When you have the media in your hands, it gives you a lot of power, the power to to influence your viewer either positively or negatively. Our young person of the week chose to use the power of the media positively, he uses his media power to drive positive change in Nigeria and in Africa at large.I have had the opportunity to be interviewed by our young person of the week, (yes Abj Loving got me on TV, look out for my interview on MyTV Africa and coming soon to DSTV) it was an oppoturnity to watch him use his his power for good. Meet our Young Person of the Week, Joseph (BraveJoe) Ibeh, presenter, producer and media personality.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Joseph Uzochukwu (Bravejoe) Ibeh. I hail from Imo State, Nigeria. I was Born in the 80's, and I am an optimist. I was born in Warri Delta state. I studied International Relations and History in the University. I love media, lawn tennis, travelling, and a whole lot.
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was an amazing experience. I grew up in the neighbourhood of the DSC housing complex in Ovwian/Aladja close to Warri in Delta State. My family is a strong Catholic one with very rich values that modelled me to shape. I was exposed to seeing the world as it truly is. My father an Engineer had always supported the inclusion on my daily timetable at home, time for NTA news. That inclusion was magical as I suddenly grew so fond of current affairs locally and internationally. This happened when I was 5 years old till I was done with my primary school education. I loved long distance athletics and lawn tennis, I also spent most of my private time writing articles for newspapers and I drew so many images of people that had motivated me as a child (I drew Padre Pio, Bill Clinton etc). I had a dream to be a Priest, an Aeronautic Engineer/Pilot(this was influenced by my friends dad who is an Aero Engineer) and a Presenter on TV. In all, I had a wonderful but mixed experience growing up.
Tell us a little about your educational background.
I started my education in Warri Delta state where I attended the Delta Steel Company Nursery and Primary School 1. My huge dream of becoming a Reverend Father saw me take my entrance exams into the Holy Martyrs of Uganda Minor seminary in Effurun, Delta State where I did my secondary school studies. During my stay in the school I had been formed in line of becoming a better person but my friends in the minor seminary called me bbc and cnn because I was giving them information of current happenings in Nigeria (this happened in the mid/late 90's). This nicknames had created a spark in me to think towards the direction of studying a profession bigger than Mass Communication that will keep me afloat Media and oversee Current happenings around the globe. Thus, the choice to study History and International Relations at The Imo State University in Owerri Imo State. My decision to study that course and in that institution was never a bad idea afterwards as both my lecturers and mates were wonderful. I had true seasoned experienced and exposed professors and lecturers take us on challenging courses.
As a matter of fact my first year in the university influenced my 1st tv program I started on AIT in my second year.
What inspired your sojourn into the media/entertainment world?
God. If you put all things together from my story on how my growing up was, you will find out that my inspiration came from my Dad, and the fact that NTA news was on my daily time table as a kid. I had had that burning desire to source for news and be a media person.
When did you start pursuing this media/entertainment dream?
I will say very early in Life. I started writing articles about major issues in Nigeria and Africa. I can remember vividly my first article, it was drive by the need for electricity. I was so tired and had discussed with my dad on how electricity can be improved in Nigeria. I wrote it down as an article and went to the post office after saving money for stamp (50 kobo or 1 naira can't really place it precisely) and getting the address from Vanguard Newspaper my dad always buys. So, if say I started in my late primary school days I will be correct. But it was sourcing infos and disseminating to my fellow mates in school that was the things I did while in the minor seminary and afterwards started a tv program when I was in second year in the University.
I would also want to thank a lot of people here: AYK, Kelly Hansome, Kenny Ogungbe (of Kennis Music), O square of AIT and Ray power Port Harcourt, Tony Umez, Dr. Martins Nwankwo, My dad etc who encouraged me in one way or the other when I first started.
How did you parents react to the news that you wanted to take up a profession that is not seen as a professional job in this part of the world?
Hahahahahahahahaha, my parents are very reasonable people. They have always supported my dreams. They never questioned or found fault in my choices..(Either from the time I wanted to be a priest or studying International Relations and also finally ending up in the media world). My sister Mary and Brothers Emmanuel Chino, Judy Ibeh all had the same level of support in their respective fields.
Presenter and producer, do you have to play these roles at the same time and how do you manage to keep them separate, especially when you have to be both producer and presenter on a show with other presenters or even guests?
Well, let me shock you a little bit, many tv shows you see on your screen in Nigeria are produced, presented and most times even edited by one person. Well most times I produce or some times direct or present. Before now, I remember most especially my first tv show or Hippop Naija tv show on NTA then...I had produced and presented, but right now I stay behind the scene more and very few times I am on screen. I really want to learn everything about broadcasting, mostly during the course of my duties/working because I want to own my TV station and radio station too. So learning and doing everything is very key to my success in life.
What has the experience been like?
