In the early 90s, some of us were bold enough despite the uncertainty in the Entertainment industry and business. People like my late mothe...
In the early 90s, some of us were bold enough despite the uncertainty in the Entertainment industry and business. People like my late mother never saw anything good about show business, she believed that the people in the business were failures and never do well, she did everything to discourage me and make me leave the business, but I could not because that was and is where my heart has always been.
We toiled day and night to see a Buoyant, Vibrant, Exciting and Possibly Rewarding Entertainment industry in Nigeria. Despite the fact that our needs could not be met at that time, with the meager resources at our disposal, a lot of us migrated on to other things, not because we loved to leave the business, but because there were bills to be paid and no one was getting younger.
We were all eager to see a very thriving industry that could make Stars and Millionaires, we worked from the depth of our heart from our different areas of interest, there were amongst us professional Artiste Managers, Promoters, Entertainment Journalists, etc. We did everything to support the industry that is today booming and we are happy that an industry that we worked hard for has finally become a reality (our prayers and intent)
What we could not get at that time in the industry, that made us ‘RUN FOR COVER’ today has become a goldmine, today, people receive Awards and Accolades. It is how- ever interesting to know that the music industry has forgotten or possibly do not even recognise/ know that such people ever existed or contributed anything to the Nigerian Entertainment industry /Business.
I salute the courage of the following people who toiled day and night to make the entertainment industry today what it now is, Kudos to them.
Kent Uche-Professional Artiste manager(RAS KIMONO), Femi-Akintunde Johnson(FAJ)-Fearless Entertainment journalist (PUNCH),Azuka jebose(punch)kunle Bakare-Exciting Entertainment/Society writer(CLASSIQUE), Mayor Akinpelu(VINTAGE PEOPLE), Amadi Ogbonaya workaholic Entertainment writer(VANGUARD), Dapo Adelegan(my boss)-Pioneer of music concerts in Nigeria(LEKKI SUNSPLASH) Dele Aberuagba(LAGOS WEEKEND), Charles Okogene(LAGOS WEEKEND), Dayo Olomu)PREMIER MUSIC), Morgan Okunuga)IVORY MUSIC), Tony Alenkhe(SONY MUSIC), Chris Nwandu(SONY MUSIC), Perdo Okogie(ONYEKA ONWENUS MANAGER), Sola Adewunmi(NTA), Edi lawani(PMAN), Yinka Agboola(FAME), Gideon NwanmuMANAGER TO CHRIS HANEM) ,Wale Olomu (OF BLESSED MEMEORY)(FAME), Uche Okwosa(DP LEKKI) ,Jude Arijaje(PUNCH), Sheriff Aderounmu(ADEWALE AYUBAs MANAGER), late Jelili Shorungbe(OBERSEREs Manager) , Stagger- lee(RADIO DJ), Femi Davies(TODAYS CHOICE), Segun Banjo(FAME),Tope Akinyele(SONY MUSIC), Tunde kolawole(PUNCH), Tunde Aremu(PUNCH), Alex ogundadegbe(PUNCH), Jumoke Giwa(HINTS), Niyi Akinsiju(TODAYS CHOICE), Mike Adande(POISE/SUNDAY TIMES),Gabriel Omohinmi(LAGOS WEEKEND),Richard Eghage(WHISPERS), Fearless Moji Danisa of climax, and Kayode Ajala of Hints magazine.
