Encomium
Austino Milado (Austine Charles Uyammadu) came into limelight with the release of the album, Super Eagles Carry Go in praise of Nigeria’s team’s exploit in football, particularly the US 94 World Cup.
And years after the well accepted and melodious beat, Austino Milado is still a name to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
In recognition of this fact, the Ogbaru, Anambra singer has enjoyed the goodwill of fans and prominent Nigerians and leading brands.
The gyration crooner and versatile entertainer recently cornered a commercial deal with leading telecom company, Airtel.
He spoke with ENCOMIUM Weekly about it, while opening up on his career and family.
Congratulations on your recent deal with Airtel?
Thank you very much.
How does it feel?
Austino Milado is into a whole lot. I am synonymous with football music and other genres of music. We are coming up strong so, it feels good to really be heard and be recognized.
What is the deal with the telecom giant all about?
I’ve been working with Airtel for a while and when they started their new promo, I keyed into it through one of their media platforms. You can see our fantastic commercials in leading national dallies.
Airtel is a big brand. We are pushing it one step to another step.
What was working with the brand like?
I am not yet an Airtel ambassador. It’s an indirect deal. And when the opportunity to feature in their commercial came, I grabbed it through my agents.
Is Austino Milado representing Airtel good for the brand? Yeah, it’s a good and mutually beneficially deal.
So, it is commercially rewarding?
It’s all about brand meeting brand. Definitely, it was a cool deal.
How much was involved?
That wouldn’t be necessary. But I made good money. If you see me there, I am smiling.
You had done a lot commercial wise before now. You have worked with Harp and many other leading brands. Can you reveal some other ones?
Yes, I’ve done a whole lot of jobs but I can’t start listing them out now. As you can see, Austino Milado is on the verge of striking a bigger deal.
Your album, Super Eagles Carry Go is rated as Nigeria’s most popular soccer gyration album. What would you attribute this feat?
Nigerians love football. In fact, all humans love football and I just contributed my own quota by doing what is right, trying to ginger and inspire Nigerian players to victory through my songs.
Interestingly, these songs are now evergreen. It’s love for country, fellow country people and football. We all know that sports, especially football is what unites all Nigerians, so, I’m not surprised that people would always indentify with my songs. It’s all about entertaining Nigerians and the world at large.
In terms of circulation, the album also cuts across all parts of Nigeria, did you make all the money many thought you should have made?
As you can see I’m not looking hungry. I drive my choice car. I live in a befitting and my family is relatively comfortable. What else should I ask of God? I can’t really say if all these are commensurate with the rating of my songs. All I know is that I did what I ought to do in celebrating our football stars at that point in our history. And I think what is good is coming to me.
You celebrated some of Nigeria’s finest footballers in your songs. Any regret?
Super Eagles Carry Go is about football. I am not regretting anything at all. Like I said, I’m cool. It’s a good thing I did and I think it has also been equally rewarding.
There is no regret at all, I think everyone still enjoys it. People are still loving it and I am feeling it. I am not looking for any other thing than the satisfaction Nigerians get from my songs.
I get calls from all parts of the world. Surprisingly, I get calls from Super Eagles fans in Cambodia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Australia, of course, Nigerians are scattered all over the world. So, you expect my music would be 
appreciated globally, in the Americas, Asia, Europe and the utmost part of the world.
Calls keep coming on daily basics as if the song was released recently coupled with the power of social media, millions download my songs too. My fans are spreading rapidly. It’s all about loyalty.
Talking about your fans, many have been asking what you’ve been doing years after the Super Eagles Carry Go hit?
Austino Milado is dynamic and trendy. Austino Milado is a cultural ambassador, Austino Milado is gyration exponent, Austino Milado is hip hop and afro pop star. So, I’ve been doing good music and so many things.
I’m coming out strong with general songs that cut across different genres. So, I’m working. And very soon, you will start feeling me. You will soon hear more music me, other than gyration.
You have singles out?
Yes, I’ve got a lot online. There are so many tracks. I will still unleash more.
How is the family front?
It’s cool. Austino Milado is a family man. I am married with children.
What does your wife do?
My wife is a medical worker with a private hospital. She is a matron there.
Where is she from?
She is from Cross River State, but she is more Igbo than her original tribe. In fact, she speaks Igbo more than me.
Where are you from?
I am from Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State. We are from the Riverrine side the state.
How do you pamper your family?
Like I told you, I have all girls in the house. So, I have to take good care of them. I like to listen to them. I spend quality time with them and give them ears all the time. I used to drive them around. They like daddy to take them to places. My children don’t call me daddy, they call me Austino Milado.
How did you get the moniker, Austino Milado?
Austino Milado is spiritual. I can’t really remember but my name is Austine. Then Milado is coined perhaps from musical notes D-r-m-la-dooo. You get it? I think I got it in Port Harcourt, Rivers State years back.
What did you study?
Business Administration, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
Where did you serve?
In Rivers State.
Can you predict your future in music?
My future is very bright. My future is blinding. It’s brighter than fluorescent bulb, sparkling like galaxy.
What do you want from God at this stage of your career?
I believe I have just started. I strongly believe this is my beginning. In fact, the sky is my starting point. I am coming strong and I need God to continue to be on my side.
I am looking forward to releasing songs that would rule the world and catapult me to unrivaled stardom. That’s my dream.
-UCHE OLEHI
