1. Dayo Adeneye, Co-founder of Kennis Music Label and a veteran media personality, has announced he is running for office, specifically a seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly to represent the Ogogbolu State Constituency. In the last two months alone, at least ten (10) entertainers and industry professionals are now running for office: KSB, Dayo Adenine, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, 9ice, Muma Gee are just some examples. All, needless to say, indicate that they are not doing it for money. Singer Peter Okoye has chimed in to say it’s good news to see his colleagues engage in the political process. Daily Post has the story.
2. Comedian, Actor, Singer and businessman Julius Agwu declared he was running for office but has now decided that was not a good idea after all. He is focusing on his acting career. Punch Newspaper has the story.
3.Femi Kuti an established industry veteran and musician with international recognition recently signed a management deal with Chocolate City. Kuti shared the news on twitter; and of course Chocolate City thought to follow up with an official press statement. On everyone’s lips is what can the Chocolate City do for Kuti? Kuti says the label is young and full of bright ideas. All eyes on Chocolate City. Let’s see what happens. What I do know, from the many industry insiders whispering is that Chocolate City continues to be strategic and very quiet but planning important moves. Nevertheless, all eyes on Audu Maikori, Yahaya and co.
Speaking of Audu Maikori, he quietly snuck in for his Yale Fellowship induction dinner but thanks to social media, the world got to know. Also, I never got a chance to flag the fact to you all that Aibee Abidoye on the Chocolate City team is now General Manager for the brand.
Aibee is the sister to NAYO. Anyone remember NAYO? Whatever happened to her? Aibee attended law school here in the USA, Cardozo school of law and then returned to Nigeria. She has been working with the Chocolate City team for a little over two years.
Here is a synopsis of the description of what she says she is doing at the label, culled from her Linkedin profile:
“I currently serve as the General Manager at Chocolate City Group, the foremost music & entertainment company in Nigeria. This includes general oversight of all departments (ensuring that we meet deadlines and targets), developing strategies for better and effective processes, and managing budgets for each Artist. I manage Legal and Content. In this capacity, I manage the music processes including rolling out Artist releases, updating licensing reports, liasing with the public relations team and overseeing social media marketing of the various music brands. In the past I have also served as Project Co-ordinator on various projects including the music segment of Nigeria House; an event that was promoted and sponsored by Bank of Industry, Nigeria in Surrey and London, UK.
I have a background in law, event management, intellectual property, negotiating and reviewing contracts, managing music production processes, collaborating with creative teams and resolving conflict as a mediator.”
Good look. I love seeing young lawyers, particularly Nigerian lawyers enter the entertainment field. It can only mean great things for the entertainment industry at large.
For the Femi Kuti deal, check out Sunnewsonline for the full story.
4. You know what folks, there are other industry moves/deals but I want to give them separate posts. So, let’s wrap this up with the recent partnership deal between Mark Redguard’s 960 Music Group and Ultima Productions. Check out the press statement below. Also revisit my interview with Mark Redguard so you get to know who he is.
Cheers,
Uduak
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960 Music Group and Ultima Productions announce a partnership to record, promote & market MTN Project Fame Season 7 Winners.
The 960 Music Group today announced a landmark partnership with Ultima Productions aligning the two companies’ interests in driving digital growth, breaking new music barriers, and creating new marketing opportunities for MTN Project Fame Season 7 Winners/Finalist.The partnership will initially focus on the A&R, promotion, marketing, distribution and monetization of MTN Project Fame Season 7 Winners musical content. It will also provide the Winners of MTN Project Fame West Africa the opportunity to gain real-world experience after the show.
Mark Redguard, CEO of 960 Music Group, remarked that he was excited to work with one of the biggest talent producing shows in Nigeria and firmly believed that the partnership would be one of the most fruitful partnerships the Nigerian Music Industry had ever seen. Redguard continued, “The team at 960 Music understands that old formulas don’t work as well as they must in the digital age, and that we have to think differently to build a robust future for the music industry. Today, music companies and Media & Entertainment companies need to be more supportive of each other’s needs. This partnership begins that new era, and will help both companies thrive in the reality of the African Music Scene and the digital world”.
A spokesman for Ultima Productions, speaking on its choice of The 960 Music Group, noted that “The 960 Music Group is paving the way for what a true 21st century African based music company can be – a music company built for Africa and the digital age. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be their partner in building these exciting new markets and promoting Winners of Project Fame in innovative new ways. This is a win for all parties – for artists, who will enjoy heightened and guaranteed exposure within the music industry fraternity; for their fans, who will have the enhanced ability to find and listen to their music wherever and whenever they want; and all music lovers participating in the new digital marketplace.”