Others are Smart Ariwodo(CHAMPION),Halim Mohammed(Today’s choice)May Ellen Ezekiel MEE(CLASSIQUE) Ejiro René adigbo(classique)Billy Adedamola(Today’s choice)Dele Momodu (concord/classique),Muka Popola(Today’s choice),Osa Irabor(Today’s choice),Gboyega Okegbenro(Lagos weekend) , Muyiwa Adetiba (Godfather of soft sell ), Coker Onita (publisher Today’s choice), Sunny Ojeagbase(Publisher Climax)mike Effiong(Fame), Dayo Asaju(fame)Soji Oyinlola( Today’s choice),Babs Adegbenjo(Hints),Al Humphrey(Climax),Yemi oladehinde(fame)Femi Adepoju(classique), Alvan Ewuzie(Champion), Nat Osewele ( concord), Ose Oyemaden(Concord)Akin Ibisagba(climax)Lanre Ijaola(climax)late Hakeem Ikandu (Today’s choice),Kolosa Kargbo, Tope Olukole(tribune) Thomas Peretu( Lagos weekend/premier music, Biola Ogunduyile(punch) kazie uko (evening times)
Mention must also be made of the likes of Olusesan Ekisola ,Mani onumonu ,Bisi Olatilo, kunle job ,electrifying Johnnie, dean of the old school, Jay a jay,tokunbo ojekunle, opeyemi fajemilehin, Danladi bako, and a whole lot whose names I cannot possibly remember
These people I boldly say are instrumental to the success of what we today have as a Vibrant Entertainment industry in Nigeria. At that time the likes of Dean Disi, Tony Okoroji, laolu Akins, Beautiful Mrs Keji Okunowo, Late Toma Mason, Bode Akinyemi, Mr Dairo, Papa Ajilo,Lemmy Jackson , Lemi Ghariokwu, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin(dudu), Harry Mosco, Sunny Okosuns Christy Essien-Igbokwe,onyeka onwenu, practically called the shots in the Entertainment Industry/business.
Today we are happy to see Nigerian Musical acts ruling the airwaves LOCALLY and INTERNATIONALLY. They are winning International awards, which was impossible those days. we are happy to have 2face,Face,Backface,9ice,X-project,Daddy Show key, Tony Tettuila, Art quake, Soni Neji, Paul Play, Dare Art- Alade, Ojb ,Psquare, Sola Idowu(Weird Mc), Olu Maintain, kween, Obi won, Nigga-Raw,Timaya,Lord of Ajasa, D-banj,Asa, Sasha and a host of others.
The industry at that time had no money butfame, we were all very happy to be a part of the industry despite that fact that we did not make money which is now the major priority .At that time people were more concerned about making a success of what they did other than monetary gains, People spent their money to achieve their musical aim.
There was hardly any-form of sponsorships except for Coca-cola and Pepsi/seven-up, Artistes were paid peanuts to perform at concerts and events, yet they struggled to be on the bill, kudos must be given to the organisers of successful musical concerts like, Essien Akpabio, Arc Igehion of Aibtonia who organised several musical concerts and tours, sun-fun organised xmas concert led by Big ken and soul, not forgetting my Alma –matta,
The biggest musical concert in Nigeria, Lekki –sun splash led by the very creative and ever bubbling Dapo Adelegan, and the jeans carnival organised by the oshine brothers, These concerts provided the avenue for our musical acts to showcase their talents and also outdo each other with their stage acts, it was an exciting and interesting time for us all .Those days, there was nothing like CD performance, it was LIVE and DIRECT.
We had several acts and it was fun to be a part of the industry .People who were in the industry were there not because of making money, but for the true love of show- business. we had leading the pack, Terra Kota who released a monster hit-lamentation of Sodom, Pastor Chris okotie with the “I need someone “ fame, Felix liberty of the Ifeoma and Ngozi fame, Mike Okri- ,Rumba Style, Concert Fever and some chart bursting releases on Sony Music label ,Bolarinwa -(water music) fine boy who tried desperately but could not make a hit ,Boy Chickason -I love you mother(this guy was a lord at Tejosho market where he had a shop that sold 2nd hand cloths, this guy tried but ......,The Baddest Mama of Rock, Julie pip-coup de tat , in-fact where on earth are all these people, Alex zitto-of the tickle me/ walakolombo fame he was the 2nd runner up of the 1st Lekki talent hunt competition, Blackky of the Rosie fame, he was the winner of the Lekki sun splash Talent hunt competition, Vero marioghae of the Nigeria go survive fame ,Cecily omohinmi, little Boy Simon-war against Babylon , hard as he tried, no luck..
