Fiber Art Company, There is more to us than just Dancing!

The arts industry in Nigeria has come a long way in the past 15 years. Once upon a  time in our country  hoping an artiste was almost forbidden by our parents. Considered as a profession for losers, drop-outs and people with very little ambition in life. Great change has come to our nation and today more people have found not only a career in the arts but have considered to spread the arts be it African or Western across the nation. 

Dancers have moved from not only performing on stage and teaching only at schools to owning Dance and Arts studios.

I would like to introduce Ishioma, a young lady I met many years ago while she was Training and studying dance. Her passion was never in question when I met her. She loves life, she loves dance .

Lets read about this dynamic lady and the business of Dance!

Full name - Adesuwa Ishioma Blessing

Hobbies - Singing, Writing, Reading

I am from delta state, born and bred in Lagos, fourth out of 5 siblings, very energetic and full of life

Tell us what sparked up your interest in your present business: Well I was into a lot of different things before but they didn't give me as much fulfillment. One day I thought "what could I do that could be mine and no one can take away from me 'except God... lol,"what can I do best even in my sleep",I had been dancing on and off before then,but that's when I decided to take dance as a career, that has been over six years now and it's been a blessing

How did you start (start up money/ investor?): Fiber Art Company started officially in September  2012 and a year later we have been able to open a dance studio of our own,I think that's really great progress. We actually started with nothing but good faith with people around us, believing and supporting us in different ways and till date we have more friends,family and clientele investing in our dreams,we are very interested teaching,presenting and promoting artists,we presently  have one official patron of Fiber Art Company and we hope to have a flood of people who believe that performing arts in Nigeria is here, and to become a part in positive elevation in the society and consider investing in it.

At the opening of Fiber Dance studio, Alaka Estate

Challenges you faced and facing: #1  challenge is funds,yes we are so passionate in what we do,but passion is not enough,d society we are in hasn't come to embrace what we have to offer it is really Performing Arts, for us is not a hobby,its a profession and more than a decent career path,which is why we would be going into intense training under performing arts as a profession sooner than later,and we r here 2 embrace and guide each and everyone that would take a bold step in endeavoring into this path with us in their lives.

What is your unique selling point: We are striving to be the best in what we do,we are efficient to the last detail,we are young,creative and open to sky rocketing growth.

Advice to those that will want to get on the train of your biz: My advise to anyone who has any intention to join the trade of dis business is: 
#1 Do not b afraid 
#2 know exactly what you want and go for it 
#3 Pray.

Anything in the plans or works: What Fiber Art Company can say about this is.... you would be hearing from us pretty soon,just get ready,after our opening ceremony in studio business and dance photo exhibition which was dated on 1st of September 2013,we are already planning a breadth taking Broadway production and a whole lot of other things that we would keep under wraps for now,we are ready to explode in positive magical wonders..

 Fiber Art is located at : Laniday suites, 3 Rafiu Shittu street, Alaka Estate, Western Avenue, Surulere, Lagos

Contact: +2348052231493, +2348092330070
Group and private classes available

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SOLA SOETAN, Music and I

In Nigeria, Music has found a home. Our artistes, have been/are being recognized in other parts of the world, we are A listed at shows, we are recipients of various  awards we can comfortably say the Nigerian Music industry is successful. Now the question is, Hpw well is the Nigerian gospel music industry doing? How well do Nigerian Gospel artistes fare? Well, the fact is, the Nigerian Gospel artistes are doing well! I have met and talked to a few of them since 2006 and I am impressed at the excellence of their music, the hard work put in with their music production, time, effort and of course Money!

Some Nigerian Gospel artistes have set themselves apart and gone to study to improve the quality of their music.

One of such is Sola Soetan. Some dudes make music sound like work, Sola makes music sound alive. I have heard him sing live and must say he has got a unique voice. Recently I met him again online and we got talking about his Music,

 Let’s meet Sola. An award winning rising star.

