Encomium
MULTI-talented Wazobia FM on-air personality (OAP) and hilarious sit-com actor, Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw, is set for his annual concert, Yaw Live Show on Sunday, March 30, 2014, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
ENCOMIUM Weekly took him up on preparations for the show and sundry issues…
How are you preparing for your forthcoming show, Yaw Live Show at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos?
So far, God has been faithful. It has been good. I am ready and so is Julius Agwu ready for the show. Basically, everything is on point for the show including the play.
What is the show all about?
Every year, I come up with a title for a play I would work on and this year, I came up with The Street, which is a replica of what the common man on the street believes about the government. Every year, I try to do a satire of things that have been happening in previous years to the current year. We merge everything together and come out with something humorous.
What innovation are you putting into this year’s edition?
Normally, I usually do a two-man show. Last year, it was Funke Akindele and I. But this year, I am introducing a dance troupe and they would exhibit their own kind of dance steps. Also, I would have Timi Dakolo who would be ending the show proper. So, basically I am fussing everything together to become one. This year is totally different from what people have seen before.
What are some of the lapses you noticed in last year’s edition that you want to improve on?
Previous years, I had two shows but this year, I decided to fuss everything into just one interesting show which is the main reason I chose Eko Hotel & Suites. People would end up standing and delayed and I don’t want that to repeat itself. Second, I feel it is high time for me to step up the ladder. I have been at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos six years and I want this to be different from the previous ones.
How much have you invested on this year’s show?
I don’t want to disclose how much has been spent but you can guess with the cost of Eko Hotel. Some of the artistes are also showing their support but that does not mean they are not collecting something. I would say it is not easy.
How do you intend getting back all you have invested?
I have some companies that would be supporting me. The likes of Golden Penny, V-Connect, Indomie, Lekki Gardens, Eko Hotel, Flytime Promotions and many more. They will help me cut down my expenses.
Why Eko Hotel & Suites?
I picked it out of all others because the name alone depicts the event, it gives the event a leverage and people will get to talk about it.
Do you think this year’s show would be a success?
I strongly believe and I know that it would be a success because judging from the preparations and the way people are responding, I am sure it will turn out very well.
Who are the guest artistes we are expecting?
I can’t mention them all, they are so many but I have the likes of Limpopo master, Kcee, Harrysong, Chidinma, Illbliss, Phyno, Olamide, M.I, Waje, J. Martins, Solidstar. We have so many musicians to grace the event and also lots of comedians too.
What has being an OAP done for you?
I have an endless list but all I can say is it makes me free to express myself.
How would you rate the success of your radio and television shows?
I can’t be more grateful, it has been God all the way. I feel the media would be in a better position to do the rating. At least, if nothing at all, I know I am getting a lot of sponsors, advertisements for my T.V show, Yaw and Myn and for my radio programme, it is constant. So for me, I think that is a huge success.
How challenging has it been?
I am a kind of person that does not see challenges rather I see opportunities.
What has been the pains and gains?
For the gains, I have learnt to always get better in all I do.
How have you been surviving in the industry over the years?
The basic thing is, I do not believe that I have competitors. I just go ahead and do my thing. I give all glory to God.
– DOLAPO AMODENI