There was also Dready samiko- Jah leads on, very confident and organised musical act, he also did everything to make a hit but just didn’t make it to the top, Controversial Tina onwunde-(African oyinbo of blessed memory ),this charming lady took the music scene by storm, Chris Mba-Money hard as he tried he didn’t just jell, Segun Arinze-Dreams with his very interesting voice, tried the music business and didn’t work out , Segun has since Taken to acting ,Emphasis-Big deal, , a group of three young guys on premier music label , premier music did a good job on this guys without much success, franki lee-going to Africa, Isaac chinagorom-stay with me, a dancer turned music act, another disappointment, Donaldson madu Jnr-change the system ,he was a me too type musical act, Felix and Mossyz -free, they were an interesting act on premier music label, junior(late) and pretty, whose Bolanle Album rocked the airwaves, it was the 1st Nigerian pidgin rap, they were an exciting pair, late Peter-side Ottong-open invitation and two other albums to his credit, a banker turned musician, he left his banking job to face a music career, he did make an interesting impact on the scene too.
I can never forget Mc Skidoo- whose album universal Grandmaster refused to make it to the top, Duchess Maria-love experience was another disaster, this couple did everything possible without luck to get there, Tina and Prophet-No nonsense, Segun Awe-Afritonas , Desmond- the Dread Driver, The Marshall-shake a likkle, Francis Goldman-determined soul, Daniel Wilson-Mr Ragamuffin a huge success with other albums on his credit were all successful, ,Mandators-D storm another successful couple until trouble set into their marriage, victor has since relocated to the US.,Realyn Moff –lesson ,this lady had the full support of her father , but did not just jell ,, Chris Hanem (ozigizaga)-New dawn ,Oritis Willkie- Wadis Wada on premier label was a Big Hit, JM Bargie-no hanky panky had no luck in any way, there was also Isaac black who released omono zozo.
Mention must also be made of the following artistes, ,Adu deme, Evi -Edna-Ogholi,Tar Ukoh, Alex o,Mr kool,Precious Child,charly boy,Ras Kimono, Super star MaJekfashek, Amos Mcroy, Black rice, Arthur pepple,zaaki, not forgetting the likes of Felix liberty, Mandy Ojugbana, and the sweat Band., as well as Chi-Chi of Africa,Tosin Jegebde, and not forgetting the Lijadu sisters.
Those were the days when people in the industry saw themselves as one and supported each other to succeed, those were the days of the famous glamour boys OF the NITESHIFT COLLESUEM, it was a thing of pride to be a glamour boy, it was the times when the “BOYS” trip on a Friday from Lap arias to Debasco to Skindles and all retired to nightshift, it was fun all the way despite the fact that money was scarce.
There was healthy rivalry amongst the recording companies, namely premier music, EMI later became ivory music, Sony music, and tabansi music, they had responses to every evolving act and the industry thrived unlike now that there are hardly any proper music labels and companies, every musical act now has a label and is not very professional.
In the, Fuji Genre, there were Alhaji Agba,Sikiru ayide barrister (of Blessed memory) ,Ayinla Kollington,Salawa Abeni,King King Wasiu Ayinde marshal, (K1), Obesere,sandoka, Adewale Ayuba,shina akanni, rasheed ayinde, sefiu alao,tekoye, sunny –t(omona toko fuji) pasuma wonder, etc
In the juju category, they were led by the master guitarist, king Sunny Ade alongside Ebenezer Obey, Sir shina peters ,Dayo kujore ,Dele Taiwo ,micho ade, We had in the gospel area, the likes of Funmi aragbaye, good women choir, panam Percy Paul.
It is also important to also mention the unforgettable contribution of Baba of them all FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI, Who had a musical sons like Etienne T boy, Femi kuti, kola ogunkoya, and later Lagaja.
I must at this stage also mention the contributions of Alhaji Teju Kareem of Zmirage, who has contributed immensely to the growth of the business.
These people today are engaged in one form of business or the other when it was apparent that the entertainment industry was not as thriving as it has today become, but in my opinion, somebody somewhere should ask to know where these people that put so much to theindustry are today.
