Once the name, Tony Okoroji is mentioned, what comes to the
mind of many industry followers is the litigant and maybe, troublesome
character. But it is not as they see it after all. Tony Okoroji is not only a
creative and manager of men and matters; he is one man in the creative industry
who has the ability to see the tomorrow of the industry.
For all you care, Okoroji has in this vein, perfected plans
to float a record company in respect of some young and talented acts whom he wants
to propel into the limelight of the music firmament on the platform of Tops,
his entertainment outfit.
Okoroji explained: “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”
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 get 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment