MCM: IK OSAKIODUWA DISHES OUT WISDOM FOR ASPIRING MEDIA PERSONALITIES

Don't you just love Mondays? lol If not for anything, at least for the fresh feeling it brings. I like to think of Mondays as life's way of presenting us with another opportunity to lead a better life so be sure to embrace today!

This Monday, who better to crush on than someone who has achieved several feats in the Nigerian Media industry.Our MCM is Nigerian radio and television personality, IK Osakioduwa. He's an OAP at Rythm FM and he has hosted renowned TV shows like The Voice Nigeria and Big Brother Africa. Despite scaling such great heights, he's still not stopping and at this point, I must mention how willing IK is to help aspiring media personalities get to the top. To this end, he hosts a free, mentorship program (The IK talks) quarterly, to help assist industry newbies.What's not to love about IK?

It is definitely a big honour to have him as our MCM. Enjoy and learn ;)

1)     You’ve hosted many of the biggest shows in Nigeria, how have you been able to distinguish yourself in the media industry?

Well when it comes down to it, I’d say it’s based on my work ethic. I work hard. I’m ready to put in the work required to get the job done excellently.

Many people want success but are not ready to put in the work required to achieve the success. Many people would like to be famous and successful on TV but how many of them are willing to work 18 hour days?

Also, I choose to keep it real at all times. I never get caught up in the hype. I choose to remain teachable and embrace criticism.

2)     You’re a radio personality, what do you love most about being on radio?
Being a Radio Presenter is great. I love how casual the job can be. You get to ride in people's cars on their way to and from work. You get to hang out with people while they cook, work, travel or simply lie in bed. You get to share opinions and views with people from all walks of life. And you can do all of that while dressed in jeans and a T Shirt.

Also, the guy on the radio is always considered a friend. Someone you can trust with your secrets. So we get to share and hear the deepest darkest secrets of people who listen to us. It feels great to be reposed with such trust.

3)     What’s your most favourite international TV (talk) show?

I really like Ellen DeGeneres. She feels like a radio presenter; casual, fun and easy to be with. I also like that she dances a lot and reserves the right to be totally random and not too regimented by a format.

4)     If you could change something in the Nigerian media industry, what would it be?

Oh! I would sanitize the industry a little bit. Right now, quite a number of people see the media industry as an escape from decent education. I don’t think that should be the case at all. So if I could change something, I’d remove all the people who are in media simply because they refuse to take on the rigour of other professions or education itself. And I’d leave only the people who are passionate about working in media. I’d leave only the guys who are willing to work hard.

I’d also remove everyone with a fake accent and bad English from TV and Radio. In truth, I don’t believe you should work in media if you can’t speak properly. And please don’t get me wrong, speaking properly does not mean speaking English. You can speak Yoruba, Hausa or any other language but speak properly. Don’t fake an accent. Don’t promote pretense.

5)     One quirky thing about you that people aren’t quick to believe is that…….?

I love to sit in my boxers while I watch TV at home. I’m a semi nudist. I think all my neighbours, friends and friend's spouses have seen me in my boxers. I just feel absolutely no need to dress up when I’m at home.

6)     What piece of advice will you give anyone trying to chase a career in the media industry?

Don’t get blinded by the lights. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype of a showbiz career. But always remember that the word ‘showbiz’ is made up of two words: SHOW and BUSINESS. Be sure to be doing the business aspect effectively and you will ALWAYS have the SHOW element.

 If however, all you concern yourself with is the SHOW aspect (a.k.a “Doing it for The Gram”), you will quickly find yourself broke and unemployed.

You see, entertainment and media can be like sports. After the initial years of really hard work, it starts to pay you a lot better. But then how long is the career of the average sportsman. Most sporting careers are over before 40. Why? Because someone younger and fresher shows up. Similarly in media, younger and fresher people will show up. That’s why you have to understand the BUSINESS of media. That will be the investment that will protect you when you are not as fresh as the new kids. And that is what will ensure that you always get paid.

7)     What’s on your mind this Monday?

I don’t have a very typical “Monday Mind”. Very often I’m recuperating from a hectic working weekend, so I take Monday for myself. I make sure I cater to my own desires. So you would often find me watching movies on a Monday. But this Monday, I’m full of thought. I have a new TV show I’m working on. And getting TV shows right takes a great deal of planning. So that’s what’s on my mind right now.

Also I’m working on the radio, this evening, so I’m trying to plan my radio show for tonight.

That's it guys!
Stay inspired
Anjola♡

WCW INTERVIEW WITH DJ CUPPY ;)

Waaaaasssssuuuup guys!

When I type like that, you know I'm on another level of 'happy'. Our WCW is someone whose work I'm completely obsessed with. I admire her work ethic and I'm amazed at how little she has achieve in such a short time and at at such a young age. She's a Disc Jockey (DJ), singer and producer.

Our WCW is the beautiful Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, You'll know her as DJ CUPPY. This interview is definitely a fun one to read.

Enjoy  ;)

1) You’re a DJ, what do you love most about the career path you’ve chosen for yourself?

DJ CUPPY: That has to be pleasing the crowd and making people feel good through music, I mean, Djing is so powerful! Furthermore, I get to do what I love which so many people struggle to achieve. I always say, find a job you love and never ever work a day in your life. I feel so productive and fulfilled, truly God’s plan!

