Spindle Radar: NNESAGA’s Stephanie Nneoma Discusses ‘Beyond The Player’, A New Livestream From Ministry of Sound and LUSH 

More than ever, the music and gaming worlds are colliding, bringing with them a whole new wave of Gen-Z audiences who consume both forms of culture as passions around wellbeing and escapism. With this in mind, Sony Music record label and iconic cultural brand Ministry of Sound have collaborated with ethical and inclusive cosmetics and wellbeing name LUSH to enter the exciting world of gaming. Featuring a diverse group of some of today’s buzziest musicians and gamers, Ministry and LUSH present brand new livestream series: ‘Beyond The Player’. The show is currently running weekly, every Tuesday until 27th June, live on Ministry of Sound’s Twitch channel.

The stream features a range of exciting segments, including in-depth interviews, gaming challenges and giveaways. Over the series, guests have/will included the likes of Talia Mar, Chocolate Kieran, Jasmine Asia, ebonix, VENBEE, Bklava, king jae, wAFF, Jordan Adetunji and more, showcasing a selection of new games including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom, Redfall, Star Wars Jedi Survivor, Final Fantasy XVI, Mario Kart, Street Fighter 6 and Diablo 4.

The livestream is hosted by Stephanie Nneoma, CEO and founder of award-winning inclusive gaming organisation, NNESAGA. Dedicated to celebrating and pushing diversity, inclusion, representation and equity within the gaming and entertainment industries, we spoke to Stephanie about her love of gaming, the collaboration, and how she’s paving the way for underrepresented communities.

Hey Stephanie, tell us about why you started NNESAGA?

I started NNESAGA because I wanted to disrupt the gaming industry by kicking down the doors that were put up against marginalised gamers.

How/why did you get into gaming?

I first discovered gaming at the age of 4. I didn’t understand it 100% at the time but I knew this was for me and this is my escapism.

Why did you want to host this collaboration between Ministry of Sound and LUSH for the Beyond The Player stream?

If you look at the current climate of black women in video game presenting, it is very slim and not very diverse or representative. You could say it’s almost a one in a million chance that you will see someone like us. I wanted to pave the way for young black women who can do anything and not be boxed in what they love and celebrating doing and see it as the standard. You can love gaming and be a ‘gamer’, but even then, what is a gamer these days? Nowadays, us gamers don’t even like being called that. We can love music, fashion, beauty and so much more. Hosting the Beyond The Player show with Ministry Of Sound and Lush allows people to see that you are beyond what people imagine of you.

How do you feel the gaming, music and cosmetic worlds align together?

Gaming, music and the cosmetic worlds coming together is exciting, and done right?, It can be magical. There is a great synergy between gaming and music as they play very well together by telling a story. Adding the cosmetic world on top allows you to see the beauty in what you are building across 3 different entities 

Which talent have you enjoyed working with on the stream?

Jasmine Asia, Ebonix and Chocolate Kieran are my real life friends and I am so grateful to be able to celebrate them on the show and show the world how amazing they are in their lanes.

What is the biggest challenge facing the gaming industry right now?

Being an outspoken black leader within the gaming industry is my superpower and like they say  -‘With great power, comes great responsibility’. It often causes challenges because I am constantly fighting a system that has been in place for decades.

What does the future of gaming look like?

The future of gaming looks like me, you and to the many people reading this interview. Gaming is for all. Gaming should be safe and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy

If there’s one thing viewers should take from the Beyond The Player stream, what should it be?

The Beyond The Player show is a show to celebrate everyone. It is a love letter to my fellow underrepresented communities.

For more information on Ministry of Sound and LUSH’s ‘Beyond The Player collaboration click here. See below for clips from their latest stream below.