Its all about fun, the experience has been amazing.... I have been able to meet so many people, help a lot of people too and also learning the basics in the line of work. Meet better directors, producers and presenters and learn from them. I was able to meet my best friends here Barr. Rex Idaminabo (organizer of the African Achievers Awards) and UN Ambassador David James. We have all been able in one way or the other put wonderful stuff across Africa and the world.
You recently delved into the world of the CEOs, what informed this decision?
I am very very particular about growth. I am one of those people who believe in entrepreneurship and for us to encourage it around Africa too. As a nation if we have a very healthy Middle class (that is always made up of small and medium scale enterprise & entrepreneurs) we would be better, stable and have so many people employed. My friends all toe this line of thinking. We have met so many times to discuss how to support small and medium enterprises around Africa. That's why we were able to come up with the Young CEO's business Forum UK/Africa. Now we have successfully arrived at fixing a global summit for Young CEO's that will hold for the first time in the city of Dubai in August 2014. I earlier spoke on my dreams of owning a TV station someday not too far from now (by the grace of God), but I own a Media Agency/Coy called Volt media consults. We need to encourage entrepreneurship in Africa and we would be better for it.
What is the experience like interviewing, managing and consulting for celebrities and CEOs.
You see, getting involved with people or persons is tough...thinking for them is also tough, but what's hardest is convincing them to believe you can lead them to the height of their respective careers. It has exposed me to different ideas, and very challenging huddles to scale. Sometimes I have lived peoples lives and dreams. But It has made me patient and very determined, very neutral and very real. Meeting great names and meeting their needs is wonderful. Taking very small business to the pinnacle is fascinating too. I have worked with a lot of brands (kelly hansome, Onabu designs CEO, Mr Raw, J martins, Femi Afolabi, Preach Bassey, so many too numerous to be mentioned)
How do you handle the celebrities, as the general perception is that they are full of themselves and tough to manage?
You just have to be very patient, brave and articulative. You know people and their various ways you just have to tame them and make them better. Because as brands their image is what matters to the growth in their careers.
They are lovely to work with if you are patient, honest and disciplined.
What has the experience been like running your own company after working under others?
Running other peoples company/business and working under people gave me the experience to run mine effectively. So I would say its been lovely because its my dream I am living the reality. What more can you ask for.
Mr. Remi Kehinde the chairman and CEO of 1st Mega vision is one of my mentors. He has been very successful as a TV broadcaster and Producer/director with an expansion of his companies Across Africa and Europe. I work under him and he has given me the confidence and the free hand to use my creativity to drive so many tv programs you see on tv.
The media/entertainment industry seems to be to be a money spinner now, what is your take on the industry and what advice do you have for young people that wish to go into this sector and even for those already in it?
Yes the industry now is a money spinner no doubt, this is as a result of so many new innovations in the sector. But looking back in history, when the sector lacked encouragement and involvement that made it lukewarm, we saw very committed people who stuck to the industry because of their strong passion. Today many people lack the passion and creativity and look at the money generated now in the industry to try and make their entrance. Without the passion you lack the basics and you don't get the uniqueness for whatever input you want to make. I always advise people like that to have a rethink because they have no business in the industry.
We thank God for the new wave in the industry thanks to the government's involvement and an explosion of companies that often support the industry in various ways. But I think we need to restructure to find new ways of getting better. Also entertainment laws must be learnt by entertainers for their growth. We just have to learn to be civil, educated in what ever sphere we chose in entertainment and also learn to invest wisely too.
What challenges do you face as a presenter, producer and CEO?
Time, funds and all that. There isn't enough time for yourself to do other things. If you want to succeed you have to dedicate your time to source contents and to shoot. Sometimes you would face tough activities from people you need to get information from. Hostilities not left out. God is just the pillar.
What do you love most about what you do?
Everything. I love meeting people and doing team activities. You can't do it all alone. Everyone is key towards ensuring a good production. From the D.O.P, Editor, Production Manager, Executive Producer, Director etc. We like family and that's why we can succeed.
Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams?
No, I have always wanted to improve on my dreams.
Who or what motivates you?
God and people. We need to do things right. And the need propels me work hard too.
You have a very powerful position, as part of the media, you help inform how people think, what decisions they make etc., how do you intend to bring about change with what you do?
I am doing just that. Doing the right things to meet the needs of the people in Africa is essential. Our TV programs often correct the ills in our society. We showcase achievers and also support business owners in Africa.
Its important to also address issues that would centre on morals and patriotism.
With the level of success you have achieved, we are all itching to know how old you are.
I am in my late 20's (Please guess).
A word of advice to young Nigerians with dreams that they are yet to or are afraid to pursue.
You just have to believe to live your dreams. Its like talking about faith. You believe in yourself and God.
Where do you see yourself and Volt Media Concept/Ent in the next five years?
Big. It will be everywhere. There will be Volt Tv and other things. Just watch out.
Pictures, pictures, picture.
1 comment:
Nice write up...interesting read!
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