Nigeria as a whole has embraced mediocrity over quality - Rolake Bello

Kindly and briefly introduce #EncoreTIMIN

This is a collective of dreamers, who believe that Ibadan needs to claim its rightful place in the Nigerian entertainment industry. We bring to bear over 40 years of collective experience in this industry spanning at least 3 continents. What we dream of here is a platform for our home grown talents as well as a meet and greet for industry bigwigs and up and comings.

Where is the city's rightful place in entertainment?

What we dream of here is a platform for our home grown talents as well as a meet and greet for industry bigwigs and up and comings. Ibadan the centre of the former western region was the home of entertainment and the arts a few decades ago, that is where we should be and are headed to.

What has your organization done so far in that regard?

We have collectively pooled together award shows locally and internationally, events with over 6,000 guests. We have years in radio and TV as well as in advertising.

Tell us about the forthcoming programme in Ibadan

This is more than an event for us; it is also a dream bigger than any one person. It is a platform to elevate the status of the city Of Ibadan and its talents – both known and upcoming. It’s that chance to be heard.

Also we would like to give Ibadan a reason to come out. We get all sorts of excuses, so, we've brought that organisation we all crave to IB city; this is what we term 'Tiwa ni Tiwa’.

That sounds huge. Who are you expecting there?

We have pulled our own resources to pull this off, no sponsor. We are going to have the town's best artistes, both performing and making appearances. We have the best in the entertainment industry: OAPs, DJs, VJs. Performing artistes include Pizzie, Portah, Phizzle, King DJ Secxy, Ydee, Tundey, Zorah, Glenn, Classique, Femi Knight, Young Froddo, Teesongz, Tuwyze, Jayru; and a live band  just to name a few.

Any special guests?

Everyone is special, this is not a money making jamboree, we have people who are serious minded and passionate about the industry. All shall be revealed at the event.

When and where will the event be holding?

On Friday 1st November 2013, at Smoothabar, Abal Halls, Akobo, Red carpet at 7pm

Is it all night?

No it’s not; it’s a 3-hour show followed by an after party.

Where is the after-party taking place?

That's reserved for the day and participants

Okay. What's the gate fee?

It’s free and we have free cocktails for the first couple of dozen people that come early on the red carpet. Tables are available for "friends" at NGN20,000 to support the movement.

What other information would you like to put out there?

We need to switch the game, have a paradigm shift, we need to let it be known that Ibadan rocks and support our own acts, Djs, OAPs etc

What is your view about shows like night of thousand laughs and d rest that are held here without featuring Ibadan acts?

Egregious, a slap in the face, we will nail that coffin with #EncoreTIMIN. You feature us or your show flops. We will mobilize our people.

In terms of quality of delivery, do you think Ibadan musicians can really compete with those from Lagos?

I can say authoritatively that 90% if not more of the so called acts are not Lagos indigenes, so, what exactly do we term Lagos acts. With the right platforms and incentives we will rule the game.

Why are Ibadan acts no longer "blowing" like the days of Maintain and the rest?

Because Nigeria as a whole has embraced mediocrity over quality