in

‘I’m not afraid being the only female label owner in Africa’ – DON SUSSY

Susan Opute-Somosu
Susan Opute-Somosu

About two years ago, delectable Susan Opute-Somosu caused a revolution in Namibia music industry. She floated a multi-media entertainment empire in the small South-African nation, a feat achieved not only as a foreigner, but a woman. In Windhoek, Susan owns a state-of-the-art private music production and recording facility.
And the empire’s flagship, Sustones Records, since its birth, last year, has become the ‘go to’ studio in that country. The same feat she wants to replicate in her home country, Nigeria.
In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly on her visit to Lagos recently, to unveil her new artiste, Mr. Kuality, the first African first female label owner spoke about the male-dominated industry, and why she’s not afraid of being the only female in the business.

What has been happening since you launched your record label?
I came in last year for the purpose of introducing the label to Nigerians. I started from Namibia. I have taken my time to study the industry and realised that a lot of homework still need to be done. Now, we’re still busy with our Nigeria studio and some other strategic stuffs we need to put in place, because the Nigeria I am seeing right now is not the Nigeria I left. That’s why we had a bit of distance, and now we’re back.
Tell us what you have in stock for Nigerians now that you’re back?
If you remember back then, I told you about our concept. We’re trying to introduce House Music into Nigeria. It’s a kind of music that is popular in Southern Africa countries. We’re going to incorporate it with Afro-Nigeria music. Thank God Nigerians are getting use to this concept, though, they don’t know we call it House Music. We’ve just shot the video of our first single, entitled Magada with Patrick Elis.
What’s Magada and how was your experience working with Elis?
It was cool working with Patrick, but a bit tiring. Everything went fine, exactly the way we planned it. I was happy because I was on set too. The song is called Magada. It’s something big that gives you wow experience. It’s a Nigerian language, but more of street jargon.
How does it feel being the first female label owner in Africa?
It feels so good to be the first female record label in Africa. It’s something I didn’t expect. I didn’t come to the industry with that mindset. I didn’t even know I would be the first, because I felt the space is open for females. It’s something I have passion for. This should be eye opener for other women. They should not look at the industry as men’s thing, it’s for all.
What’s your assessment since you moved in?
The industry is okay, nice but a bit complicated. It’s tough and it’s only good for the strong, may be reason people believe it’s men’s thing. I am trying to take it easy.
Does that mean you’re afraid?
I am not afraid being the only female label owner. Without exaggeration, I am not afraid, because I have what it takes to become big in this industry. I am enjoying, not afraid.
How has it been running the label in Nigeria and Namibia?
It has been quite challenging, though interesting. It’s okay, nice, because it gives me opportunity to be running the label in West Africa, and promoting it in Southern Africa countries, it’s quite challenging. The advantage is we have opportunity to push our brand there.

‘Nigeria will definitely accept my kind of music’ – Sustones Record new Act, MR. KUALITY
Sustones Record has revealed a new act, Opute Samson Abiewu, famously known as Mr. Kuality. The Nigerian born Namibia based singer dropped his first music video entitled, Magada, directed by award-winning Patrick Elis.
Mr. Kuality spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly on his style of song, House Music, and believes Nigerians would definitely accept it.

Mr. Kuality
Mr. Kuality

Why did you decide to come home?
Because Nigeria has the biggest market. Nigerians are everywhere doing great in music. Nigerians are like weather that you see everywhere in the world. I came home to join the industry and I am happy to be here, especially to re-unite with my twin brother and other siblings.
Really?
Yes. My twin brother works as a Networking Engineer. My father is late and my mother is still alive. I am happy to be back home, and for the support I am receiving. It’s massive and mind-blowing.
How did you come across your label boss, Madam Susan?
I met her in Namibia. She’s already an entertainment guru there. One day, someone heard my song, and was marvelled about my singing prowess. He promised to link me with someone that would help me, which later became Madam Susan when I finally met her, she listened to my song, and was ready to help. I am now the first artiste to be signed on her record label.
How does it feel to be the first artiste to be signed on Sustones Record?
I feel great,  I won’t lie to you. It’s not easy to be signed because there are so many great artistes, most especially in Nigeria. That is why I said  I am privileged, and I thank God.
How do you want to shuttle Nigeria and Namibia?
I am fully back in Nigeria, but I will still be going to Namibia. I have fans there, it won’t be proper to forget them like that. I will still be going there for shows.
What do you want to offer Nigerians now that you’re back?
I have so many great songs. I just finished shooting the visual for my song, Magada. The video was shot by Patrick Elis.
What is Magada?
It means something big. It’s a normal street talk, like when DBanj would say Kokolet. So, Magada is something that’s massive and you wow when you see it.
What’s your assessment of the industry since you’re back and your chances of survival?
I have heard a lot of people asking me this question. How am I going to compete or survive the industry where we have great artistes. First, I believe in myself, and that will get me places. With more of hardwork too, prayer and dedication, I believe I would get there. If you believe, you can move a mountain.
More collaborations?
Right now, I am planning to feature big artistes in Nigeria and abroad. I love to work with Davido and these South Africa duo, Mafikizolo. I love Mafikizolo because they also do House Music.
Tell us more about Mr. Kuality?
I finished my secondary school at Adebayo Makolu College, later went to Ilupeju College. I studied Political Science Education at Lagos State University in 2007. After that, I travelled to Namibia, where I started working to earn living. Last year, I joined the entertainment industry in Namibia, though I have been in the game for years, I didn’t take it serious. I took it serious last year. Here I am, signing onto Sustones Record.
Something unique about you?
My name is Kuality that means, I am quality. If you’re quality, you stand out, and I believe Nigerians should accept me because I am quality. There is no House Music in Nigeria, I will start it in Nigeria. I will be there, up there, by God’s grace with my kind of song.

– RASHEED ABUBAKAR

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Mixed reactions trail LASU fees reversal

Chinese alcohol manufacturer arrested for adding Viagra to drinks