The interesting fact that the Imo state-born, Dozie Blessing Onukagha is hitting Nigeria’s vibrant music scene with the first record label to have chefs, comedians, artists and dancers, and also at a period when Nigerian-born, world-renowned Afrobeat stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Olamide and Asake have been nominated for the 2024 Grammys, is worthy of note.
Apart from enhancing entertainment, creating jobs and boosting tourism music comes as a veritable tool for rebranding the image of a nation, as Soul music, Rhythm and Blues as well as Hip-Hop brands did for the United States and Raggae music has done for Jamaica and the Caribbean.
A recent encounter with him provided the opportunity to shed brighter light on his profile, experiences, dreams, ambition and what he is bringing to the music table. In response to related questions he said: “As a musician and the CEO of Dynamic Dozie Entertainment (DDE), I have always been driven by my passion for music. I was born on September 5th, 1986 but my journey as an artist began in 2012 when I first played with instrument production and was blown away by the outcome. From that moment on, I knew that I had a special talent for creating great music. That is just like my mentor, Flavour.”
On his beginnings, he said: “My first song, ‘Don Don,’ was a big hit among my friends and gave me the confidence to create more music. I went on to release ‘9ja De Do (Yagayaga),’ which was an even bigger success and solidified my career in the music industry.”
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Further to this, and speaking on his music label, he explained that: “As the CEO of DDE, with the studio located at No. 20 Progress Road, Abule Egba, Agege Lagos, I am committed to promoting new talents, creating unique and memorable musical experiences, and utilizing technology to reach a wider audience. We are a team of talented individuals, including chefs, dancers, comedians, and artists, who are always pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the game.
“I am into various types of music, including Afrobeat, R&B, Reggae, Hip Hop, and more. I have performed at Kcee Hotel, Starlag E Hotel, Fela Shrine, and many more venues.
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“Some of my favourite artists, apart from Flavour include P-Square, Omah Lay, Davido, Akon, and Ed Sheeran. I admire them because of their unique style, emotional depth, and relatable messages.”
Going forward, he said: “My greatest achievement as a musician and CEO has been capturing the hearts of my audience and leaving them wanting more. I am committed to creating music that not only entertains but also inspires and uplifts. With DDE, the possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see what the future holds in store for us. Currently, I am mentoring Michael and Marshals. My fans can link with me on Instagram: @demaskone. TikTok: @demaskoneofficial, Facebook:@demaskoneofficial, and YouTube: @demaskoneofficial.”
On the recent musical feat by the Afrobeat stars, Onukagha said: “I believe that Afrobeat music has a bright future and will continue to gain global recognition. The recent Grammy nominations of these talented musicians will help to elevate the genre and inspire more African artists to pursue their dreams.”
