There seems be a lot to be done to change the face of entertainment in Ibadan. You may have been playing your part but there is a feeling that Ibadan people have not yet embraced the entertainment life that comes with heavy price. What’s your take?
In all honesty, we the stakeholders can do more. What however gladdens my heart is that we have made tremendous progress as we are not where we used to be. More indigenous brands and organisation in Ibadan need to support the industry more. But we also need to give them a reason to put their money behind us. We must understand that what we do is not just a “show” but “show business” and so at all times, we must always strive for international best practices.
As one of the stakeholder in event organisation in Ibadan and even the South West at large, was there any time you felt like stopping this show over the years because of the ‘Ibadan attitude’?
Lai lai I’m blessed with the spirit of “We die there!.” I have a stubborn streak that never allows me give up and makes me see challenges as obstacles that must be overcome. Besides, the awards and commendation we keep getting act as an Impetus for us to keep going.
Going by the success recorded over the years, are you planning to flip the script on this show that will add values to the lives of the people?
Of course, we plan to. If you remember, we have done a lot over the years to touch the lives of selected legends yearly at the show by giving a token to thank and appreciate them for their pioneering work. This is done through my pet project CAP (comedian against poverty). We have not done as much as I would love to do. Hopefully, as the years roll by and God gives me the power, I’ll be able to do more for more people.
Why the choice of 2face being the headliner this time?
I wanted somebody with legendary status to lead a pack of other superstars. As for me, only the best is good for the show. But then, it’s not a one man show.
What should the people expect from this year’s event and how excited are you about the feeling of what is to come on Easter Sunday?
I am super excited, like Yoruba people would say, talking about it is not enough. You need to come out and be part of the show because this show would be a redefinition of showmanship. May God give us the grace to do more.
You have practically relocated to Ibadan because of your show. Why is this event so special to you this time?
Ibadan is our flagship. It is from Ibadan that we branch off to other states every year and for me, the show is successful if it can beat the last one. It is special to me because I always want to surpass what I’ve done in the past. I am my own biggest competitor.
You have been doing this for years and kept the game high all the time. This time you are giving out a car, why are you doing this?
For eight years, we’ve had sold out shows. We just felt it is important to touch the life of someone who is in a city that has supported us so much and also make I no lie, to drive sales.
Ibadan seems to be your second home now. There is hardly a week that you don’t touch down here. What’s the special attraction for you here?
I feel at home in Ibadan. It is a city that has accepted me and has kept my brand going but most importantly, it is a city I deeply connect with. I schooled in Ibadan, have family in Ibadan and Ibadan will always be home.
Looking at the fact that elections have just been concluded and government functionaries, who usually support events like this are still grappling with post-election trauma, how has this affected your planning?
Our show is a show all. It goes beyond government and even goes beyond me.
There is always a trending title for your show. This year you are coming with Gbe Body e. You seem to be on top of your game. How hard can this be?
When a show succeeds, the tendency is to give Kudos to the face of the show but more often than not, there are people in the background who make things happen. I am blessed with a team that believes in my vision and together with the help of God we make things work.
With what you have achieved with the show in the last eight years, what is that one lesson you can pick out from your decision to bring this show to Ibadan?
Never allow anybody discourage you from pursuing your dreams. People thought I was crazy initially but now they are beginning to think I might be okay after all.
and then