Starting this week, Friday Treat would be showcasing people who have changed the face of entertainment in select cities, starting from Ibadan. This week we present E bevande, a nightclub which has changed night life in Ibadan. In this interview with Rotimi Ige, Buchi Nwosu, the man who manages the club, talks about why they decided to come to Ibadan and how the club has coped over the last 11 months it has been in existence .

Back-ground?
My names are Nwosu Onyebuchi Emmanuel and I am from a family of five. I am from Anambra State, Awka South to be precise.

Education?
I attended Awar u Islam Model College, Lagos before proceeding to Anambra State University to study Mass Communication.

Funny enough, I went back to Anambra State to learn my native language.

How did you come into entertainment?
I was once a rapper back when I was in school. I performed at Rhythm Unplugged 2009, the Teju Babyface show, at the Koko Lounge and a number of other shows.

So when did you delve into clubbing business?
I had always wanted to be in the business of clubbing since I was young. So, for me, it was only a matter of time. And so when the opportunity came for me to work at the Koko Lounge in Lagos, I took it immediately. There weren't enough clubs in Lagos then and Koko Lounge was one of the best in 2008. I had a good time there and it was quite an experience. I had always nursed the dream of managing a club. I was one of the best workers at Koko Lounge and word spread and so I started getting offers. After some time, I went on to manage Road Runners in 2009.

So how was E bevande birthed?
After spending sometime at Road Runners, I felt like there was still more to be done. So I left Road Runners to see if I could actualise my childhood dream.

Why did you decide to come to Ibadan?
At that time, there were too many clubs in Lagos and Ibadan looked fertile for business. I spoke to some investors and luckily I got people who trusted their guts to invest in me, based on my experience on the field, and now it is paying off.

A lot of people in Lagos discouraged me from coming to Ibadan because they saw the city as an ancient and cultural place. I was told all sorts especially that it is backward place to do business and that it would spoil my career.

Then, I had never been to Ibadan before I came to scout for a place to do business. When I came to Ibadan, I was, at first, scared because from 10 p.m, everywhere would become dry and the roads empty. So we started to create awareness by going round to drop fliers and convince people that a night club, E-bevande was coming. I believed strongly that Ibadan people were fun loving and adventurous people and wanted a change and E bevande was the one to bring it. We devised several methods; bringing Soundcity, personalising people's events etc.

Initially when we started, we held events every week, and people came, mostly undergraduates. After a while, especially, during their exams, business slumped. This experience made us understand that we had to reach out to everyone.

I brought Djs from Lagos at first to hype the club but with time, we brought in DJs based in Ibadan to learn the kind of songs that we wanted played at the club.

Now, we work as a team and they know what to do.

Who are your clients?
We have people coming from different parts of Ibadan. We have scouts who have specific duties to go around and invite people to come and enjoy the special experience we offer at E bevande.

So would you say Ibadan is good for business?
Definitely, Ibadan is good for business! It is not populated in terms of club business especially with the unique service and hospitality we provide.

How did you come about the comedy nite at your club?
Comedy is a big business and I always loved it. When we started, I wanted people to be in an atmosphere where they could relax and have fun, not just clubbing. That's how the comedy night was born. The first night was sold out and it has been growing ever since.

Why Peteru?
I never knew Peteru until he was mentioned to me by a friend. After performing a few times in my club, I decided to have him as a host and suspend the contract of the one from Lagos. I also had to invest in someone from Ibadan and Peteru has lived up to status!

What is unique about E bevande?
Class and fashion sense! Not just anyone dressed anyhow can enter. When you come here, you can't just dress anyhow. We have bouncers who would stop people at the gate.

It is a place where you are sure to meet people who know what they want in life and know how to live the good life.

We love good things and we want to have the best here.

Partners?
Henessy, Johnny Walker. E bevande brought Henessy to Ibadan.

Tell us about your fashion sense?
Shirts, jeans, sneakers. Anything free. I wear anything that looks nice.

Favourite designers?
None. Any thing in vogue would do.

Passion?
I love clothes, wristwatches and shoes.

Future plans.
E bevande is going to other states in Nigeria.

What would you have been if not a club boss?
A journalist.

What are your strong points?
Calmness is my charm. I handle difficulties with ease. I am a go getter.