SOLA SOETAN is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, vocal coach and Church Music consultant.
As an artist he performs primarily gospel music with a few crossover tracks here and there because he's convinced believers are meant to influence the world with their gifts.
He is currently in the UK studying Music production at the prestigious Pointblank music school London, He strongly believes that knowledge enhances creativity, so he constantly and consistently seeks to learn more. Among other certificates he has: music production diploma- pointblank music,london 2013
Introduction to music production- pointblank music school, London, Jan,2013
music composition(including songwriting)- pointblank music, London,April,2013
Sound design- pointblank music,london. april 2013
Remixing (art of remixing songs and special effects)- pointblank music,London,may,2013

Art of mixing- pointblank music London, may,2013
Mastering- pointblank music London, in view
Creative Enterprise(Core program)- Lagos business school/British Council.  He is the current Music Director and Worship team leader of Christ Church, Plumstead, Uk.
Sola Soetan has been singing since the age of 10 and started singing professionally and organizing his own concerts since the age of 19!
He has played at various concerts, music events and TV shows at the local and international level. This year alone he's been part of:
    Musical concert,University of Hertfordshire,United kingdom,2013
    Women in worship, London,united kingdom,may 2013
    Freedom arena,interdenominational anointing service, June 2013
    Maranatha Christfest,Edinburgh,july,2013
He has worked and volunteered as consultant and music director at several churches and musical organizations in Nigeria and has provided vocals and lyrics for jingles and commercials for several Advertising agencies such as Insight communications (a foremost advertising firm in Nigeria).
Sola Soetan plays the keyboard, which is so cool. I love to see artistes that play and sing. He also has extensive experience in songwriting and arrangement.
He has been involved with several albums and singles for several artists.
Sola Soetan has received several awards for his song writing, singing, worship leading and creative enterprising skills.
He holds a certificate in creative entrepreneurship from the prestigious Lagos business school, a program that's an initiative of the British council in partnership with University of Glarmorgan, UK.

He recently just launched his album in the UK and is looking to come back home and working with other artistes. He hopes to use his knowledge  to enhance Music in Nigeria

His album launched in the UK just a few days ago, 30 June 2013. The album Online release coming soon
Click this link to download listen and download songs from his album  http://www.reverbnation.com/solasoetanthenewsong

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Performing Excellence in the ARTS!

There was a time in our nation Nigeria when parents would never allow their children venture into the arts. No matter what it was called no one wanted to allow their children starve from doing the arts either as singers, dancers, actors, fine artist etc. Suffice to say, our culture can not be separated from the arts, our music, our dance and poems. we have polished our art over the centuries. Today the trend is changing and exceptionally so. Practicing the arts is becoming big Business in Nigeria.

Our film industry (Nollywood) is one of the largest in the world, our Music artists are top notch in Africa. World class isn't unreachable anymore as Nigeria is building a brilliant reputation in the world as being a success story in the performing arts. Also, incredible Dance and Music shows have sprang up in our country, and are received with great embrace from our people as they are not only entertaining but rewarding! The Art has come to live in Nigeria!

Nigeria is ready to make the transition from good art to great art.  There is an organization that is positioning itself to be a catalyst to this transition:  The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria……..SPAN. In the last few months, as u come into SPAN's Banana island performing art studio, you would hear a concert of movement and musical notes, the symphony of laughter and creative discussions. This place is one of a kind, where you can dream and make it happen, where your purpose in the performing arts world actually takes not just a leap of faith but a giant jump in faithfulness. 

Who or what is SPAN?................

Mrs. Sarah Fadoul Boulos registered the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria in 2005, though SPAN's first show was staged in December 2004, to tell the world that change has come for the arts industry in Nigeria. SPAN focuses on training children and youths in the arts with world class standards, while serving, giving and helping people realize their dream of making a living through the performing arts. The passion of these young people is incredible.  In spite of a tragedy that befell her family in 2003, Sarah Boulos is still pressing on with her God given vision to build a world class Performing Arts center in Nigeria. 

The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN) is a registered non‐governmental organization founded in 2004 that aims to set a world‐class standard for the performing arts education in Nigeria, offering unprecedented opportunities in dance, music, theater and visual arts to Nigeria’s talented citizens. Its objective is to impact and empower society positively with life‐changing messages and core values rooted in respect, faithfulness, integrity, compassion, fruitfulness, meekness, growth and social responsibility.

students from the Academy of Dance

This unique institution offers both formal and informal classes in professional theater, music and dance in Nigeria. The foundation seeks to provide the much‐needed opportunity for talented and gifted persons, especially our children, to express themselves through the unifying arts…TO PERFORM WONDERS!

students from the Academy of music

...Through the arts, their legacy depends upon SPAN's commitment to creative ingenuity in the performing arts, to empower with life‐changing messages, to continuously train and educate, to serve with love and dedicate their time to help and perform wonders in our nation. 
SPAN, a hub of creativity where artists lives are changed for ever.



