It is most likely that nobody knows
more of the workings of the Nigerian music industry than Chief Tony Okoroji, the
no nonsense Chairman of COSON and celebrated former President of PMAN. The
renowned songwriter, performer, author and copyright maestro was for many years
a sought after music producer and Artiste & Repertoire Manager for EMI, the
big international recording conglomerate.
Said Okoroji, “I have spent a life
time in the music industry. I have seen talents surge and talents disappear. I
have seen labels take center stage and suddenly melt away. I have witnessed the
industry through the era of the black vinyl, the music cassette and the compact
disc. I saw the rise and fall of Alaba. I am presently in the thick of getting
the industry to master the digital age with the internet and mobile technology
playing significant roles in music distribution as downloads, streaming, CRBT,
etc. take over and establish themselves as the new method of passing the ball.
I know the nuts and bolts.”
Chief Okoroji who has also devoted a
lifetime to the fight for the rights of musicians and other creative people
across Africa, has for several months been retooling TOPS, his entertainment
company involved in production, promotion, distribution, publishing and top
class events organization. The man who made PMAN a house-hold name, turned
COSON into a multi-million naira organization, conceived and launched the
razzle-dazzle Nigerian Music Awards, Africa’s first notable entertainment award
event that attracted presidents, ministers, ambassadors and stars from around
the world is ready to make another big statement. He is set for a revolution in
the Nigerian entertainment industry with an outstanding group of young first
class talents he has painstakingly assembled.
Says Chief Okoroji, “I must salute
all the young artistes, producers and labels that have in recent years kept
Nigerian music representing across the continent and beyond. My job over the years
has been to make sure that this crop of creative Nigerians gets the recognition
they deserve, their rights respected and that they earn commensurate income for
their sweat. In the process, I have met many uniquely talented young artistes
who are totally frustrated because nobody seems to have the time to even listen
to them or offer them a chance to showcase what they have got. I certainly
cannot take care of everyone but I can give hope to some.
“Despite my mad schedule, in the last
six months, I have spent practically every weekend in the recording studio
working with an incredible crop of young Nigerian songwriters, singers and
producers. I am in the trenches with them imparting the professional skills and
values they need to rise to the top. Each of them has become a member of the
TOPS family, a special family that goes for only the best. I am determined to
turn TOPS into a unique 360 degrees hit factory offering hope to those who had
no hope and taking them to the top. We will touch every facet of entertainment
in a different style and touch the lives of people. That ought to be the legacy
I leave for an industry that I love with all my heart”
FOR TOPS
ESTHER
OLANREWAJU
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