2) What’s one quirky thing about you that people aren’t quick to believe?

DJ CUPPY: I have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) meaning I am really particular about things. Whilst this can be great, it can also have its disadvantages, when things aren’t close to perfect, I get thrown off. I think my managers think I’m a little crazy. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that I’m human and things can’t always go my way. 

3)  You got your name DJ CUPPY from cupcakes- if that name had been taken, what would you have used?

DJ CUPPY: Such an interesting question! I used to be called DJ Cupcake actually, back when I was 16. I mean, people used to call me Cups, Cupstar, Cuppito, etc… So if ‘CUPPY” had been taken, I would have chosen from the other options, people used to call me ‘OTEDDY’ from my surname. Thank Goodness Cuppy wasn’t taken, LOL. Phew!

4)     One thing you love to do outside of work is?

DJ CUPPY: When I have free time if I’m not travelling, I’m usually trying out restaurants. I am SUCH a foodie. I can’t lie, eating makes me happy. Hence my weight fluctuates a lot. I really want to get into cooking properly I just need to find time, maybe once I’m done conquering the world. Cuppy takes the kitchen REAL soon!

5)   What keeps you inspired during low days?

DJ CUPPY: I love seeing other young people who are doing something totally different than what I’m doing. It inspires me to want to learn more and keep pushing. We’re all aspirational youths trying to fulfill our dreams in our different fields… I definitely feel like there’s a new wave of young Africans ready to change the continent. 

6)     Do you imagine yourself being successful in another career path asides DJ/Music? If yes what is it?

DJ CUPPY: Definitely yes! Because aside being a DJ/Artiste I am a business woman. I have 2 degrees; one from King’s College London and the other from New York university. At 21 years old, I established a management company called Red Velvet Music Group with several entrepreneural ambitions which I still plan to fulfill outside Djing. 

7)     What’s one thing you'd like to say to your '20 year old' and '50 year old' self respectively?

DJ CUPPY: I say this to myself all the time “Cuppy keep chasing your dreams, inspiring others, changing the rules”. 5 years ago when I was 20, I certainly would have been doubting myself asking questions about if I was going in the right direction and if I had what it took. Being where I am now, I would encourage myself to keep pushing. 

8)     What’s on your mind this Wednesday?

DJ CUPPY: This Wednesday I’ll be in New York doing press rounds promoting my sophomore single ‘Vybe’, then rushing back home to Lagos in the evening for a show. I am always on the move, literally. #CuppyOnAMission

 That's it guys!
Continue to stay inspired ;)
Anjola

MCM INTERVIEW: SESS, THE PROBLEM KID ;)

HEY FELLAZ!

Hope we're all doing very well? Today seems like such a chill day and I know the week is going to be super productive for us! One name that has always fascinated me in the music industry is 'Sess the problem kid' and seeing that I'm low-key a sucker for good beats and rap music, I was quick to realise that Sess actually has some really unique beats. Take time out to listen to many of Falz songs,you'll understand what I mean.

Anyway, the talented Artiste and Producer is our MCM today. Ladies and gentle men, I present to you Salami Oluwasesan Abass AKA Sess, the problem kid!

Hi Sess!

1)         So how did your career in beat making begin, what’s the story?

SESS: Music production for me was simply out of necessity. I started out as an artist (Still is) , but I began to make beats for myself because I couldn’t afford to buy. Somewhere along the line , I figured I was pretty good at it! However , Professionally, I (together with my business partner) , decided to start out as a producer because we believed it was strategically a better move at that period in time . I’m definitely excited about the next step of my career , which is showing off my artist side .

2)         You’re also an artiste, who is one person you’d really love
to work with? 
SESS: As an artiste I would really like to work with Chris Brown

3)         If anybody had told you years ago that you’d make money
from making beats, you would say…… (and why)

SESS: To be honest , money was never really the MAIN motivation for me. Don’t get me wrong , of course I wanted to make money off music, but at that time , it was mainly just getting heard and simply creating . That was my priority. So my answer then would have been  “Oh cool” lol .

4)         How do you get inspired to make your beats?

SESS: Music is very personal for me and it’s an expression of my feelings and emotion. So for me to create, I need to understand how I feel and recreate that into sounds . I think that’s why my music is always different and “weird”

 

5)         What's something you love to do outside of work?

SESS: Nothing really lol . For me work is hobby. And I rarely go out . So maybe Computer Games and some reading. I’m actually thinking of joining a martial art class soon.

6)         What's something about you people aren’t usually quick to believe?
 People find it hard to believe I’m a lawyer and that I practiced for a while before going into music.

7)        What piece of advice to someone trying to make it in the Entertainment industry?

SESS: You have to do the work. There are no shortcuts. Believe in your magic and work very hard and smart. Keep getting better . The world needs your magic . 

8)         What’s on your mind this Monday?

SESS: My album.. That’s what’s on my mind . It’s almost ready and I just can’t wait for the world to listen to it!!! 

That's it guys!

Enjoy ;)

PS: You can check out some of his free beats here: soundcloud.com/sessbeats/sets/prblm-instrumental-mixtape He's a (musical) beast!