SPAN, a hub of creativity where artists lives are changed for ever. From the vision of building a state of the art Performing Art Center unfolds a mission to empower the Nigerian youth to develop their gifts in dance, music, and drama. Through intensive performing art classes, the enrolled student learns the art of dance or jazz contemporary music, presents his art, serves her community, studies art management.



 SPAN is positioned to establish a Performing Art center where the richness, faith and diversity of Nigeria’s culture and tradition can be nurtured, preserved and showcased for all to see and experience. In addition, SPAN works in collaboration with other art establishments and artistes (local and International) in its bid to spread the gospel of the arts. SPAN's hope is to challenge mindsets to be empowered to serve our nation and affect our environment to provide a promising future for the generation to come.

in this Season:2013‐2014, SPAN embarked on a journey to reward and appreciate brave contributions to the ARTS – a journey aptly themed “AWARDS AND REWARDS”.
It has been true joy to see the lives of young people shaped through the arts. This year SPAN presents its 1^st graduates from the Academy of Dance and the Academy of Contemporary Music and Jazz from the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria.

On the 16^th of June 2013, 18 persons from these academies graduate and start the journey, telling the world how incredible it is to just live with pure passion and great wealth in knowledge of what they have learned. They have taken training from SPAN, in dance and music. The musicians have been taught to master the bass guitar and the drums. The dancers have learnt Ballet, Jazz, contemporary/contemporary African dance, and ten(10) different Latin and Ballroom dance styles! They have been handed an edge: artists that can be compared with other artists all over the world. They now start a sojourn to prove just that.

SPAN takes great pride in its graduants. They have been tutored by teachers inside and outside the country, putting in over 1000 hours of learning in the last 2 years……. Really, you ask?

They have been tutored to master their art, perform with excellence and are embedded with a sense of responsibility to the development of their art.
Come see them shine and soar on the 16^th of June at the Grand ballroom hall, Eko hotel, time is 4pm. It will be incredible. One of the graduating students Emmanuel Da Siva said he is changed forever. He had this to say; 'I am not done yet, this is just the beginning.' Meet each of them on SPAN’s Facebook page from the 6^th of June. Each day one graduating student will be showcased. 

Are you interested in getting a Performing Art education? Don't hesitate  to walk into our studios in Lagos and experience true passion if the arts is your dream. SPAN has a myriad of charity/community services,  Arts programs in several communities in Lagos, please check out their website to see more great works and programs lined up in this season of Awards and Rewards!

Website: www.spanigeria.org
Studio Address: 1, Abuja Street, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos
Contact Numbers: 01-7767726, 08091900600, 08091900700
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/spanigeria
Twitter:@spanigeria

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C & J PROBALL DANCE STUDIO

A few weeks back we featured a Dance entrepreneur from Abuja, young and a fantastic lady; Mima. her story has inspired so many young people wanting to get full dance education in Nigeria.
this week we feature a brand! i have seen this couple Perform, Incredible! i mean total dynamite. i was privileged to attend a session of their teaching class and was truly impressed.
they have taken dance from normal to extraordinary, trust me when i say they have become a sensational household name. From winning Maltina Family Danceall show to performing in major dance productions in Nigeria and outside, I can comfortably say when you got a special event, you have a couple to give classy dance performances and choreograph as well. Meet C&J!

Full names: Chukwuma Onye and Josephine Jimmy (C&J)

Hobbies: Dancing, singing, watching movies and hanging out

A little about yourself:   They are a brand as partners, Chukwuma and Josephine(C&J), started dancing and training together in 2009 (March) in SPAN (SOCIETY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN NIGERIA) where they met.

They had this to say; our main goal is to be the best at what we do and also compete. In 2010, after taking our professional dance exams, we got our first certificate in American style Latin and ballroom (bronze level) we are two of Nigeria’s most renowned Latin and ballroom dancers, with proficiency in international and American style Latin and ballroom dances, including training and performance credits in modern jazz,  salsa, show dance, African and contemporary dances.  We are the winners of the maiden edition of the international dance organization (IDO) salsa competition Nigeria. We’ve performed, choreographed and Instructed on reality TV shows and nationwide workshops, as my colleague would say, we represent the future of Latin and ballroom in Nigeria. LOL!

What sparked up your interest in your present business?

