Nigerian Music Director, Adiukwu Daniel Nkemakolam, popularly known as ‘KEMZART‘ in this exclusive chat with EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN, talks about what triggered him towards choosing filmmaking as a career, and brief insight into some of his works. Excerpts:
What triggered your decision to choose video directing as a career?
Growing up, I have always been an artiste. I used to draw and paint while I was young, and then I evolved. I just knew that I wanted to do something bigger, and at some point, I was a graphic designer. I used to make cover art for musicians, and I just felt the need to evolve.
I felt I could do more than just being a graphic designer. I asked myself questions “What is the next thing I could be on?” and the answer was film making, specially music videos. That’s how I came about shooting music videos, due to the need to evolve.
Can you give us a short list of Nigerian artist you have worked for and the video directed?
Okay! Well I shot “Baddest Boy by Skiibii”, “Obapluto by Shallipopi”, “Yawa No Dey End by Majeeed ft Joeboy “, “Waist by King Perryy ft Kizz Daniel”, “Live Forever by Kayode”, “Nyem-Ego by Blackbonez ft Jeriq” and “Cast by Shallipopi ft Odumodu Black”.
What’s your perception about entertainment and how it has shaped the image of the country?
Entertainment is a very essential part of our lives. It helps us unwind, it helps relieve stress, and it also boosts cultural enrichment.
Yes, it is very essential and it has shaped Nigeria in many great ways, because entertainment is one of our greatest exports in recent times.
It has placed Nigeria on the global scale and it has gained us some recognition and respect. Yes it has been one of our greatest assets and am proud to be part of this movement, I am definitely privileged.
Among the artistes you have worked with, who did you enjoy working with?
I enjoyed most of my shots, but if there is one person I will specifically talk about is Blackbonez, because he is an all-round creative. He gets heavily involved in his projects, I like how particular he is about his brand and he is very upright. He is top on my list, but I definitely enjoyed working with most of the artistes I worked with.
The last video you shot, Shallipopi featuring Odumodu Black ‘Cast’, what inspired the video?
It is vibes guided by happiness. It is a song that makes you happy and makes you want to dance. It kinda gives you this somehow feeling. I felt that I should incorporate some bright and summer colours to keep the video very vibrant, and happy all the way to the end, you know that’s basically just a great vibes, positive vibes.
How do you ensure a production stays within the allocated budget?
Planning! It all starts from pre-production, and we ensure while planning we don’t go up and beyond the resources we have available for the project, no matter how enthusiastic we are about the project, we try to be disciplined to stay within the budget, keep our ideas realistic and available. That helps us to plan all through the project not to go above the proposed budget.
What are the challenges you encounter as a music video director?
One of the challenges I face as a video director in Lagos, Nigeria, is having to deal with the chaos of filming inside Lagos.
It is a very clustered city, it doesn’t really encourage film making because of it’s nature and it is definitely a problem. We usually find a way around it.
Another issue is the weather. In Nigeria the weather is kinda harsh. It’s hard to get those beautiful skylines and skin tones. These are some of the challenges we face as music video directors in Nigeria.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Yes, we have a lot of upcoming projects, there are a lot of projects, even though I can’t reveal them right now for the sake of confidentiality, but for the rest of the year, there will be projects coming back to back and you know more great works are coming.
What’s your advice to other up and coming creatives?
My advice to young creatives is to start small wherever you are, with whatever you have at your disposal.
Success is a journey not a place. You should embrace the journey, the challenges, everything that comes with the journey.
Don’t be discouraged because it is not going to be easy. Anything worthwhile is worth fighting for. Stay on your purpose, stay focused, don’t try to do too many things at the same time.
Specialise, find a niche for yourself. Be patient because a lot of things will not happen overnight, be patient. Grow, embrace the struggle and have a beautiful journey.
NB: This interview was originally published in The Independent Newspaper on 13th April, 2024.
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