I started as a housemaid in Lagos —Kolawole, Best PR manager 2018

Like him or not, Kolawole Sunday Isiah, the brain behind the Scoop Concept brand, has remained on top of his game for years. Though the journey started on a rough note for the PR expert, he seems to have found his rhythm now and has become a major force in the music industry. Kolawole, who won Best PR brand at the just-concluded MAYA AWARDS Africa, speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about his journey from grass to grace.

 

How did the PR job start for you?

I ventured into entertainment in the year 2003, when some family friends came to Nigeria from London for a BenieMan show. Though I was very naive then, I have always wanted to be a first class entertainment person. I want to be proud of what I do and I want people to be happy seeing me doing what I love doing most. I have always had the thought of finding my way fully into the entertainment circle but, I was not sure of the capacity I would love to serve the people. God brought Denrele Edun my way. He has been one of the good people that would help you without looking back for any favour in return. So, it all started when I met Denrele Edun.

 

Not many people knew what you went through before getting to this level. How would you describe your story?

I started as a housemaid to some of the people we now eat together and brainstorm together. When most of them read through this I am sure they will remember how the journey started for me. It’s been God from the day I started. My story is the proverbial grass to grace story.

 

You won the PR brand manager at the Moreklue Awards, did you see that coming?

To be sincere, the group was not a very tough one because the only person that could have won the award ahead of me was. Big Timi is a colleague that I have heard a lot about and he must have heard about me too. So, for me, the contest was narrowed down to him or me. I was not sure I would win but, I never stopped canvassing for votes and at the end of the day, the people felt I deserved it. I am thankful for the love.

 

Some say you may have bought your way to the award, what do you have to say to this?

People will say a lot of things when things don’t go the way they want but, I am not moved. The people voted and the best man emerged. I was nominated last year but, I did not win. Nobody came forward to say this or that then. Let us just thank God for the success we have recorded that earned us the award. I know I deserve to win and I am happy I won. That is what I can say about that.

 

Looking at the career you have built over the years, how would you describe yourself now?

I am work in progress. People have not even seen what I am capable of doing. I have what it takes to transform any idea into reality as far as the entertainment industry is concerned. I was born to be a successful PR expert.

 

At what point did the idea of Scoop Concept come to life?

It came at the point when I saw the need to start something for my self and create the future that I wanted to have. That is why I always like to appreciate my good friend, Dami Akpede, also known as Koolkid. He actually came up with this name Scoop, when we were thinking on what to establish as a company name. I came up with the Scoop brand in 2014.

 

You were said to have been sacked by Toby Grey over your inability to deliver, how would you react to this?

I wasn’t sacked and I am sure everyone knows the story. I could not have been sacked and she still sends people to me, asking me to come back. Thank God everyone is fine now and I was at the Grey concert last December to show her love. We all are doing well and I wish her well.

 

From what we have gathered, she seems to be doing quite better than when she was working with you, do you think this observation is true?

Everyone prays to be doing better than they were yesterday. I will say that’s my prayer for her. I want her to be better than I left her. When I see that she’s progressing, I will feel fulfilled.

 

Some say what you do for artistes don’t really help their career to grow, but just a ploy to make yourself popular?

A bad person or good person can be popular, same way both good and bad news sell. I do my best and that’s what has brought me this far.

 

With the number of years you have spent on this job, what is the most greatest achievement you can point to?

Achievements are many from rising artiste, to event and also to raising more PRs for the entertainment industry. I have not got to the stage I hope to be. When I get there, I will know what to say about being successful.

 

You are the initiator of the Ekiti State All Stars Humanitarian Awards, which kicked off last year, how would you describe the success of the event?

Ekiti State All Stars and Humanitarian Awards, to me, was a success because it was the first edition. People from all walks of life fell in love with idea, especially people from Ekiti. It was a huge success and we are looking forward to the next edition. It has started, and we are going to move it to a higher level this year.

 

What do you think has worked for your brand till date?

I will say the fear of God and respect for my clients. They are the reason I am still here. If you don’t respect those whom God used to get you to a certain level in life, you will fail abysmally.