Brand ambassadorship??? em...em....what about.....???

A School of thought holds: 'Stars are made and not born'. I say, whether born or made, it is good to be a Star. Nigeria’s entertainment industry is sometimes like a theatre of comedy, especially when you put in the added spice of the involvement of telecoms companies.

All over the world its normal to see popular faces aka Stars, become Brand Ambassadors for companies’ products and services. For example, we have: Beyonce for Pepsi; Alicia Keys for Blackberry; Taylor Swift for Diet Coke; Lady Gaga for Polaroid; and Rory Mcllroy for NIKE. Therefore, it’s perfectly normal if the same thing is done in Nigeria.

However, considering the rivalry between the telecoms companies in Nigeria, one can only imagine the level it will be taken to. For instance:  
Glo has signed Waje, Omawunmi, Flavor, M.i, Naeto C, P Square, Bez, Lagbaja etc
MTN signed Iyanya, Davido, iMike, Chidinma, Praiz, Wizkid etc.

Now, this is ok for the industry, after all, money is flowing, and the Stars have paid their dues.

Funny thing though is, Glo also has actors, actresses and comedians as their Brand Ambassadors e.g. Basket Mouth, Desmond Elliot, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, Uche Jombo Rodriguez, Rita Dominic, Ali Nuhu, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Monalisa Chinda, PSquare and Sammy Okposo among other celebrities as ambassadors too. 

But Glo and MTN are just 2 out of 4 telecoms companies in Nigeria. So I wonder what will happen when Airtel or Etisalat has a big musical concert! Who will come to play there?
After all, it’s obvious the terms of agreement of the other telecoms ambassadors will not allow them perform at the shows of the companies’ rivals. Besides, if you remove all the listed names above from the list of Nigerian Stars, I wonder who is left! 
Who will Airtel and Etisalat sign as their Brand Ambassadors? 
Who will host their shows? 
Who will sing for them? 
Who will headline their shows? 
Who will walk their red carpets? 
Who will do their celebrity adverts? 
Who will act in their sponsored movies (if they decide to do some)?

It’s about time these telecom companies look at alternatives. What alternatives, you ask? Well, alternatives like Spoken Word Poetry. Funny, right?
Well, Spoken Word Poetry is a fast emerging Art in Nigeria, and Spoken Word Poets are multi-talented and creative people, and as the saying goes, it is important to “catch them young”.
There are a number of advantages telecoms companies stand to gain from investing in this Art form, especially as it is an untapped gold mine. 


I do know not everyone can see what I see, but if they wait till the Spoken Word Poetry industry fully matures before they decide to delve into it, they just might not have anyone to attend and/or perform at their events :). Ok, I am just kidding! 

But on a more serious note, helping to develop an industry is not something many companies can lay claim to, is it? 
Creating a Spoken Word Poetry industry would provide employment opportunities for otherwise jobless but creative youths. Spoken Word Poetry as an Art form is a genre of entertainment, which can also be used as a literacy development tool for communication, information and education. 

The time is right, and the time is now, because history can be made today. It is time to develop the Spoken word  industry in Nigeria!!!

By
Olumide Holloway
08025070892
08038315055
Olulu4ever@gmail.com

HOW TELECOM COMPANIES CAN MAKE MONEY FROM SPOKEN WORD POETRY IN NIGERIA.

The mere fact that you are reading this means one, you believe it and two, you like money :).

Well, don't worry, I did not write this just to catch your attention. What you have here is based on years of research.

But surely you don't expect me to just disclose "trade secrets" just like that. Though if you read between the lines, you will get a good idea of what I am “trying not to write in full.” But if you don’t get it, well, that’s why I am here as a consultant, and you know that, “there is nothing free in Freetown.”

Ok, so how can telecom companies make money from Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria?

First, what does Spoken Word Poetry and telecom companies have in common? Words!!! Whether it is written words (i.e. Texts, BBM, and Emails) or Spoken Words (i.e. phone calls and voice mails), they are words.

Two, it’s a known fact that talents are diverse, and people have aspiration as regards their talents. They want to showcase themselves on the big stage. That’s why musically inclined people who want to be a “TuFace,” “M.i ” or a “D’Banj,”  flock to a “Naija got talent” or “Project Fame.” They know after the competition there is a place, (call it industry if you like), for them to progress into.

So we looked at the model of Comedy growth in Nigeria and we created, WORD UP, the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria. After a couple of shows and a lot of noise, (pun intended), we have more poets than we ever can feature. Meaning, poets now have that “big stage” they crave for and also, we now need to introduce “conditions” before they can get to feature on that “big stage.”

Three, why would I want to be a Spoken Word Poet if there is no big platform to showcase my skills? Ok, we have got WORD UP (the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria). How do I get on WORD UP? Well, you have to cross seven rivers and climb seven mountains and bring us the head of an albino Eagle. Or pick up your phone and em………em ………..!!!!!

