented. As Oloyede rightly points out, “Your voice is your brand. Speak it.”
The diaspora, in particular, holds a unique place in this global narrative. According to the World Health Organization, more than 200 million people in the Americas identify as being of African descent. Millions more live across the globe, outside the African continent.
Whether as descendants of those forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade or as more recent migrants, these communities are often among the most marginalized groups in society and therefore need to command their own stage and speak for themselves.
Oloyede’s philosophy offers a solution: by commanding their stage, creative entrepreneurs within the African diaspora can reclaim their narrative and reshape how the world perceives them.
Bridging Generations: From Journalism to Entrepreneurial Mentorship
Oloyede’s transition from journalism to entrepreneurship was marked by her founding of Strictly Speaking, a consulting and training firm dedicated to helping individuals master public speaking.
For over 25 years, she has coached business leaders, politicians, and public figures in elocution and presentation. Her work has empowered hundreds of people to take control of their narratives and use their voices as tools for influence.
This is especially significant for African diaspora communities, where oral storytelling and public speaking have long served as vital tools for cultural preservation and social advocacy.
Our decade-long research project, The Journey, which explores the presence of Africans in northern Italy, fully supports this tradition.
This research resulted in seven books, including “The Journey – Africans in Verona” (2015) and “The Color of Our Children” (2016), as well as the five-part series “The Storytelling Mastery” (2023).
However, in the face of globalization, there is a risk of losing these traditions. Oloyede’s mentorship seeks to revitalize the art of public speaking within African communities, ensuring that the younger generation is equipped with the skills needed to make their voices heard.
In addition to coaching, Oloyede’s work extends to her book Command Your Stage, which serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of public speaking.
The book covers everything from overcoming stage fright to mastering the techniques of persuasive communication, positioning it as a vital resource for entrepreneurs, activists, and professionals alike.
The Global Impact of Owning Your Voice
Bimbo Oloyede’s influence extends beyond the borders of Nigeria and Africa. With her global work with organizations like the United Nations and USAID, she has reached a diverse audience, all united by a common goal: to amplify their voices and effect change.
The concept of owning one’s stage is universal. In the context of the African diaspora, it carries even greater weight. As the African diaspora population continues to grow, there is a burgeoning need for African voices to be part of the global conversation.
Oloyede’s philosophy on public speaking is a call to action for African creatives to reclaim their voice, not just for personal gain, but for the collective benefit of their communities.
See also Transforming Communities: The Power of Purpose-Driven Ventures
Whether through podcasting, public speaking, or social media like in the case of our LinkedIn audio live events, creative entrepreneurs have the power to reshape the narrative around African culture and business.
Conclusion – Owning Your Voice in the Modern Creative Economy
For creative entrepreneurs, particularly those in the African diaspora, the opportunity to own your voice is more important than ever. Whether you are starting a business, launching a podcast, or advocating for a cause, your voice is your most powerful tool.
By mastering the art of self-expression, entrepreneurs can break through the noise of a crowded market and establish themselves as leaders in their fields.
Listen to Oloyede, “Your voice is your stage. Command it.” This is the ultimate lesson for any creative entrepreneur: to truly succeed, you must not only create, but you must also communicate.
Whether through traditional media, digital platforms, or live presentations, the power to command your stage and own your narrative is what separates the most successful entrepreneurs from the rest, and this is a necessity for success in today’s creative economy.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
