The son of a federal civil servant with the prisons department meant staying in several Nigerian cities, as mom got transferred quite often. I guess mom must have noticed the effect all the movement was having on me, as she would later decide I go live with her immediate elder brother and his family in Akure, I had barely spent a year with them when we moved to Lagos, as my uncle who was then with the NTA moved to Lagos to take up a job with SPDC. Yet another movement, but at least this time around, it was  with the core unit as a whole, so while looking forward to another blending-in in a new neighborhood, I had fam’ who held me down on the home-front.

My uncle had three kids, all boys, when I joined them in Akure, and a fourth joined us when we got to Lagos, so you can imagine the drama we gave their mom, and my aunts who were then living with us. Lucky them, I had not starting getting into mischief, or exhibiting my hard-headedness back then, chei! Na wa o, to think that I was the model kid back then; calm, intelligent, patient, quiet and tolerant. Well, I’m still calm (but more edgy this days), intelligent (but no longer top my class), patient (only when it is the only option), quiet (only when I’m with strangers) and tolerant (hmm, when person neva chop bellyful).

I had to leave yet again, but this time for boarding school, some kilometers away from Benin-City, and what an experience it was, but that is a story for another day. Interestingly though, after several pleas to my mom for a change of school while still in junior secondary, she acceded, however belatedly while I was in SS 1. I call it belated, because by then, I had no cause to want a change of school, as I was already a senior, with a bright chance of becoming possibly the deputy senior prefect (DSP), though some of my classmates back then might want to disagree. And then it was off to Warri again, for a completion of my secondary school education at the famous Nana College.

It was during this period, I had a chance to live with my mom again for a relatively long period of time, after leaving her for my uncle’s, and did we get on each other’s nerves. Looking back now, I love and respect my mom even more for all she had to put up with. I had by now developed a stubborn streak and highly independent mind, so always did what I thought was right, which did not go down too well with my very strict mom, and so we always ended up clashing. This wasn’t helped by the fact I loved reading, listening to music and watching movies. Did I hear you ask what was wrong with that? My mama belonged to one of them Christian denomination that dint wear ear-rings or adorn any kind of jewelry; didn’t watch TV; and sure didn’t encourage listening to ‘worldly’ music or reading non-Christian literature.

This was the same guy who was a little famous for his knowledge and following of music, and had also some of ‘em dudes jealous, cos I exchanged novels with them girls. Now you get the picture of why mama mia and me humble self were always bickering.

Then came the time I stopped attending our denomination and opted for another, her pastors gave mama a tough time in church for not being able to ‘control’ her son. Well you can only imagine the reaction when for reasons I can’t explain and not very proud, I stopped attending church altogether, let me not even go there, that na mata for another day.

Then I got admission into the university, the infamous Ambrose Alli University (AAU), known then as Edo State University (EDSU), and Bendel State University (BENSU) before that. This was a very significant period in my life, being that I spent seven years in school for a 4-year course: two of them due to incessant strikes and one extra as a result of my own nonchalance.

I would find myself in Kebbi State for my service year (NYSC). After an initial reluctance to stay, I rounded up my service year and even surprised myself by missing the Dirin-Daji (Sakaba LGA) where I did my primary assignment.

All through the years, my mom has been of and still is a source of overwhelming support, there to give me the stick when I deserved it, applaud and encourage me when I got it right and did her proud, and a source of spiritual (through her prayers) and moral pillar of support through the trying times, when it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. While this is basically a summary of who I am, it also is a tribute to the best mother in the world, Mrs Juliana Ebatavbohi Omorogbe nee Egwaoje. I love you ma!

n.b

Stay tuned, for recollections of my “wonder years” and the wonders I pass through as the years go by.

PIDGIN ENGLISH

Over 120 ethnic languages exist in the country, which is further tripled when you consider the different dialects that are offshoots of each parent language. And with the overwhelming disparity that exists between the ‘literate’ minority and ‘illiterate’ majority, Pidgin (short for Pidgin English) provides the major language of communication between these various divides. Even becoming the nation’s ‘unofficial’ language of communication. However the language enjoys its most versatile usage and evolution amongst the peoples of the Niger-Delta region, with its undisputed headquarters in the Warri-Sapele axis of Delta State. Originally inhabited by peoples of Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw extractions, it today represents a melting pot of sorts- playing host to a people of various tribes and nationality, due to its boisterous commercial activity. Which of course is attributable to its bustling seaports, and boosted by its position as a major center in the nation’s booming oil industry.          Here’s a peep into some of the ingenious variation of has generally become known as Warfi (Warri) slang.    

