Recently, you posted a picture and video clip of you and former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a flight, what is your connection and relationship with the former Nigerian leader?
I actually wanted to pass a message, particularly to the Nigerian youth through that my little encounter with Chief Obasanjo. I used the term ‘little’ because it wasn’t a major. As an aspiring entrepreneur, as an artist, as a young person, whoever you are, whatever you want to do or be, they say opportunity comes but once. So when you see an opportunity, don’t fail to grab it no matter what the obstacle might be. What I did there was to pass a message to our youths to take a good advantage of the opportunities that come their ways, no matter what.
What did you discuss with the former president?
In the course of our discussion, he asked me what I do, I told him that I am into entertainment, and that I was coming back from European tour with my artist. From there, I introduced Skales. In fact, it was Skales that actually informed me that OBJ was on the flight. I introduced him and also his manager and his producer too. Of course, I’m the promoter. Baba said ‘really?‘’ I said yes, then he asked, “what work is now left for me, can I be the distributor?” I said of course. From there we chatted all through the journey back home. Of course we snapped pictures and exchanged contact. It was a very nice and pleasant experience for all of us on the flight.
Have you tried to contact him since you came back?
Not really. I am also important in my own right. So, when I need Baba I will reach out to him, but, for now, I will not want to abuse the privilege he gave me by calling him unnecessarily. I survive by myself, I hustle, I work hard for myself, for my family, for the Nigerian youth, and for the general society.
You have been away with some artistes on the tour of some European countries; how did it go and what was the experience like for you?
Touring Europe is what we have been doing for the past six years or so and just as I was saying, passion is our driving force. We do this thing for the love and passion we have for it. I think it all started when I travelled to Europe with Terry G. While I was there, I found out that some people were doing this thing wrongly. I found out that many of the promoters were deceiving and promising Nigerian artistes that they were going to do this and that but at the end they will do nothing.
Touring Europe is not a small job; it must have involved a lot of spending and planning, How did you achieve your goals?
Part of my game plan was to avoid looking at what to gain or lose. I was constantly looking at the positive result that would come much later. Though, we are not totally there yet, looking back at where we were and where we are now, it is safe to say that we have succeeded. Part of the positive changes we have made so far is the positive projection of Nigeria’s image and Africa to the outside world through entertainment. I am very proud and grateful to God for the success we have recorded.
Who was your first artiste to go on tour with you?
Terry G was first on the list, followed by Chudy K, Jaywon, Oritsefemi, Terry G again, then Tekno, Patoranking, Skales, MC Galaxy and so on . I am the first promoter to take Davido on a foreign tour, and from there, people began to pick up interest because no one really wanted to take the risk. Nobody was ready to take the Nigerian culture and music to those places because of the huge risk involved, but we have been able to show the rest of the world what we can do. When the guys over there saw the progress we were making, they began to show interest.
What’s the secret of your success stories today?
I know the basic problem of an average Nigerian youth and these artistes you see around are good examples of the Nigerian youths. I understand them very well because I have been there and I am still there as one of the them. I know how to tackle their problems. I know how to put them through and along the line we managed to build a strong bond to achieve positive results I talked about earlier.
How many countries and cities did your artistes perform on the tour?
We toured 12 countries and about 18 cities. I don’t know if I can be able to mention all the countries and cities off hand but I can remember Czech Republic because it’s more like my base. We touched Austria too. We did about three cities in Austria, two cities in Germany, two cities in Italy, we did Paris, we did 2 cities in Norway, 2 cities in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Malta, and so on. I must also mention that from Tekno, Skales to Patoranking history has been made regarding Nigerian or African artistes performing in major cities in Europe in terms of big turnout of fans. It’s indeed a new face for the Nigerian and African music.
and then