Four, with so many poetry writing competitions, why don’t we get to hear about the winners after the competition? And yes, there was a Performance Poetry/ Spoken Word competition last year; do you want to know what happened to the winner?

Five, how is WORD UP the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event in Nigeria? If you had people come in from Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Namibia and even UK, to feature at the event, is that big or not? Ok wait, I am still “coming” (pun intended).

If you have Shihan Van Clief and Black Ice coming in for your shows in May and August 2013 respectively, is that big or not?

For the uninitiated, you might want to ask, who is Shihan? Who is Black Ice? No, long thing, Google them, Google Def Poetry Jam, watch their videos on Youtube, and please note the number of views they have on Youtube.

Now imagine a “local, unknown boy (or girl)” sharing the stage with them. But getting on that stage is not automatic; after all, there are “no free oranges in Orange town.”

Six, enough rambling, how can telecom companies make money from Spoken Word Poetry in Nigeria? Hmm, my lips are sealed, go read between the lines, if you still don’t get it, then, call me, I am a consultant in this field, and I can assure you, we are not that many in Nigeria, and well, (rolls eyes), I still collect my fees in Naira.

But really, if you still don’t get it, let me put it this way. We have created a platform for “only the best Spoken Word Poets” to feature on. However, what qualifies a poet as been good enough to perform at WORD UP? Just like “Star,” they would need to be triple filtered and we know the drill in getting them “filtered.”

If it is still not clear to you, come talk to us, together we will set the “stairs” and add it to our platform. Hey, stop looking under the stairs that is not where the money is. The money is in “setting the stairs.”

My next two articles will be;

      1.    How Banks can make money from Spoken Word Poetry.

      2.    How FMCG can make money from Spoken Word Poetry.

Oops, that might need to wait until after May 18 2013. I’ve the biggest Spoken Word Poetry event to organize and Shihan Van Clief (the internationally renowned Spoken Word Poet) will be in town for the event.

Ciao.

By

Olumide Holloway

+2348025070892

olulu4ever@gmail.com

Do u remember the time??? (An Ode to Micheal Jackson)

Let me ask u,

Do u remember the time?

when the Liberian girl changed our world,

and we wanted to scream,

I love u, Liberian girl.

But just so u know, as per the Liberian girl,

well, the girl is mine.

Tonite,

I can see it in your eyes,

that u wanna be starting something,

so don't stop till u get enough.

U can act all dangerous,

or be a dirty Diana.

But before u start asking, who's bad?

well, u should know, I'm bad.

And I wanna rock with you,

cos u rocked my world and u know u did,

and everything I won, I give,

and it doesn’t really matter if u are black or white.

I want tonite to be a thriller…… a thriller night,

whether there is blood on the dance floor,

or blood on the knife,

it ain’t too much for me to jam,

and just beat it,

and shout,

billie jean is not my lover,

she is just a girl who claims I am the one,

but the kid is not my son,

after all, its human nature.

I wish I can tell u to hold my hand and we sing the earth song together,

I wish I could tell u, u are not alone, I am here with you,

but all I wanna say is that, they don't really care about us.

So I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways,

So we can heal the world,

and make it a better place,

for u and for me and the entire human race.

So tonight,

even if its just for tonight,

we are going Hollywood tonite.

 by

Olulu, (that is not a King from Zulu)

THE CAR...!!!!!

I love cars,

I love to drive them,

To be in control,

Make them jump when I press the controls,

Make them honk and horn for joy,

Service them as often as I can,

And walk away when the joy of driving the car is over.

Thus I have driven many a cars,

And well, crashed a few too.

Saw a car I really would love to drive,

The windscreen is one of a special kind,

With nice and attractive headlights,

A glistening and well tuned body structure,

Solid and well oiled engine,

And with a lovely, attractive and well rounded trunk to match.

It is simply a masterpiece.

I have a lovely dark car of my own,

A true masterpiece too,

And I love my car.

But I still wanted this car too.

I knew I couldn't drive it for as long as I would like,

But I still wanted to drive it.

I made my intentions known,

The car didn't mind,

Cos there seems to be a void I could fill.

But was told the car had a driver,

And that I could tag along if that didn't bother me

So I hopped into the passenger seat

Waiting, watching and biding my time.

After a long while of not getting a chance to be at the steering wheels,

I suddenly found myself at the back seat,

The back seat was full, over crowded and very uncomfortable

I stayed there for a while,

Hoping I could still make it into the driver’s seat, even if for a limited time.

But I had always lived my life according to simple rules

And one which states, “Enjoy it, don’t endure it, or else… walk away.”

I was enjoying the ride no more,

I was enduring it,

Many a request I made was turned down,

And since I was not in control, I couldn't afford to complain too much

So I still tried to enjoy it.

