Afrobeat artiste, Dede Mabiaku, has excursed into an intriguing history as he salutes veteran movie producer Kingsley Ogoro’s 60th birthday.
He recalled how Ogoro and popular actor, Segun Arinze, once allegedly led policemen to arrest him, and how he spent a weekend in a cell littered with faeces.
Mabiaku gave the account in a birthday tribute video, to celebrate Ogoro, iconic film director screenwriter and music producer, as he clocked 60 years
Mabiaku, the protege of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who described Ogoro as a “genius” who transformed the nation’s films and advertisement industries, said the incident, eventually, further cemented their relationship.
Ogoro, Nollywood and music legend, best known for the 2003 film “Osuofia in London”, starring Nkem Owoh, clocked 60 years on Aug. 29.
In the video-clip, made available to NAN, Mabiaku recalled that the arrest, which happened decades back, was as a result of “misgiving” from a business transaction, given to him by Ogoro’s sister.
“I recalled an incidence that happened between us when Kingsley Ogoro and Segun Arinze gave me a blow.
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“There was a major project I was doing for his sister. The outfit I was painting got bad and that got her angry. She had the reasons and the right to be angry over the issue.
“We were into a major production of, “Death and the Kings Horseman” at the National Theatre, when they stormed there with policemen and soldiers,
“It was a Friday, they came in the evening asking after me, and I saw Ogoro and Segun Arinze with the military men and the Police who arrested me,” he narrated
Mabiaku continued: “They locked me at Ikoyi Police station, Awolowo road. I was detained inside a cell littered with farces. It was so bad.
“The arrest was deliberately planned for a Friday, so that I would not be bailed, until the Monday. I spent the weekend in the detention.
“When I came out, Ogoro was shocked that I was the one that came to look for him. He gave me a hug, and asked for forgiveness
“I bore no grudges because I truly love and care for him. That incidence cemented our relationship the more till date’
Mabiaku narrated that, “K-Bobo’ as Ogoro was fondly called those days, started his career as a dancer with John Player dancing group.
He said the dancing took Ogoro to a national competition at the National theatre, where he (Mabiaku) was actively engaged in acting profession
According to him, Ogoro, a hardworking and eager-to-achieve young man, moved from the dancing group to do his internship at Ajaka Films, located at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)
He said in his mid-twenties, Ogoro pressured his elder Sister, Sen. Stella Omu, to support him in setting up his own private studio
“Many sisters would have rejected this idea and encouraged him to take up a ministry job, because, Mrs Omu, as a wife to a military General, had all the contacts, to secure her brother, a good job.
“The sister, however, obliged his demands supported him to get a space at TBS, where he set up the Klink Studio,” he said.
Mabiaku said, with hard work, doggedness and consistency, Ogoro’s Klink Studio changed the phase of advertorials in Nigeria in the late 80s and early 90s
“Commercials like Gala, Indomie Noodles and many others started from the studio. From there, Benson and Hedges Golden Tones started what they were doing
“Artistes, including Mike Okri, Onyeka Onwenu, King Sunny Ade were also among those who accepted and were using the studio for their productions.
“He was submerged in music production to the extent that he was sleeping inside the studio,” he said.
Mabiaku said, from TBS Ogoro moved to
Surulere Area, also in Lagos, where many musicians and Nollywood practitioners started getting the feels and tastes of his talents.
According to him, Klink Studio became the Mecca for recording in Lagos; Artistes, including Gloria Rhodes, Esse Agesse, and Charly Boy were using the studio for productions.
Mabiaku said Ogoro was the first music producer to take recording into digital unit fully, and he, as well, pioneered the introduction of pidgin English into commercials.
On his part, Arinze, a veteran Nollywood Actor and singer, praised Ogoro for spending decades shaping the landscape of film and music, leaving behind an indelible mark that continues to inspire generations.
Arinze said Ogoro’s widely celebrated blockbuster, “Osuofia in London”, is one of Nollywood’s most iconic and globally recognised films.
According to him, the film which broke records at the time of its release also paved the way for Nollywood’s acceptance on the international stage.
“As a veteran music producer, he has worked with top talents, creating timeless sounds and pioneering projects that have enriched Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries.
“As he turns 60, Kingsley Ogoro remains a shining example of creativity, resilience, restlessness, doggedness, stubbornness, tenacity, never say never spirit and innovation,” he said
Mr Rockson Igelige, Entertainment Lawyer who specialises in intellectual property rights said, Ogoro, “the Isoko born genius”, is among the few persons that shaped the entertainment world in Nigeria from nowhere to somewhere.
“He deserves accolades and every kind words on his 60th birthday,” he said.
Mr Obi Asika, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, said Ogoro’s impact in Nollywood and music industry is immeasurable.
“From producing iconic beats that defined a generation and cinematic classics, Klink Studio is not just a place, it is a foundation tha shaped countless careers and elevated the industry
“We celebrate your vision, your creativity and incredible legacy,” he said.
In a joint tribute, Ogoro’ children said their father has been a gentle and ever present light in their lives.
“Always giving and never asking for anything, always there to talk, even with his extremely busy schedule.
“Only hearing from his friends, do we find out how much of a light he has been to others.
“We are so grateful to call Kingsley Ogoro, Daddy,” his children, Ewoma, Mamobo and Sean said.
