A seasoned concert promoter and the CEO of Kiss Events, Bayo Odusami famously known as Howie T has floated a new record label, Baseline Music. He and his partner, Dipo Abdul officially unveiled the label last week in Lagos with the signing of two artistes, RnB singer, Seaon and in-house producer/recording artiste, Mr. Chiddo.
In this Interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, Howie T speaks on his plans for the label and why they signed the talented singer, Seaon, whose new single, Boogie Down is enjoying massive airplay…
When exactly did you conceive the idea of running a record label?
The idea of running a label was conceived by me 14 years ago when TIMBUK2 Music was floated by me to release the Last Nite album by P-Square. I have always wanted to do this.
What inspired it?
It was inspired by my passion for good music and promotion of talent.
Why Baseline Music?
Kiss Events was contracted by The Petrolex Group as a consultant to run the affairs of Baseline Entertainment and our terms of reference was clear; to sign talent, nurture them and produce a world class talent and promote. We believe that Baseline Music will raise the bar in the entertainment industry in Nigeria as our first video for Seaon shows.
How do you intend to run it alongside your event company, Kiss Events?
Baseline Music is an organisation run by young and energetic people who want to excel in their choosing field. Since I can do multiple tasks, it is very easy to combine the running of Kiss Group and Baseline.
You unveiled two artistes today, a male and female. What informed their choices?
Seaon is a highly talented young woman who believes in perfection. She has a very good catalogue of work and still working. We (Baseline Music) believe in her and her talent. We see potentials in her, we love her music, and we can assure you that you will hear a lot from her. We also signed Mr. Chiddo as our in house producer and recording artiste.
What is the nature of their deal?
They were both signed with a mouthwatering deal.
What step have you taken to ensure a smooth relationship?
We have a wonderful relationship with all our signed artistes and we are about to sign more, both established acts, old acts and new.
We have too many cases of artistes parting with their management. What do you think is responsible?
A lot of artistes part with their labels because their relationship was not properly defined from the beginning.
You’re a veteran when it comes to Nigerian entertainment industry, how would you rate it now, compared to how it all started?
The music industry has come a long way in Nigeria. The issue of finance was the major challenge in the music industry 10 years ago. Now we have a lot of income streams open to artistes apart from getting shows .The industry has really improved and it’s getting better.
In what areas do you think we can improve – both the artistes and the policy makers?
I want an organised industry where artistes would reap the fruits of their labour.
Tell us about your family and how you’ve been coping with work and home-front?
I am happily married with two lovely children.
Source: ENCOMIUM
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