They did everything to give us in Nigeria an entertainment industry. Where on earth are you all? Where ever you all are and in whatever you have now found yourselves, please rise up for recognition.
We toiled day and night to see a Buoyant, Vibrant, Exciting and Possibly Rewarding Entertainment industry in Nigeria. Despite the fact that our needs could not be met at that time, with the meager resources at our disposal, a lot of us migrated on to other things, not because we loved to leave the business, but because there were bills to be paid and no one was getting younger.
We were all eager to see a very thriving industry that could make Stars and Millionaires, we worked from the depth of our heart from our different areas of interest, there were amongst us professional Artiste Managers, Promoters, Entertainment Journalists, etc. We did everything to support the industry that is today booming and we are happy that an industry that we worked hard for has finally become a reality (our prayers and intent)
What we could not get at that time in the industry, that made us ‘RUN FOR COVER’ today has become a goldmine, today, people receive Awards and Accolades. It is how- ever interesting to know that the music industry has forgotten or possibly do not even recognise/ know that such people ever existed or contributed anything to the Nigerian Entertainment industry /Business.
I salute the courage of the following people who toiled day and night to make the entertainment industry today what it now is, Kudos to them.
Kent Uche-Professional Artiste manager(RAS KIMONO), Femi-Akintunde Johnson(FAJ)-Fearless Entertainment journalist (PUNCH),Azuka jebose(punch)kunle Bakare-Exciting Entertainment/Society writer(CLASSIQUE), Mayor Akinpelu(VINTAGE PEOPLE), Amadi Ogbonaya workaholic Entertainment writer(VANGUARD), Dapo Adelegan(my boss)-Pioneer of music concerts in Nigeria(LEKKI SUNSPLASH) Dele Aberuagba(LAGOS WEEKEND), Charles Okogene(LAGOS WEEKEND), Dayo Olomu)PREMIER MUSIC), Morgan Okunuga)IVORY MUSIC), Tony Alenkhe(SONY MUSIC), Chris Nwandu(SONY MUSIC), Perdo Okogie(ONYEKA ONWENUS MANAGER), Sola Adewunmi(NTA), Edi lawani(PMAN), Yinka Agboola(FAME), Gideon NwanmuMANAGER TO CHRIS HANEM) ,Wale Olomu (OF BLESSED MEMEORY)(FAME), Uche Okwosa(DP LEKKI) ,Jude Arijaje(PUNCH), Sheriff Aderounmu(ADEWALE AYUBAs MANAGER), late Jelili Shorungbe(OBERSEREs Manager) , Stagger- lee(RADIO DJ), Femi Davies(TODAYS CHOICE), Segun Banjo(FAME),Tope Akinyele(SONY MUSIC), Tunde kolawole(PUNCH), Tunde Aremu(PUNCH), Alex ogundadegbe(PUNCH), Jumoke Giwa(HINTS), Niyi Akinsiju(TODAYS CHOICE), Mike Adande(POISE/SUNDAY TIMES),Gabriel Omohinmi(LAGOS WEEKEND),Richard Eghage(WHISPERS), Fearless Moji Danisa of climax, and Kayode Ajala of Hints magazine.