   419 (FOUR-ONE-NINE) Now, I know I’m going to catch some flakes for this one, with some of y’all asking how 419 is thing to be proud of as a Nigerian. The term 419, otherwise known as Advanced Fee Fraud is originates from Section 4, Sub-section 19 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, and concerns the criminal acquisition of money from an unsuspecting victim through false pretenses and declarations.  While its not a medallion to be proudly worn as a badge of patriotism, considering its criminal undertone, one would agree that it has in fact given us better recognition in far flung areas of the globe where our oil status, sports and academic achievements, and dramatic political journey as a nation has not given us. And to think that while 419 is not particular to Nigeria, or practiced by Nigerians alone, its mastery by some Nigerians has given it a global identity that has become uniquely Naija.  

NOLLYWOOD.

The Nigerian movie (popularly referred to as Home Video) industry has indeed come a long way. From humble beginnings in the early ’90′s, it has grown to become the third largest industry in the world behind Hollywood (U.S.A) and Bollywood (India). Naija’s Nollywood is even more famous for its amazing ability to produce the most films under the shortest period, reportedly about thirty movies per week. From meager acting fees and allowances in the early days, Nigerian actors now command six-digit figures and possess fat bank accounts. They have also attracted lucrative endorsement deals and their lifestyle has attained the glamour of their foreign counterparts. Never mind the fact that their storylines are basically the same, but packaged under various mind-boggling titles.

PERSONALITIES/ACHIEVEMENTS.   

Nigeria as a country has its name and that of some of its citizens written in gold in the annals of world history. These glowing achievements cover various fields of endeavor, such as sports, science and technology, literature, finance, academics, music and so on.  Here’s a peep into a few of the notable achievements that have given Nigeria its pride of place in the global Hall of Fame. 

Wole Soyinka: World-renowned literary giant, even more renowned for his status as a Nobel laureate. W.S, as he is fondly called is the author of many literary masterpieces, an esteemed academic and respected democratic and social crusader. He was also a leading member of the National Democatic Coalition (NADECO), one of the major organizations that fought the Abacha junta. 

Chinua Achebe: Another literary giant. A recipient of several honorary doctorate degrees and international awards, he has served on the faculty board of distinguished institutions in Nigeria and the United States of America. His literary classic Things Fall Apart has been translated into more than twenty-five languages worldwide.  

Dream Team: As Nigeria’s under-23 soccer team to the centennial Olympic games in Atlanta, U.S.A in 1996 were known, they realized the dream of most soccer playing nations when they won soccer’s second most coveted prize after the World Cup. They beat soccer giants like Brazil and Argentina on their way towards winning the gold medal. Dream Team also formed the bulk of the Super Eagles that represented Nigeria at its second world cup appearance at France ’98, where they emerged tops from the group stage.  Hakeem Olajuwon: Nicknamed ‘The Dream‘ by the ever-inventive American sports media, the Nigerian-born basketball icon distinguished himself in the NBA. Hakeem played a major role to help his team- Houston Rockets, emerge back-to-back NBA champions in the ’94 and ’95 seasons respectively, in the process emerging league MVP in 1994. He also was an integral part of the American basketball team, also known as the Dream Team that won gold in the basketball event at the ’96 Olympic games. 

Phillip Emeagwali:  World-renowned scientist and scholar. Amongst his several laudable achievements is the pioneering of one of the world’s greatest inventions- the Internet. 

Agbani Darego: The first, and till date the only Nigerian nay black African to have worn the coveted Miss World crown. She achieved this laudable achievement as a teenager in 2002. 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Nigeria’s ex-finance minister, she used her office to attain far-reaching and commendable financial reforms aimed at stabilizing the Nigerian economy. She attained prominence at the World Bank where she has since returned to, in a higher capacity. 

Innocent “2face” Idibia: Started as a member of the sensational R&B/Hip-hop trio, Plantashun Boiz. After a sizzling debut album with the trio, the boiz went their separate ways and 2face dropped his own solo debut album, Face 2 Face. And contrary to his popular slogan Nothing Dey Happen! All kinds of major things have been happening for the young chap: a major endorsement deal with Guinness (Nigeria); signing an international distribution deal with EMI; having his hit song African Queen as the lead soundtrack to a Hollywood production, multiple national awards, continental awards and emerging the first  ‘Best African Act’, a new introduction at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Heroes (Living and Dead): Not forgetting all those who fought for the country to attain independence, the likes of Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafewa Balewa, and Anthony Enahoro etc. All those who fought in the country’s civil war that took place from 1967 to 1970. Those who were jailed under various military regimes, in the effort to promote democracy, freedom of the press, and human rights, especially those that died in the process. Believe it or not, Naija rocks!  

