Encomium
– Susan Opute-Somosu
Nigeria-born, Namibia-based entrepreneur, Susan Opute-Somosu is the first female label owner in this era. She successfully floated a multi-media entertainment empire, Sustones Records in Windhoek, Namibia just a year ago and has watched it grow in leaps and bounds.
The graduate of Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos, in this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, explains how she ventured into the entertainment industry, why she came to establish her label in Nigeria, and much more.
What prompted you to start a record label?
I actually started with beauty business in Namibia and one way or the other, I had people approaching me to manage them.
I didn’t know much about the music industry then as I had never done anything like that. So I did my research and also discovered that Nigerian music dominates Namibia. I thought about it and decided to try it out. This led me to start Sustone Records.
When was that?
We started just last year but our popularity and growth over there has beaten my imagination. This success led me to say we have gotten to a point where I think I should come back home and set up here.
But why did you have to start the label in Namibia before bringing it home?
I left Nigeria a long time ago. I didn’t leave because of entertainment or business, but when I got there, I realised that Nigerians were celebrated a lot, not only by Nigerians but Namibians. I also found out that anything that had to do with Nigeria, be it music, movies or anything whatsoever, as far as it is from Nigeria, it is highly celebrated over there.
How many artistes do you have on the label now?
I have a Nigerian artiste, because I was actually managing two artistes there. Now, I have a Nigerian on my label and we have decided that the artiste should not come in now until we make ourselves known as a label in Nigeria. I know that the market is more competitive here but I’m confident that with the unique flair we’ll bring in terms of infusing their style into ours and if we can successfully add that to our music here, I believe a lot of people will embrace it.
How successful is Sustones Records in Namibia?
So far, I think we are not doing badly over there but there is nothing as good as coming back home with what you’ve been able to do out there. We’re not coming in to compete with anybody. We are just coming in to see what impact we can make on the music scene here.
Have you considered having a producer who understands the market here and the kind of music that will do well and what is the name of your artiste?
The artiste’s name is Naijaboy. We have taken alot of things into consideration before we embarked on this project. We didn’t just go for any producer in Namibia. We went for the best, his name is Eleo. He is an award winning producer over there. Moreover, when Naijaboy comes back to Nigeria, he’ll be coming with our producer and we can work together with Nigerian producers but we need the Southern African producer because they understand the beat I told you about. I’m quite sure we’re on the right path.
How would you compare the entertainment industry in Namibia to that of Nigeria?
The entertainment industry in Namibia is still a bit far compared to that of Nigeria and that is why we cannot be content with being big over there. We have to come to Nigeria and establish ourselves.
Does Naijaboy have any single to his credit yet?
Yes, we have singles, Ile Ijo and we have also shot the video. Another single we have out now is Olote. We are also planning to collabo with big stars here but we have not made up our mind yet. So, I can’t mention anybody right now.
How has it been running a record label as a woman?
I don’t actually see a big deal in that. I know it is male dominated but I think gone are those days when you say some things are meant exclusively for men and other things for the women. I believe that it is the zeal that matters.
You’ve not had any difficulty in the business because you are a woman?
So far, I’ve not had any problem because I’m a woman. Maybe later it will come up but for now, there’s nothing like that. I’m comfortable doing this and I believe in myself. I believe it’s your passion that matters whether you’re male or female.
Do you plan to do songs yourself now or in the future?
That I can’t say right now. Nothing is impossible and I can never say never but for now, there is no such plan. What the future holds in that regard, I do not know. Just like it was never in my plan to go into the music industry, I believe that anything can happen.
– OLARONKE MORGAN
