Oyin Ameen may be short in stature but not in experience. He is rated as one of the biggest artiste managers in the country as he has shown over the years with the management of successful artistes such as Jahbless, Reminisce and more. He’s currently handling the affairs of popular Music producer, Krizbeatz and has been able to use his wealth of experience to transform the career of the young man, who is now rated as the king of new wave music producers. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Ameen, speaks on how he handles his job and new projects.

How has life been as an artiste manager?

I am proud of myself. I have been able to inspire many people in my field and other fields especially people I grew up with. When I decided I wanted to become a talent manager in high school, it wasn’t a lucrative job in Nigeria back then. There was nobody I could say I wanted to be like. I looked at the lives  of talent managers in America. People like Suge Knight and Irv Gotti. Today, we have great people young people, who can aspire to be like me and other successful managers. So, it feels great watching the industry grow, and I am very proud to be part of the growth.

You have successfully managed the Krizbeatz’s brand to the international level. You must be proud of your achievement at this point…

I am very proud and in fact, I feel like a genius. I appreciate Krizbeatz for trusting me and giving me the wheel of his career. The truth is that without his support it wouldn’t have been possible. He is the first Nigerian producer, (not a musician) to release an album. He’s the first to embark on a nationwide tour and even an African tour, touching seven countries. We did a lot of new things; we changed the narrative. Today, he is one of the most admired producers in and out of Africa. I am very proud of our achievements and I am very excited about what we have in the pipeline.

Pushing your brand and other people’s brands must have been quite difficult, but you have been doing it effortlessly for some years now. How hard has it been?

Greatness comes from serving others for the right price. It’s easy for me because my job is about service. When you see my brands doing great, that’s me doing great. It’s quite easy, though, I don’t do the cheap lousy video appearances. I just focus on the business. People would look for me and say we know you are doing the magic. They understand that there is a brain behind the success stories of the artistes I manage. People call me from far and near for my services and I feel great providing such services.

•  My experience working with, Krizbeatz, Reminisce, others —Oyin Ameen

When you started, you probably didn’t see all this coming your way. How are you coping with your quick rise in the game?

My rise isn’t so quick. I started this journey professionally in 2009. That was when I actually registered my company, Streets Legend, and I started a music publication same year. Before then, I have been doing a lot of stuff in the background. Yes, I am lucky and blessed with amiable talents like Jahbless, Reminisce, Sojay, Oladips, Krizbeatz, Marqai, Cardoso. They made my job easier because they are all popular brands that people love to associate with. That being said, who is a talent manager without a talent? Everything I have got now is earned. I worked for it with the help of God. So, I am coping fine and I am still working harder because when you realise hard work pays, you will go even harder, when you are sure the return will come.

Is it true that you make a lot of money off the artistes you manage?

I am making a lot of money; I ride on the back of the work I have done over the years.

With everything going digital now and artistes sealing deals online, with or without the help of their managers, what’s the future for your job?

In every sphere of life, change comes, and then some people fall off while others update themselves and make even more money. In the medical line, we have new equipment and we have old doctors that update themselves and are still relevant. Even herbal doctors are advanced now; mechanics use machine to diagnose car faults.

In our field, some of have mastered the art of new age digital music, artiste right, publishing etc. It’s a four- year University course I have studied. I buy a lot of expensive books, so as to be relevant. I make a lot of digital money for my clients, so they need me because I have the keys they need in the new digital age.

You are also working with Cardoso, one of the fast-rising cinematographer and director. The young man is making a name for himself presently. What can you say about his brand?

I always like the unusual. I like to think outside the box. This is what we are doing uniquely. Cardoso is making very brilliant music videos and even more extremely brilliant movies. There has not been any director that strikes a balance in both industries. He can stand with anyone in both industries. He is a genius. I am excited about what the future holds for him.

When will he get to the level of Clarence and Unlimited LA?

His growth has been tremendous, but some things need time. Don’t forget that the people you are talking about are not slowing down as well, and they started ahead of him. It’s too quick to judge, but trust me he has earned the respect of the people he looks up to and the future is very promising.

What’s your next call now as regards management ?

I have co-written some very successful Nigerian movie scripts. My client, Cardoso has equally shot some awesome Nollywood movies; Krizbeatz has produced sound tracks for many major movies and even handled sound for some of them; so we are working on our own movie together. I can assure you that we are coming for the cinema money.

Tell us about other things you do apart from talent management?

I have investments in real estate and agriculture. I have interest in politics; branding, image making and I am a political analyst. I have developed passion for politics, I see myself doing something around it in the nearest future.

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