Off i went the world-wide-web, to check on the outcome, and maybe read some kind of match report, there still wasnt any news about the bout, not even on the World Boxing Council’s website. I began wondering if i was in a dream, or had gotten the date of the fight wrong, and it was still sometime in the future. It wasnt neither of the two, cause starring back at me from the laptop, was information that a fight would take place in Mexico some time in the past, even it was more than twelve hours in the past, so why wasnt i seeing result any of it.

The only media outfits that as much as gave any kind of info on the bout were Supersport and Yahoo Sport. While the former displayed the info on their info bar, the latter displayed only images of a victorious Samuel Peter.  Somebody should please tell me why there was a blackout on such a major sporting event in the media? could it be it was because it involved a Nigerian and a Russian, and there weren’t in the news for some negative reason? If it had been some oil-pipeline explosion, or activities of militants in the Niger-Delta, then wouldnt it have been breaking news? if it were some kind of unrest in some Russian region, it sure would have made headlines, wouldnt it? if it been some American or Briton, loosing a heavyweight non-title bout, or winning a wealter-weight bout, would they get this same treatment?

Samuel Okon Peter, I congratulate you; Nigerians, I celebrate with you, but  Africa, we need to wake up! 

Kick off: about 9nish (in da pm)

Sponsored by Smirnoff Ice; anchored by Teju Babyface; performances by Obiwon, Sunny Neji. Rounded off by TWO & their band Dejavu, later joined by Segun Obe.

Interesting aspects of the show included the dating game/raffle draw, where winners won dates with Dude Tetsola and Princess respectively. But the high point was the lingerie exhibition by the House of Zenas, which generated excited cheers and screams from especially the male audience, who ogled at the well-sculpted & scantily-clad female models on the runway. Though those who came with their wives/dates pretended not to notice, and I need not tell you why, do I?

Drayn 0.6 and Obiwon’s protégé, Nene, both consultancy arrangements with other labels, will also continue to receive the company’s support while both consultancy deals run.

C.E.O, Efe Omorogbe shares his thoughts on the rationale for the move, the impact on the artistes and the direction of growth for the company.

On how long this has been brewing:

“We have been on this vibe for quite I while I must confess. After a careful review of 2006 we knew it had become imperative to downsize but these are briefs in which time, effort and resources have been invested so it’s never really that easy to discontinue. Our response was to put a cap to the number of artistes on the line-up so we didn’t, more like, couldn’t sign on anybody else. It was tough considering that it kept out solid new prospects we admired but we stuck to it. Now it’s January 2008 and we have achieved a massive scale down from 16 to 8 acts. Our ideal number is actually 6 so we’ll still be on the look out to see if there could be a possibility of further to re-arrange the set-up.”On 2007 hook ups:

“In 2007, we reconnected with T.W.O and took on the briefs of Paul Play and Ill Bliss. These moves weren’t so scary for two reasons. One, we knew we were going to create space for them in due course and two, these were people we know quite well. We had worked with T.W.O before and maintained a cordial relationship. I had been friends with Paul Play and we’ve shared similar positions on music issues before his debut album tore down the roof. We’ve made little contributions on the side culminating in the recording of Hitsville and we got a shout out when he stepped on stage to receive his first headie at Hip-hop World Awards. Ill Bliss had earned our admiration since the Thoroughbred EP days. I recorded a song with him and directed the “Street Hop” video so we’ve had an excellent working relationship prior. We were careful with the signings, at least, to a reasonable extent.

On rumoured beef with Ruggedman and Freestyle:

“People find it hard to believe it when we announce we have parted ways without rancour and it is typical of human beings. People love drama, they get creative and invent weird conspiracy theories because it’s always more interesting and engaging to see artistes fight with their label people and management. They want you to spill secrets and trade insults. I have been told Rugged has been saying all kinds of terrible things about us but when we connect and that’s not the vibe I get. We refuse to be ensnared. I’d rather believe what I see when Rugged and I shake hands than what someone who probably hasn’t seen Rugged in a year tells me he said. For heaven’s sake, Rugged has never had a problem speaking his mind so why should he smile at my face and talk trash behind my back? These moves are business decisions, they are nothing personal. Each party simply decides what is in its best interest at the given moment. Under different circumstances and a different time, the choices could be extremely different. We don’t have a problem with Freestyle. We don’t have a problem with anyone of them.

