Yankee entertainment boss and Chairman of the Bank club, Abuja, Kehinde Adegbite, AKA, Mallam Yankee, has disclosed how he contributed towards the building and transformation of the careers of some Nigerian artists.
Mallam Yankee particularly mentioned artistes like D’Banj, Olamide, Tekno, X-buster, among others who have benefited from his gestures which saw them to the top, and have consequently remained loyal ever since then.
In a chat with DAILY POST after the Abuja edition of Nite of a Thousand Laugh, the entertainment guru disclosed how he earned respect from most Nigerian entertainers.
He said though some of them were thankful and would always remember to give him credit, others will throw caution to the wind, an act he described as ‘unfortunate.’
Giving details on how his contributions were invaluable in the lives of the artistes, Yankee said “In 2005, July 16, I had a show then (Play Safe Concert) at the Women Development Centre.
“On the 15th of July, I brought D’Banj to Nigeria from London after he released his Tongolo song for the show. He wanted to go back to London after the show, but realized how people loved him and the song. I advised him to stay back and he did.
“Don Jazzy arrived on the day of the show, and he also did not go back. I made them come to Nigeria, so if you check it, I am part of their success story. This is because they did not plan to come to Nigeria. I virtually brought them to Nigeria, they stayed back and that obviously became the beginning of new things in their lives.
“I think the duo of Dbanj and Don Jazzy still remember this and they have continued to remain my friends, and loyal as well. I have enjoyed good friendship with them,” he noted.
Speaking further, the showbiz expert said, “Another artist who has continued to show great respect for me due to my invaluable contribution in his career is MI.
“This boy came from Jos to the streets of Abuja. He was basically fighting to further his musical career when I met him. There was a show at the ICC sometime in 2008 and I remember how I begged the MC of the show, Julius Agwu, to let him feature MI who was begging to perform. I didn’t know him from anywhere, but I was convinced there was something in him. He was allowed to perform and people applauded him. It was an ovation night for him.
“It was equally his major first appearance ever. It was few weeks after the show that he got signed to Chocolate City. Till today, both my personal and business relationship with MI have waxed very strong,’’ Yankee added.
Speaking also on how Tekno’s light shone through him, Mallam Yankee said, “He performed at Charlyboy Show-live but I did not really know him. I knew him in 2012 when I did 2face’s album concert at Transcorp.
“I was rushing home to get a change of clothes after setting up the place. On my way, I heard a song playing and a friend said it was by Tekno, that he was an Abuja based and up and coming. So I asked someone to call Tekno and I gave him a chance to perform at 2face’s show.
“I equally brought him to Iyanya’s show where he was featured prominently. I made it in such a way that he did not perform on that show as an up and coming artist.
“It was after the show that I spoke to Ubi Fraklin of Tripple MG, who got him signed.”
Continuing, Mallam Yankee said it was after his radio tour with Olamide that he got the most sought after breakthrough and “till today, he holds me at high esteem,’’ Yankee said.
On his encounter with Jesse Jagz, Yankee recounted how he told him he would be the next face of Abuja.
He said, “I featured him in loads of events from 2009. There was Face of Hope, Nite of a Thousand Laugh, AY live etc. I got him a good number of shows and events, even radio push and all. That period, his songs became the streets anthem.
“Another lucky artist who recently got his star shining through me is X-Buster.
“I didn’t know him from anywhere. I only met him when I started holding shows in Owerri, Imo state. I featured him in one of the shows and that was how he started gaining popularity. Everything I do in Owerri, he must be involved. I started pushing his songs on radio in Abuja and encouraging him.
“He met me in a hotel and I asked him to buy a drink and that I was going to pray for him. He bought the drink and I prayed and opened it. Shortly after, I connected him to Kcee. All I did was, I asked him to go to where Kcee was in a hotel lounge and tell him you are from me, that I sent you to come and greet him.
“Just like that, they connected and that was how Kcee invited him for events. One was at Lagos Festival and others; now his life has changed and he is now signed to Five Star Music.”
On a lighter note, the entertainment guru concluded, “Any artiste I pray for will surely succeed.”
Comments