Cecil Hammond
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Cecil Hammond | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nigeria |
| Occupation | Entertainment executive |
| Known for | Founder of Flytime Group, Rhythm Unplugged, Flytime Fest |
Cecil Hammond is a Nigerian entertainment executive and the founder of Flytime Group, a Lagos-based media and live entertainment company. He launched Rhythm Unplugged in 2004 and established Flytime Fest, an annual multi-day music festival in Nigeria.
Early life and education
[edit]Hammond studied at the University of Leicester, the University of Surrey, and Le Cordon Bleu in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria in the early 2000s. He gained industry experience while briefly working with the Silverbird Group, a media company founded by his uncles.[1]
Career
[edit]In 2004, Hammond founded Flytime Promotions (later Flytime Group) to produce quality live entertainment in Nigeria.
The inaugural Rhythm Unplugged concert sold out, establishing the event as a key platform for Nigerian music and comedy talent.
The concert series gained national attention and has featured artists including Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Burna Boy.[2]
Flytime Music, a label arm of Flytime Group, signed Nigerian singers Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay.[3]
In 2011, Hammond co-signed a contract under Black Diamond Promotions for then-emerging artist Davido. According to The Guardian Nigeria, Davido’s father later bought out the deal so his son would retain full ownership of his music masters.[4]
In 2018, he launched Flytime Fest, a multi-day event held each December in Lagos. It has contributed to Nigeria’s Detty December season and featured performances by Boyz II Men, Megan Thee Stallion, Koffee, Olamide, and Asake.[5]
Industry influence
[edit]Flytime Group is credited with raising concert production standards in Nigeria, including the adoption of VIP table seating and high-end audiovisual setups. Hammond has called for stronger creative sector financing, noting the entertainment industry’s economic potential.[6][7]
The company has operated a record label and has produced comedy shows and television programming, including Bovi: Man on Fire and Flytime TV segments.[8]
In 2025, CNN profiled Hammond and Flytime Fest in its African Voices Changemakers series for their contributions to Afrobeats and Nigerian music’s global reach.[5]
Flytime Group was listed among Nigeria's top entertainment companies by TXT Magazine.[9]
Personal life
[edit]Hammond is married to Keke Hammond, the chief operating officer of Flytime Group. The couple co-produce Rhythm Unplugged and Flytime Fest.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Hammond, Cecil (3 September 2011). "My father gave me my first money I ever spent – Hammond". Vanguard (Interview). Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Hammond, Cecil (13 December 2019). "Cecil Hammond: 15 Years of Promoting Nigerian Music". THISDAY Nigeria (Interview). Interviewed by Mary Nnah. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "10 Biggest Entertainment and Management Companies in Nigeria". TXT Magazine. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "Why my dad bought me out of my first record deal". The Guardian Nigeria. 18 January 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
- ^ a b Hammond, Cecil; Hammond, Keke (19 March 2025). "How Nigeria's Flytime Fest helped shape the global rise of Afrobeats". CNN (Interview). Interviewed by Larry Madowo. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Hammond, Cecil (10 January 2015). "Hammond: Nigeria's entertainment industry will dominate GDP with adequate funding". Guardian (Interview). Interviewed by Chijoke Nelson. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Akinkuotu, Eniola (4 April 2023). "Legendary promoter Cecil Hammond reveals intricacies of Nigeria's music industry". The Africa Report. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Diamond, Maria (26 October 2019). "Hammond… Celebrating 15 years of Rhythm Unplugged". Guardian. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "10 Biggest Entertainment and Management Companies in Nigeria". TXT Magazine. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (28 December 2024). "Meet the couple behind Flytime Fest". The Nation Nigeria. Retrieved 24 June 2025.