While working on a text documentary titled #ATripTo2012 where he is expected to reveal some of his earliest experiences in the music and media industry, the founder of www.otowngist.com Mr. Chinedu Hardy Nwadike has revealed that singer Naut-B was the first to pay him One Thousand Naira (N1000) in 2012 when he launched www.otowngist.com.
While trying to work out the fact that artistes were more serious then, Hardy revealed how he would trek from Mbari Street Ikenegbu Layout Owerri, to Christ Church Road and other areas farther than that in search of stories.
He wrote “In that funny year, I could remember waiting at the reception, looking insignificant while waiting to see music producer Young Roc. I could remember trekking from Mbari Street to his studio which was then located at Christ Church Road by Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State. I would also walk from there to meet the famous Regiz, after calling severally for an appointment”
He revealed that the best he got from most people he visited for interview was just a welcome drink which only came on the first days, and no one cared to pay for his services.
“I was going to believe those who said I would never succeed because even when I had already talked to some ‘big’ names, no one was still willing to ask me how much I was charging.
After interviewing to Naut-B that afternoon, I could still remember the fear in his eyes. He hesitated before bringing out that neat N1000 bill and said ‘Baba abeg manage this one. I know say no be anything compared to wetin you de do for me’. I smiled and took the money” Hardy said.
He went on to say that then, artistes were ready to do anything to succeed unlike now that they have to sit down as ‘unknown’ bosses.
“We were always ready to go that extra mile to be known. We were always ready to do that extra thing to promote our project unlike now that we have all become big boys and chairmen that are not still known as much as we have always wanted”
Hardy has been gathering testimonies and comments from people who were big players in the music industry of Imo State as at 2012. He said: “2012 holds my best memories in the industry because that was when everything began for me and it’s been a wonderful journey back in time. I’ve been reading articles and listening to old songs which I am hoping to release in this project.
I will be linking it to some of the songs done in that year or earlier including Bee’s ‘Sweet Lullaby’; XBusta’s first songs that were never released; General Sleezy’s ‘Wicked Boises’ and others”
