MAIDUGURI — Entertainment stakeholders in Maiduguri increasingly turned attention to digital platforms as the coronavirus outbreak disrupted concerts, public performances and other activities that traditionally brought artists and audiences together. The growing restrictions on public gatherings created new challenges for performers and event organisers, prompting creative practitioners to consider alternative ways of reaching their audiences. Digital streaming was seen as one possible avenue for maintaining engagement while physical events remained difficult to organise. Artists and content creators said online platforms could provide opportunities to share music, performances, interviews and other creative content without requiring large gatherings. The approach was particularly relevant as authorities encouraged residents to reduce unnecessary movement and avoid crowded venues. Stakeholders said the disruption had forced the entertainment industry to reconsider how content was produced and distributed. Many performers depended heavily on live events for income and exposure, while event organisers and venue operators faced the loss of business as gatherings were restricted. Digital platforms could not immediately replace all of those revenue sources, but stakeholders said they could help creatives maintain visibility and contact with audiences. Content creators also faced challenges in making the transition. Reliable internet access, suitable equipment and the cost of data were identified as important considerations for artists seeking to stream content. Stakeholders said these barriers could make digital participation more difficult for smaller or less established creatives. They encouraged artists to explore practical approaches that matched the resources available to them. The discussions also highlighted the importance of producing quality content for online audiences. Stakeholders said artists needed to understand how digital platforms worked, including audience engagement, content scheduling and basic production requirements. Such knowledge could help creatives make better use of online opportunities beyond the immediate crisis. Entertainment businesses also faced uncertainty over how long restrictions would last. Event organisers said the cancellation or postponement of public programmes affected planning and created financial difficulties. They urged stakeholders to remain flexible and monitor official guidance before scheduling new gatherings. The move towards digital platforms was therefore viewed as part of a broader adjustment within the entertainment sector. Stakeholders said the experience could encourage more Nigerian creatives to explore online distribution even after normal public activities resumed. They noted that digital audiences could provide additional opportunities for artists to promote their work and connect with people outside their immediate locations. At the same time, stakeholders recognised that digital streaming could not fully replace the social and economic value of live entertainment. Performances, festivals and other events supported a wider network of workers, including technicians, event planners, vendors and venue operators. The disruption therefore affected more than performers alone. Artists and industry representatives called for continued support during the difficult period. They urged authorities, private organisations and audiences to recognise the economic challenges facing creatives and explore ways of supporting legitimate entertainment activities. As the COVID-19 situation continued to develop, stakeholders in Maiduguri said digital platforms could help the entertainment sector remain active while public gatherings were restricted. They maintained that creativity, adaptation and access to appropriate technology would be important as the industry navigated the uncertainty created by the pandemic.