Country director of Soundcity in Ghana, Agbonwaneten Ebuwa Martins, talks about differences in showbiz trends between Nigeria and Ghana and the difficulty he faced convincing his family to support his passion for showbiz. He spoke with Azuka Ogujiuba
What were you planning to do before you found your niche in the entertainment industry?
Getting into university then was difficult. I planned to study accounting but I couldn’t meet up the cut-off mark so I settled for mathematics. I’ve always loved entertainment but my family did not sanction that, especially my late father. But everyone in my family is happy with me now.
How has it been like since relocating to Ghana and taking up a bigger challenge in the country’s entertainment industry?
It has indeed been a challenge. I’d like to describe my coming to Ghana as a journey that I’ve learned a lot from. The Ghana entertainment industry is quite different from that of Nigeria in many ways. So there were some adjustments I had to make, through the lessons I learned. So I should say it has been rough, shaky but very successful in the end. There are bigger plans in the pipeline.
Tell us what your job entails and your plans for Soundcity Ghana?
My Job is pretty tedious and very demanding of my time, personal skill and finance. As the country director of Soundcity, I dabble my hands in almost everything that is entertaining, from fashion to music concerts etc. I involve myself in very big events that have the interest of entertainment lovers at heart. Most times, I organize these events, other times I support. My major plan for Soundcity in Ghana is to maintain its branded image as one of the media giants of Africa, by fostering the relationship between the Ghana entertainment industry and other entertainment industries in Africa.
What are the challenges of setting up Soundcity in Ghana and how has the response been?
Before gold comes out looking all shiny and beautiful, it goes through a lot of heat and beating, the more you heat n beat the finer it becomes. That’s my story in Ghana. It wasn’t all rosy when I got here, but the challenges like the market power, the kind of things Ghanaians like and all of that almost discouraged me. But I saw all of that as a challenge, and as I overcame each of them, I saw myself getting higher. The response Soundcity in Ghana is getting is remarkable, and it encourages me to work more.
How would you rate the Ghana’s entertainment scene compared to Nigeria’s?
Nigeria’s entertainment scene is quite broad, and the people are receptive to new styles, unlike that of Ghana. The entertainment industry seems to be going in one direction because the entertainers want to satisfy the people. Ghanaians would rather enjoy what they are used to. They are not very adaptive to change. And then the business part of it is affected by the population in Ghana. In all, both countries enjoy entertainment. In the next five years I see the Ghana entertainment industry growing because their people are beginning to open up in many ways.
You also have a company called White Martinz; what services does it offer?
White Martinz Production Ltd is a company that deals with promotion, music and movie production, artist branding, fashion and event management. The company is registered in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia.
Before you started work with Soundcity, you were known and associated with Legendry Gold, organisers of the Nigerian Fashion Show, how were you able to get into music so fast and soon?
Well, the two major aspects of entertainment are fashion and music. They go hand in hand. With the flair and experience I have for both aspects it was a piece of cake for me to delve into music. Fashion is all about branding yourself physically with suitable outstanding attires; this works pretty well for entertainers. I love good music and I am a professional critic, working with Soundcity has made me utilize my skills to the maximum. I knew it would be this way before I got into it. Nigeria Entertainment Awards in New York also contributed to my migration to music. I love organizing parties, started way back in secondary school
Tell us about your time as an international coordinator for Nigerian Fashion Show and your relationship with Lexy Mojo–Eyes?
Lexy Mojo Eyes is like my elder brother, a friend, a boss, business associate and a mentor. I learnt a lot from him. I started as the Abuja coordinator of Nigeria Fashion Show before moving to Lagos then to Europe. I still do stuff with Nigeria Fashion Week.
Are you a fashionista?
Yes, I am.
Which celebrity, dead or living, would you like to work with on an entertainment event?
It will be Basorge and Psquare.
Who in the world will you like to dine with?
My dad, but unfortunately he is not alive and my ex-wife, Yemi Moses.
Which star’s phone would you like to flip through?
Seyi Shay, Joselyn Dumas and Stella Damasus.
Which celebrity in the world do you think has a near perfect life style?
Celine Dion and Alicia Keys.
Which jewellery designer you think has designs that can stand the test of time?
I’m not crazy about jewellery, so I don’t know much about Jewellery designers
What outfit can you not be caught dead in?
A bandana, short and baggy trousers.
If a fashion police could search your wardrobe, do you think you would be arrested for any fashion blunder?
Well, considering how very subjective fashion is, I may not and I just might. I wear what looks good on me and do not follow the trend. I blend in very nicely but you can never see me wearing short because I don’t have nice legs for it.
Who is Ebuwa Martins?
Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten is a perfectionist and a hardworking business-oriented person. I am not a dull Jack because I make time for play and work. Basically, I strive to be the best at what I do.
How old are you?
I’m in my late 30s.
Tell us about your background?
I grew up in a humble background but a broken home. My dad was a strict and my background was just normal, nothing too fantastic
If you are to go on an island for an exotic weekend, what are the five things you would take along?
My laptop, my phone, my Bible, box of clothes and my woman.
What is the most memorable Valentine gift you have ever received from your wife?
For your information, I am no longer married. Memorable Valentine gifts was with my ex wife, Oluyemi Moses, I have never been to a spa before and we both had a wonderful time there.
What is your most expensive fashion accessory?
My wrist watch.
What is your fashion fetish?
Suit is my fashion fetish and lovely shirts.
What do you crave about most time?
Suits, jeans, perfume and shirts.
What is your present Blackberry ringtone?
Cece Winans’ Say a Prayer.
Apart from your job, what else do you like to indulge in?
Sport like football, tennis and athletics.
If you were the president, what would be the first law you will implement?
It would be jail term for anyone who marries a minor.