'JT assured I'll wanna come back to Nigeria, now I'd love to'

By Tade Makinde

Lionel Richie Hardly does one get invited to ‘very exclusive’ shows like the recently held one in Lagos that featured Lionel Richie, but courtesy of the recommendation of a top Nigerian musician who, though was in UK by the time the event took place, ensured that RMT gained a somewhat easy entrance to the Dome venue.

Beautiful faces beaming with smiles, and ardent fans of the “Stuck On You,” “Hello,”“All Night Long,” “You Are,” and several hits crooner, filled the venue to see the American Music Award, Grammy Awards, Heritage Award, and several other awards winner perform live in Nigeria for the first time. From all walks of life, medical, media, legal, showbiz, finance, telecoms, public office holders, even diplomats, Richie’s fans were there on either invitation, or had parted with thousands of naira to catch a glimpse of the icon who briefly responded to some to RMT’s questions before jetting out of Nigeria. Excerpts:

Did you have to think twice before accepting to come to Nigeria for this show?
Not really. Some few years back, it was Morris (of the Boy II Men) that told me of the “out of this world” reception they were given when they visited your country. Artists love to perform outside of their base, but the world is so big that you’re not sure whether you’re accepted outside of your country or not. They had a nice time, but that don’t mean others would be that popular. Akon said same. But when my friend, James

Taylor, not only insisted I visit, he said I'll wanna come back here again. So, you would like to come back?
Sure I'd love to. The reception was wild and sweet.I think I would love an out door show if I have the opportunity to come back. From the moment I touched down at the Airport, it had been like I was home. Your city, Eko, is beautiful. The people, the traffic and its night life civil ain't different from that of California and New York.

Why an outdoor show if you ever come back?
From the start, I was made to understand it was going to be an exclusive show . Am used to doing such shows in the United States.In fact, that’s what I do mostly now,doing exclusive shows in the various clubs in theUS.

What were you able to make of the exclusive crowd at the event?
I had expected people with greys, but was surprised that most of the guests were young executives. I was more surprised when these people sang along to my very old numbers. Anyway, I have a few Nigerian friends back in US, like Ms Diana who brought you here, and they tell me your people love my music. I can’t but love you people, you’re beautiful from inside. That’s why its so natural that you are geverally receptive and warm.

Is it true that the girl in the ‘I Call it Love’ video is your daughter?
Yes.She was adopted by me and my ex-wife .Her name is Nicole Richie

Is she a musician?
She’s a model right now, but has keen intere st in music and movie.

G'ENNIE set to discover new stars

G’ENNIE Entertainment is set to hold a four-day talent hunt to discover new music stars in the Gospel, Reggae, R’n’B and Hip Hop come June, 2008. In a phone chat with Mr. Jibola Morounkeji, spokesman of the outfit, the auditioning for the finalists will take place in Ibadan, while the final event will hold in Lagos later in July.

The talent hunt is very different from the usual, as management of G’ENNIE Entertainment are only out to ensure that eventual winners are those who have sincere interest in building a career out of music, and not just for the money.

“For long, emphasis had been placed on huge prize money to talent hunt winners, but we don’t get to hear of the progress of these discoveries in the music industry. “So, for us at G’ENNIE Entertainment, we are only interested in discovering only those who believe in themselves to make it to the top, but who don’t have the contact to really make an inroad into the industry. “If we try to get participants by promising them money first, we won’t be able to discover the best and really talented ones.This practice will eventually tell on the quality of our music industry,” he claimed.

To him, the money will come for any musician who is naturally gifted in singing, unlike those who quickly fizzle out in the industry for partaking in talent hunts because of immediate financial gains. But then, there is a 3year contract to be won, details of which Taiwo said would be posted on the company’s website, currently under construction. “What we know is that there are musicians out there to be discovered, and who are not really interested in the prize money that some outfits promise, but will rather want to be heard.

“Those who believe in themselves, who believe they will make the money once their CDs, or cassettes, are out there and they are the ones that we expect to participate in the event. “Mark you, we are not saying we won’t offer financial rewards, ours will only be to assist in promoting the eventual winners. “For example, the label will bear a larger percentage in producing our artistes CDs and videos.We will also ensure that they regularly participate in events to help promote them. We have the contact to ensure this. That’s what we’re offering.

"The talent show is not for those who just want to sing because of the money in it, its only for those who are willing to pay their dues and patiently await their break, the Yabatech graduate added.