Others are Smart Ariwodo(CHAMPION),Halim Mohammed(Today’s choice)May Ellen Ezekiel MEE(CLASSIQUE) Ejiro René adigbo(classique)Billy Adedamola(Today’s choice)Dele Momodu (concord/classique),Muka Popola(Today’s choice),Osa Irabor(Today’s choice),Gboyega Okegbenro(Lagos weekend) , Muyiwa Adetiba (Godfather of soft sell ), Coker Onita (publisher Today’s choice), Sunny Ojeagbase(Publisher Climax)mike Effiong(Fame), Dayo Asaju(fame)Soji Oyinlola( Today’s choice),Babs Adegbenjo(Hints),Al Humphrey(Climax),Yemi oladehinde(fame)Femi Adepoju(classique), Alvan Ewuzie(Champion), Nat Osewele ( concord), Ose Oyemaden(Concord)Akin Ibisagba(climax)Lanre Ijaola(climax)late Hakeem Ikandu (Today’s choice),Kolosa Kargbo, Tope Olukole(tribune) Thomas Peretu( Lagos weekend/premier music, Biola Ogunduyile(punch) kazie uko (evening times)
Mention must also be made of the likes of Olusesan Ekisola ,Mani onumonu ,Bisi Olatilo, kunle job ,electrifying Johnnie, dean of the old school, Jay a jay,tokunbo ojekunle, opeyemi fajemilehin, Danladi bako, and a whole lot whose names I cannot possibly remember
These people I boldly say are instrumental to the success of what we today have as a Vibrant Entertainment industry in Nigeria. At that time the likes of Dean Disi, Tony Okoroji, laolu Akins, Beautiful Mrs Keji Okunowo, Late Toma Mason, Bode Akinyemi, Mr Dairo, Papa Ajilo,Lemmy Jackson , Lemi Ghariokwu, Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin(dudu), Harry Mosco, Sunny Okosuns Christy Essien-Igbokwe,onyeka onwenu, practically called the shots in the Entertainment Industry/business.
Today we are happy to see Nigerian Musical acts ruling the airwaves LOCALLY and INTERNATIONALLY. They are winning International awards, which was impossible those days. we are happy to have 2face,Face,Backface,9ice,X-project,Daddy Show key, Tony Tettuila, Art quake, Soni Neji, Paul Play, Dare Art- Alade, Ojb ,Psquare, Sola Idowu(Weird Mc), Olu Maintain, kween, Obi won, Nigga-Raw,Timaya,Lord of Ajasa, D-banj,Asa, Sasha and a host of others.
The industry at that time had no money butfame, we were all very happy to be a part of the industry despite that fact that we did not make money which is now the major priority .At that time people were more concerned about making a success of what they did other than monetary gains, People spent their money to achieve their musical aim.
There was hardly any-form of sponsorships except for Coca-cola and Pepsi/seven-up, Artistes were paid peanuts to perform at concerts and events, yet they struggled to be on the bill, kudos must be given to the organisers of successful musical concerts like, Essien Akpabio, Arc Igehion of Aibtonia who organised several musical concerts and tours, sun-fun organised xmas concert led by Big ken and soul, not forgetting my Alma –matta,
The biggest musical concert in Nigeria, Lekki –sun splash led by the very creative and ever bubbling Dapo Adelegan, and the jeans carnival organised by the oshine brothers, These concerts provided the avenue for our musical acts to showcase their talents and also outdo each other with their stage acts, it was an exciting and interesting time for us all .Those days, there was nothing like CD performance, it was LIVE and DIRECT.
We had several acts and it was fun to be a part of the industry .People who were in the industry were there not because of making money, but for the true love of show- business. we had leading the pack, Terra Kota who released a monster hit-lamentation of Sodom, Pastor Chris okotie with the “I need someone “ fame, Felix liberty of the Ifeoma and Ngozi fame, Mike Okri- ,Rumba Style, Concert Fever and some chart bursting releases on Sony Music label ,Bolarinwa -(water music) fine boy who tried desperately but could not make a hit ,Boy Chickason -I love you mother(this guy was a lord at Tejosho market where he had a shop that sold 2nd hand cloths, this guy tried but ......,The Baddest Mama of Rock, Julie pip-coup de tat , in-fact where on earth are all these people, Alex zitto-of the tickle me/ walakolombo fame he was the 2nd runner up of the 1st Lekki talent hunt competition, Blackky of the Rosie fame, he was the winner of the Lekki sun splash Talent hunt competition, Vero marioghae of the Nigeria go survive fame ,Cecily omohinmi, little Boy Simon-war against Babylon , hard as he tried, no luck..
