interview with Emem, former member of Kush

How did you come about 1 management?

We have been into the business for long time, but then we only manage artistes, manage events, before, we decided to take it to a next level, which is about production, creative concept, career development and the rest. All this is still under management. What is left for us is that they should patronize us.

Can you tell us the events you have managed?

We did a couple, which are:  This day newspaper music Festival, sound city music Video awards, Hip Hop awards. We also did some work with British council, LLNG and some movies too, like Figurine, Tango with me and many more. It’s being interesting.  It’s all part of moving the entertainment industry.

Can we have some names on your management?

We have Joseph Benjamin, Ebisan, Dipp, Styl Plus, wizboy, kemi Lala and Provabs. We still hope to have more artistes on our management.

What is the relationship like?

We simply manage their career and keep them on board. We make sure that people out there appreciate their work and talent in so many ways. Their albums, will be decided by the management who and who it will be distributed to, who they should sign on to, and what part of production they should be part of.

You don’t really have much establish artiste, why?

One has to start from somewhere; we have to mix the established and the young ones in the industry. We like to grow talents, organically. Let me say this, before now, nobody knew about Ebisan, two –three years ago, but now she is well known, we organically developed her to this stage. Her music is being accepted and it’s making waves. Our artists have the potentials and talents. 

How was it like to have a place like this?

I will say it is a new level for me. There is a huge responsibility on us right now. We have to be more vigilant, more security wise and careful in whatever we do.

Tell us how you started with this concept?

Well we started on my mom dinning table in the sitting room, then we were also in Victoria Island, at the back of Globacom and now we are here in Dolphin Estate. We needed a place that where people we have to stay and be creative without any disruption. We want our artiste to work in a safe and conducive environment, so that the inspiration they get will not stop flowing. We don’t want a situation where by, the artistes will be in a hurry, when recording, because of electricity. We created an atmosphere where they can actually realize their potentials’.

How do you cope with your artistes?

That’s why we are called management. We try as much as possible to understand each other; it’s like being in a relationship, when you have to understand your partners in order for the relationship to flow.

What has kept you going?

I would say the challenges and the fantastic talents we have, that have kept me going. When we started, we didn’t think about all this, but now we have to keep going. We have many people who had been supportive over the years and still are. My mom and sister are very supportive, they are number one. I think it will fall short of your imagination, the type of videos we will be shooting. We have a lot of talents that are great. Every artiste has to have a management, a face that will represent them. With every new client we learn new lessons.

Can you tell us what is inside of the building?

We have a standard recording studio, non liner and editing suite, we have quality cameras that is being used in the movie world. We also have the best editors and engineer at the moment. I will leave the rest for those who are interested to come and see by themselves. In a couple of months, we will bring Grammy award winning producers to the country and work with them. The word is out there already, we are ready as ever.

You were formally a lawyer, how do you handle situation, whereby artistes fall apart in one or two years, into the management relationship?

Like I said earlier, It’s like any other relationship, but we have a water tight contract, Joseph Benjamin has been with us for about 2-3 years, while Ebisan has being with us for four years, Provabs has being with us from inception. There must be a reason all these artistes are with us. When the time is right to move on, they will. The Lawyer side of me is always on, when we are negotiating or endorsing for our client.

This building would have cost a lot of money; can you tell us the exact amount?

Laughs………. I don’t want to under estimate or over estimate. We work for this every day. Lets me say it cost us a huge amount of money. The main thing is that we build a place, where people can come up to and have a swell time, while doing their work.

Tell your stint with KUSH, back then?

Well it was through KUSH, people probably know my name. it was a fantastic experience and platform for me. We were extremely creative. Our album then, if you listen to the music, you will know that one song will be different from that in our second album. People enjoyed each track. The group is still fantastic. We are still involved with one another.

Ever since the Group broke up, do you still keep in contact?

Of course yes, we still do. As a matter of fact, we are working with Ty Bello, she is a good and Fantastic photographer and we need her service. We also handle some works for her. She was at the event. This is my version of being solo. Lara George also, she is now into Gospel music and catering. She is doing well in her chosen field as well.

Do you handle Artistes with secular music?

No we don’t.  If you notice Provabs does inspirational and hip hop gospel songs, Styl plus sings RnB, wizboy is a new high life singer, Ebisan does Soul Music.  We accept artiste that have great talents for music.

What was the main reason KUSH broke up?

We wanted to explore so many things. S you can see, Ty Bello is into photography, am into management, while Lara George is into gospel music and catering business. She is a mother now and we are happy for her.

Are you guys planning to come up with a track?

Am not the right person to ask, but we are constantly planning on doing something like this.

Which one pays, music or Management?

The two pays for me, but music is my love. I can sit down and be creative in singing my own song, and put it on I-tunes, or whatever platform that pays for me.