The back seat kept getting fuller, more crowded and more uncomfortable,

But the back seat was never a place meant for me,

I just had to get out

So I jumped out of the window,

No good byes, no reasons, no nothing.

I landed on my behind.

But I was happy I got out.

For a while my absence didn’t seem to be felt,

I also missed the warmth of the car,

I came to terms with the fact that,

I was probably being tolerated and not celebrated after all,

Then I noticed the brake lights were on,

And the reverse lights came on,

The car crept back,

Hesitant, but still crept back,

Didn't ask why I got out,

And I didn't bother to offer any explanation.

Now I stroll along the road with the car beside,

Would I get into the car again?

Well, maybe, or maybe not,

Or u know, on the condition that I get the driving seat,

But that would be selfish

Cos I can’t drive the car forever,

U know, I have a car of my own.

So now I walk,

Even though, I still would love to drive the car.

by Olulu, (the King not from Zulu).

WORD UP (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) Volume 2 comes up November 17, 2012

WORD UP 

(Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event). 

The idea behind the event is to use Poetry as an Art for entertainment, tool to increase literacy level, and as a means of communication, education and information.

Our goal is to create a Performance Poetry and Spoken Word industry where people can earn a decent living as Performance Poets. A  Spoken Word Poetry industry will help reduce unemployment in the Country as awareness and sponsorship of the Art form increases.

This Art form would also improve the literacy level in Universities and Secondary Schools, and among the populace, as a good Poet needs to be able to read and write, and must also be intellectually sound to be able to pass the message inherent his/her poetry performances to the audience.

The maiden edition of WORD UP (Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) was held on August 18, 2012. It took place at the UNILAG Guest House Lecture Theatre, Akoka, Lagos, and it was a delightful success. 

The next edition of our event, Word Up (a Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music Event) is scheduled to take place on November 17, 2012 at the UNILAG Guest House Lecture Theatre, Akoka, Lagos. 

  

If you wish to partner with us through sponsorship to showcase your products and services as we have the ability to deliver the following benefits:

·  Branding Opportunity

·  Media Exposure

·  Product/ Services Experience

·  Speaking Opportunity

·  Database Acquisition

Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Events is the next tidal wave that will sweep through our country, especially among the youth; do not miss the opportunity to ride on the waves.

Don't hate me cos I am poet (a Spoken Word Poem)

Don't hate me cos I am poet,

cos its one of the oldest profession on earth, after all,

it is written, "in the beginning was the word,

and the word was wih God, and the word was God."

So I can use my words like a sword,

sometimes I can hit out with it like an iron rod,

or use it to soothe and caress your soul,

and make u feel whole.

Don't hate me cos I am a poet,

For you might believe I am merely wasting my time,

but have you not read that, "a man's gift will create room for him and bring him before great men."

Did you not hear that, "a man diligent in his works will stand before Kings and not before ordinary people."

Though I do not mean to call you ordinary people,

but its a priviledge for you to read and see me perform for free;

what kings, Queens and all forms of Royalty pay me a huge fee.

Don't hate me cos I am a poet,

For this is the best way for me to express myself,

after all, the shortest  verse in the bible, John 11:35 said "Jesus wept."

This shows there is no shame in crying for a loved one who died.

So be not alarmed if you see me on stage with tears in my eyes,

I am merely expressing myself,

and I feel no shame for my tears.

Don't hate me cos I am a poet

For I use this means to talk about my Nation,

whose face is being perpetually rubbed in the semen of bribery and corruption.

Cos our leaders  continue to loot the treasury,

rape our sense of morality,

defy our cries for sanity

and make being honest and accountable equal to insanity.

  

Don't hate me cos I am a poet

For I can thrill your hearts with words,

words that strike your heart cords.

I can use words to do intellectual love making,

with no heart breaking,

no tears falling,

and no orgasm faking.

Just words that satisfy your heart cravings,

yet keep your body always wanting.

  

So, don't hate me cos I am a poet, cos it is what God has destined me to be,

and if you hate me, you hate God.

by Olulu, the King not from Zulu

Videos of recent editions of CHILL and RELAX ( A Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Event)

Videos of recent editions of 

CHILL and RELAX 

(A Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Event)

Soonest I Nathaniel doing "Breasts wey don fall...."

Plumbline with his poetic punchlines......!!!!

Olulu doing Rich and Famous....!!!!

Chill and Relax : 
September to remember

A Performance Poetry and Spoken Word open mic event 
holds on 

September 9, 2012 
(2nd Sunday of the month)

Time is 3pm

Venue is 16,  Abeni close,  ASA Estate, off Ayodele Okeowo street, after Deeper Life church, Soluyi Gbagada, Lagos

Featuring Naija Finest Poets.