There was also Dready samiko- Jah leads on, very confident and organised musical act, he also did everything to make a hit but just didn’t make it to the top, Controversial Tina onwunde-(African oyinbo of blessed memory ),this charming lady took the music scene by storm, Chris Mba-Money hard as he tried he didn’t just jell, Segun Arinze-Dreams with his very interesting voice, tried the music business and didn’t work out , Segun has since Taken to acting ,Emphasis-Big deal, , a group of three young guys on premier music label , premier music did a good job on this guys without much success, franki lee-going to Africa, Isaac chinagorom-stay with me, a dancer turned music act, another disappointment, Donaldson madu Jnr-change the system ,he was a me too type musical act, Felix and Mossyz -free, they were an interesting act on premier music label, junior(late) and pretty, whose Bolanle Album rocked the airwaves, it was the 1st Nigerian pidgin rap, they were an exciting pair, late Peter-side Ottong-open invitation and two other albums to his credit, a banker turned musician, he left his banking job to face a music career, he did make an interesting impact on the scene too.
I can never forget Mc Skidoo- whose album universal Grandmaster refused to make it to the top, Duchess Maria-love experience was another disaster, this couple did everything possible without luck to get there, Tina and Prophet-No nonsense, Segun Awe-Afritonas , Desmond- the Dread Driver, The Marshall-shake a likkle, Francis Goldman-determined soul, Daniel Wilson-Mr Ragamuffin a huge success with other albums on his credit were all successful, ,Mandators-D storm another successful couple until trouble set into their marriage, victor has since relocated to the US.,Realyn Moff –lesson ,this lady had the full support of her father , but did not just jell ,, Chris Hanem (ozigizaga)-New dawn ,Oritis Willkie- Wadis Wada on premier label was a Big Hit, JM Bargie-no hanky panky had no luck in any way, there was also Isaac black who released omono zozo.
Mention must also be made of the following artistes, ,Adu deme, Evi -Edna-Ogholi,Tar Ukoh, Alex o,Mr kool,Precious Child,charly boy,Ras Kimono, Super star MaJekfashek, Amos Mcroy, Black rice, Arthur pepple,zaaki, not forgetting the likes of Felix liberty, Mandy Ojugbana, and the sweat Band., as well as Chi-Chi of Africa,Tosin Jegebde, and not forgetting the Lijadu sisters.
Those were the days when people in the industry saw themselves as one and supported each other to succeed, those were the days of the famous glamour boys OF the NITESHIFT COLLESUEM, it was a thing of pride to be a glamour boy, it was the times when the “BOYS” trip on a Friday from Lap arias to Debasco to Skindles and all retired to nightshift, it was fun all the way despite the fact that money was scarce.
There was healthy rivalry amongst the recording companies, namely premier music, EMI later became ivory music, Sony music, and tabansi music, they had responses to every evolving act and the industry thrived unlike now that there are hardly any proper music labels and companies, every musical act now has a label and is not very professional.
In the, Fuji Genre, there were Alhaji Agba,Sikiru ayide barrister (of Blessed memory) ,Ayinla Kollington,Salawa Abeni,King King Wasiu Ayinde marshal, (K1), Obesere,sandoka, Adewale Ayuba,shina akanni, rasheed ayinde, sefiu alao,tekoye, sunny –t(omona toko fuji) pasuma wonder, etc
In the juju category, they were led by the master guitarist, king Sunny Ade alongside Ebenezer Obey, Sir shina peters ,Dayo kujore ,Dele Taiwo ,micho ade, We had in the gospel area, the likes of Funmi aragbaye, good women choir, panam Percy Paul.
It is also important to also mention the unforgettable contribution of Baba of them all FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI, Who had a musical sons like Etienne T boy, Femi kuti, kola ogunkoya, and later Lagaja.
I must at this stage also mention the contributions of Alhaji Teju Kareem of Zmirage, who has contributed immensely to the growth of the business.
These people today are engaged in one form of business or the other when it was apparent that the entertainment industry was not as thriving as it has today become, but in my opinion, somebody somewhere should ask to know where these people that put so much to theindustry are today.
They did everything to give us in Nigeria an entertainment industry. Where on earth are you all? Where ever you all are and in whatever you have now found yourselves, please rise up for recognition.
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