On why Now Muzik refuses to volunteer details of disagreement with artistes:

“We’re too classy for this hustle – even if I say so myself. But seriously, we respect our time, money and effort. We do not believe in tearing down what we have laboured to help build. Even if the artiste fails to recognize the truth, we know better so we hold our peace. Sometimes it’s HARD. You get pushed to the edge and you just want to fight back but these are well-thought out corporate policies so you respect them and hold your peace. Weeks later, when your anger has simmered down, you see the wisdom in the decision to avoid a “roforofo” fight.

The world would be shocked to hear our side to some of these stories. Some of my newer colleagues often advise strongly that we state our case and get really agitated when I refuse. They’re worried about the questions they face on the streets and feel the need to defend the brand. Friends, family members call you up and ask if this or that thing they read in the papers is true. Sometimes it is worrisome but we know it’s the price we have to pay for the choice we have made.

What do I say, where do we start? 2face, African China, 2-Shotz, D’Lyte, Eedris Abdulkareem, Rocsyde, Freestyle, Ruggedman, Felix Duke, Niyola even Joice Ize-Iyamu who was formerly part of our team. From these guys came some of the best materials we’ve heard. With them came some of the most trying challenges we’ve faced, the greatest triumphs we’ve scored, some of the most painful betrayals we’ve experienced and some of the loudest laughter we’ve shared. These are our idols, partners, brothers, sisters and friends. We’d rather focus on the good memories. At some points we shared a drink, hugged and slapped one another on the back. We’d like to keep it that way – if we are allowed to.”

On why these kinds of squabbles seem to be on a rise:

“Music is an emotional hustle and a lot of artistes are not as enlightened as they ought to be. Add a sprinkling of the high of sudden success or frustration of persistent failure to hit the mark and you have a super-volatile mix. Management and label personnel aren’t always angels either so from way back when, these disagreements have been an integral part of the business. The Jackson 5 left Motown after earning success under its wings. Michael Jackson even later fired his dad as manager, these things always happen.

I don’t want to hold brief for other management personnel or labels but I think the average Nigerian artiste needs to be better enlightened, more professional and more realistic. A little gratitude and sense of loyalty wouldn’t hurt either. When people put their time and hard-earned money into helping you build or sustain a career, a little consideration for someone other than you is not a sign of weakness or stupidity.

Time however, is the ultimate judge and the results are always glaring. We have our challenges but we do our thing – effective Now Muzik style. And when all is said and done, the results show how well we’ve performed or otherwise.

From management perspective, take a critical look at the careers of most of our former clients post-Now Muzik and you’ll be able to do a proper appraisal of our contribution. 2face, 2-Shotz, D’Lyte, Eedris Abdulkareem, African China, Rocsyde etc. Their time at Now Muzik has certainly not been the lowest of their careers. In about a year, we would be able to assess the situation with Rugged, Free, FD, Niyola and the others who we recently released. The guys who are still around obviously recognize that recording and performing, though vital, aren’t all there is to the business. We are making progress because they do their job and someone – Now Muzik, does its. Our job is not as glamourous as theirs but believe me it’s just as tricky, strenuous and important to the bottom-line. That’s why we always choose to see it as a partnership.”

On the possibility of taking a new brief:

In the foreseeable future, say 18-24 months, very unlikely. We’re fully booked. There’s more possibility of further downsizing than adding, sincerely. We are satisfied with the quality of the guys we have now and are completely focused on giving them the best possible service. If the impossibility becomes possible then it would be obvious we’ve found the next 2face. The next cat we hook up with has to be extra special, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Even at the rawest state, his talent has to be drop-dead gorgeous. Then he has to be professional and patient. th yrk and

On why it has to be a “He”:

“Hopefully, not strictly, it should be a guy. We haven’t been that lucky with females. Even when we obviously commit more effort, time and money we still come out disappointed. Funke, Niyola, D’Lyte, Muma Gee, Maideena, this brand has not been lucky with female acts and it’s quite a pity because personally, I’ve always had a better relationship with females. A greater percentage of my most reliable, loyal, steadfast and supportive friends and favourite people are females. Isn’t it ironic?”

On the direction of the hustle in 2008:

“It’s going to be more intense and considerably more broad-based. Now Muzik Management will receive a shot in the arm. Now Muzik Events and Promotions will be consolidating on the achievements of last year and this is the year I get my media hustle on- in full blast”.