Up Close And Personal With “KING OF MEAN” Of The Prestigious MTN Project Fame West Africa ,Ben Ogbeiwi (Uncle Ben)

Happy weekend people,despite having a crazy short week, thank God it's Friday...it's going to be a fun filled weekend,i'm so excited !who else is excited it's Friday?

Our celebrity for this weekend is no one but Benneth Ogbeiwi popularly called Uncle Ben : Music Director, Vocal coach, Band Manager,   music coordinator (both spiritual & secular),and “KING OF MEAN” of the Project Fame Academy.

 Please enjoy !

  
Lyn-nur : Your educational background?

Degree in Civil Engineering from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

 Lyn-nur :Your professional achievements?

As a Civil Engineer, I was a supervising manager for the construction of the Sura Shopping Complex, Dolphin Housing Estate 2, the Dolphin Shopping Centre to mention a few;

As a musician, I'm a member of the Faculty of the the very prestigious MTN  Project Fame West Africa, music director for the Award winning KAKADU THE MUSICAL, a few broadway plays ( Joseph and the amazing technicolor dream coat, Jesus Christ superstar, the vision, playhouse unplugged) put together by the PLAYHOUSE INITIATIVE; a non-profit organization..

 

Lyn-nur : Has music always been a passion of yours? How did your professional life begin?

Yes it has and my journey like that of everyone else started in church, coined by the late Elder Steve Rhodes, brought into light on MTN Project Fame West Africa by Ultima Studios. This in turn has transformed my self knowledge into what I share with a majority who also have this set skill.

 Lyn-nur : Where does the inspiration come from?

Basically from God, partly from movies with very amazing soundtracks and of course, everyday music from brilliant musicians.

Lyn-nur : What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?

Acceptance especially when everything then had to do with your name already in lights. I had to convince everyone in this trade based basically on merit.

 

Lyn-nur : What are some of your earliest memories of music?

Classical music because we had to accept that genre at an early stage in life. This has transformed greatly from listening to great compositions from the likes of Bongos Ikwe, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, Victor Uwaifo, Inyang Henshaw and the master himself, Fela.

I've tried to listen to all genres of music and draw knowledge from each one without losing out on the feel and unique luster each one has as an ingredient.

Lyn-nur : On a scale of 1-10, rate the Nigerian music industry.

I would say 5. Music is evolving but we must not forget that content in itself drives all the other elements in the industry.

It's not enough to have a fantastic beat and lose the message; the propensity for such hits to vaporize after a few days cannot be overlooked. So, all the elements in the right proportion will make such a song evergreen..

 Lyn-nur : Do you ever feel bad when you have to tell contestants they are terrible?

 

No I don't! I do leave room for advice though because the reason for the feat from inception becomes lost as fame always oozes into the mix. Fan base, money and acceptability replace hardwork, rules of engagement and most times, honesty..

Lyn-nur : Switching gear a bit...lol,

What does fashion and style mean to you?

Says a lot about an individual, how to be approached and what value such an individual holds in life.

Lyn-nur : Your most interesting fashion pieces

Shirts, shoes and watches..

 Lyn-nur : How do you go about choosing ‎the looks for each show?

There's usually a theme to that effect but being a member of the faculty drives it more. As teachers and role models, we are meant to be seen as the first contact of an emerging business which in this case, is the contending individuals on the show.

Lyn-nur : Your favourite designers ; clothes, shoes and other accessories

Clothes (suits & shirts): Moss 1851, T.M Lewin, Fred Thomas, Xzomo Couture

Shoes: DW, Xzomo Couture, St. David's ..

 Lyn-nur : Any fashion trends you won't try?

Scottish wear....

Lyn-nur :Finally Uncle Ben,your advice to those aspiring to be professional musicians!

Be true to yourself and the profession, stay on course, weather the storm and be disciplined always!