C&J started normally as just a dance improvement scheme or should we say a means of raising income, going for performances, until it was decided to be a made a brand, now we do not just do dance performances but more to the dance and entertainment as a whole. We presently are running a dance studio which we tagged as PROBALL DANCE. This was for the passion we(C&J) had for dance, to share what we were opportune to have and studied over the years to our society and to also ignite the dying passion of the art (dance)

How did u start (startup money/ investor?):

We started everything both the branding and our present Dance studio out of nothing, the little we got from performing we used in pursuing our dreams gradually as they came.

Challenges you faced and facing in this business: The growth or beginning of any body, firm, organization or Brand has never been easy. Major factor is finances which is always a major capitalization in our society today, we’ve struggled between growth, knowledge in what we do and how we can make a living out of it and how it could be pronounced to the society

Do u train people to get into this business as well: Yes we do, in our training scheme we have what we call classes for dance instructors, competitive dancers and social dancers. So with all these people could create job opportunities for themselves

What is your unique selling point : Our selling point is our skill that we possess and the dance style we’ve decided to major in which is what we call SHOW DANCE, despite our qualification in Latin and ballroom dances.

Advice to those that will want to get on the trade of your business :   Our word for those out there that want to venture into this business of ours, all we have to say is keep it up, train harder, be determined and never give up, because perseverance pays off and the end ;you shouldn’t be a dancer that wants to dance, but one that has to dance!

Lastly anything in the plans or works for expansion? We intend to go international, into competitions and many more

Contact for your biz; office address and phone number
www.chukwumajosephine.wix.com/dance

chukwuma_josephine@yahoo.com

Chukwuma onye and Josephine jimmy (facebook)

Chuxjojo (twitter)

08037647009, 08068334225

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Let's talk Events

Events Planning/ Management  business in Nigeria is huge. this is an art that has come to stay. The days people endure the stress of handling their own events as well as playing host are far gone. This market is well known and has helped many Nigerians find work. We must say that it is also one market people don't easily get recognition. Yet we admit it is growing and there are many areas that  have improved in this business. The trend of events in Nigeria now is people asking who is the Planner? From Weddings, Birthdays for the Aged and children, Burials ceremonies, Costume parties, Showers, you name it. Now there are Event Planners everywhere. Awesome!

There is one dynamic lady ready to make a mark in this business. She is young, beautiful and has got lots of guts to go with her passion. Enough said, we introduce..............(Drum Roll)

Full name 

EKAETE EBIEFIE (MISS)
CEO,  KAYTEES

Hobbies, 

Reading, cooking, listening to music, shopping, meeting& interacting with people

A little about yourself

I am the youngest of 8kids, from Mbo lga, Oron, Akwa ibom State. I attended St. Mary’s private school Lagos Air force girls’ military school Jos and then B.Sc chemistry from the University of Calabar.

I have lived most of my life in Lagos, so I speak Yoruba fluently.

What do you do to pass time?

Ironically, I am a “home buddy”. I enjoy my own company. I read and constantly seek to update myself by sourcing for information online…I spend a lot of time on my computer. So somehow, I am hardly bored.

Describe your business and its uniqueness

Kaytees (precious moments) is a full service Events Management company that seeks to create beautiful memories of every event, from start to finish. We offer consultancy services, manage and package a wide range of events from weddings, birthday parties, dinner parties, promotional events....the list is endless!! We appreciate the uniqueness of each client and each event.....whether it’s an event for a 100 or 1000....the Kaytees touch is constant!!!

We offer consultancy services, provide a variety of vendors, caterers, souvenirs and party supplies, Aso-ebi, cocktail drinks, source for venues for events and a wide range of other services.

What are your watch words if you were to sell your business to a client.

We constantly remind ourselves at Kaytees; we don't just plan events...we create beautiful memories!!!  We also believe that it is possible to have a beautiful event, without “breaking bank”. We study each client and tailor their event to reflect the uniqueness of the individual, so from the first consultation, we take our client’s dream and run with it. We are not limited by distance, as we service every part of the country.

What sparked up your interest in your present business?

I have always been a huge advocate of properly organized events, whether big or small…I love to see things flowing together in synergy. I love to see the smiles on people’s faces when their events turn out right, and I acknowledge the fact that it is a gift from God, that not everyone has, some people do it effortlessly, while for some it’s a huge struggle. Earlier on, I had been privileged to organize a variety of events in my family and for close friends: weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, baby dedication services…. all these I did free of charge, based on the success of these events, and coupled with the fact that I used to complain a lot, each time we attended events I felt  these events “were not up to standard”, I was encouraged to go into event planning full time…..I registered a business name:  “Kaytees”…so far,so good!!

