You floated recently a project tagged: LABMAUGUST. What was it about?
We had three great projects in our hands and I realised that they were all Hip Hop albums for different Hip Hop listeners. The team decided to make a Hip Hop statement in the month of August. I believe it has something very deep for the art. I also believe it showed the beauty of Hip Hop across the listenership. The new project has the latest works of artistes under the label.
You have invested so much in artistes’ promotion, but some of them have the used-and-dumped attitude towards their benefactors, especially when they eventually have their ways in the industry. What do you think is responsible for this?
I am in music as a businessman. Some people will stay, while some will go and that is fine. I don’t own them, our paths crossed and there was an opportunity for both of us to make money together. It is not every relationship that should remain together forever no matter how sweet the early honeymoon days were. So, I will continue to support and promote artistes. That is the business I have chosen.
Some have argued that rap music is fading away in Nigeria. How will you react to this?
If that was true, I wonder why there is a Falz, Olamide, Phyno, SDC, and today a Blaq Bonez. This is definitely not true. No one would have come out for the J Cole show or the like of Nasty C, Classiq would not be killing it in the North. These artistes that I have mentioned are testaments to the fact that the genre of music is not going anywhere anytime soon, but that it is loved all over Nigeria.
How profiting is it in promoting artistes?
It depends on what stage in their career you sign them at; it can be really good or take a while for the returns. What we do in Chocolate City is not only about the promotion artistes; we invest in them, in their music, organising events, tours. It is a 360 music business approach.
As one of the leading labels in the industry, do you think label managements are doing enough in the quality of music production?
Music business has evolved in recent times. With the internet and home studios becoming very popular, big studio production is not as common, thus the costs are lower, and the opportunities to make more music have increased. I believe an artiste’s music production becomes better as his careers, progresses and he can afford to do more.
What is the greatest lesson you have learnt so far in this game?
I think it is about being loyal to a good team and they will be loyal to you. As they help you grow as an artiste, think as well as of how you can help them grow. That is how it works.
Do you see yourself retiring any time soon?
At some point, but not anytime soon.
You always wear a smiling face even when things are not going well. What is the secret?
It is as a result of good friends, family that love me and a great team. I have nothing to worry about or make me sad. I have always chosen to be positive and it is working for me always. I feel loved by my people; my team and family.
You restated in your new album that you are still on top of your game. Are you trying to correct the news in the air that you have dropped form?
Hip Hop always feels like that, but no. I am still a force to reckon with. My works are still speaking good volumes and I still have a lot to deliver.
The steady of DJ Lambo from being your personal DJ to the president of the label has left many questions from your fans unanswered. Is it true that both of you have a relationship beyond the official duties?
She has just been a great friend.
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