As the year 2018 gradually comes to an end, in the Nigerian entertainment industry, it’s inevitable that we will begin to take stock of the biggest players, those who were ably to create materials and performances that generated the most impacts/money locally and internationally. But despite the obvious affluence or make-believe, I must confess to you that the industry remain stagnate. Just like the previous years, we are in the same bubble where major entertainers and entrepreneur come in and exit without establishing any major structures to pass knowledge and empower prospective future generations. It’s a vicious circle of artists/performers not investing in the industry that feeds them. Often, they get the applause, make and spend the money without investing until they stop trending and go broke.

Looking from the angle of available properly structured system, over the years till date, arguably, I can’t find any artist with a structure that house a proper well equipped recording studio. In the music video orbit, we have had several music video directors that raked in several millions over the years but hardly can I find any that own or co-own a suitable complex where any form of visual can be created. Most of the Nigerian indie entertainment companies struggled to build their business as an established institutions that can survive time, proficient enough to collaborate with internationally owned corporations. While most artists are busy flaunting their cars and sometimes dollar bills on social media, one of the most respected choreographers Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, known as Kaffy, has gone ahead to build a conglomerate that will change the Nigerian entertainment industry landscape.

I was privilege to have a tour of Kaffy incorporated office complex that house three of her companies which includes, Imagnito limited (A dance agency that caters for dance training, dance creative solutions, artists performance management), Yanga Life Costume and Clothing limited (A company that produces costumes for stage shows, music videos apparels and sports wears) , and lastly IJODA Fitness and Wellness Limited ( A fitness training and a dance burnout agency). Going through the facilities in this three-story building office complex, the spaces and structure can also be used for any form of music videos, photography studio space and a recording studio. When I asked what’s the inspiration behind everything, she replied, “my mission is to create a Fortune 500 company, a conglomerate where dance services and brand can be achieved. From the get go when i incorporate my company in 2006, my intention was not just to create a dance group, all I wanted was to establish a dance organization that will provide platforms for generations to come”.

Driving back from her office on the island and seeing Kaffy on several Hennessy billboards all along the way, the thoughts of how much time and capital this lady has invested became overwhelming. She has proved that dancers and the dance industry can be banked on.

Words By Sesan Adeniji