How did you start (start up money/ investor?)

Well, initially, starting a business of this nature isn’t really capital intensive, while I was in the university, I did a little buying and selling and was able to save some money, also from some paid jobs I had done earlier. I have also been blessed with a wonderful and amazing family and a few good friends. I had my mum, sisters and brother who shared in my vision from the very beginning and have been very supportive through it all.

Challenges you faced and facing

When I first got into this business, all I had was my raw talent, and no form of formal training, there were already established planners, and I was just a green horn. I had to convince people who weren’t family or close friends that I could successfully plan their events and deliver….that is really not easy. I also had to find a way to penetrate into the market. I also had to convince my friends, that there were no more freebies that I would now have to be paid for my services (some people didn’t find it funny).  I also had to understudy a couple of people, and do a lot of networking and reading.

I also had to be willing to stretch myself a whole lot, some people would want services, I originally didn’t provide, but I had to be willing in most times, to go the extra mile for my clients, and I learnt and I am still learning to deal with difficult people.

Do you train people to get into this business?

At the moment, we offer no formal training, in terms of training people, but I am always willing to encourage people, share ideas and exchange information….learning never ends.

Advice to those that will want to get on the line of your business

This is a very versatile market, so one has to constantly be on top of your game. Discover what stands you out and build on it. Be constantly willing to learn and get better. Talent is never enough!! Have a strong vision and passion for what you want to do.

  

What is your unique selling point?

Our clients are our top priority, and are always given undivided attention.  Creativity is at the heart of what we do and clients know us through our reputation for our attention to detail, our ability to run effortlessly with our clients’ vision (it’s almost like we are mind readers), our insatiable desire to exceed our clients’ expectations every time…

We are always willing to go the extra mile for our clients

 Lastly anything in the plans or works? 

Our ultimate goal, God being our help, is to build a brand that would outlive the pioneers of the business…Kaytees has a lot of plans in the pipelines…..***watch this space**

What will you describe as your 'moment' when it comes if you haven't had that yet?

 Kaytees is relatively young, but God has been truly helpful. We have been privileged to work with clients outside Lagos, which is our primary base, and for that I am truly thankful.

However, I am a big dreamer, and I believe I haven’t even started scratching the surface of the immense potential this business has…the vision is huge.

When I am invited to different locations outside the shores of this country to plan events on an international platform, to mentor people and speak about my business…

I believe then I would truly be able to say I have had my “moment”!!!

Contact Details:

KAYTEES

Web link: www.kaytees-pm.com

Facebook:www.facebook.com/kaytees.pm

Email:kaytees.pm@gmail.com

Phone numbers: 0809-680-9248, 0802-353-7712

BB PIN: 266C36FD

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Ella-Henri school serving quality Education!

Recently I met this amazing woman who runs a school close to where I live. She is sweet, and just chatting with her showed me she is very different from most Educators I have met in past.

She believes that education is the best gift any parent can give their child, not just education but Great Education!

Meet Mrs. Ijeoma Okpala.  A wonderful woman who believes every child in her school is hers and would nurture them as she will do to hers.  Mrs. Ijeoma Okpala runs Ella-Henri schools with branches in Lagos, Aba and Italy. She is sure a hard worker. Enough said, let’s meet Ella- Henri School.

Ella- Henri School is a new co-educational day school in the Gbagada area of Lagos, offering Crèche and Pre-Preparatory education for children from ages 0-5 years of age.  Children can join the school throughout the academic year.

Ella-Henri prides itself on maintaining high academic standards, while encouraging in every child an enthusiasm for learning good manners, self-discipline and in all things, a determination to do their best and realize their full potential, children will be taught to believe “that they can do more than they can think!” Respect, empathy and responsibility are key features of the school’s philosophy, small classes coupled with large number of qualified teaching staff are an integral part of the school’s signature, and this ensures that each child receives the individual support and encouragement that they need at this stage, thus giving them opportunities to gain the confidence. They are also being encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities.

Ella- Henri School work in close partnership with parents to ensure that effective channels of communication are always open; each child has a parent contact book which will be looked at by their class teacher on a daily basis. There are weekends, over the course of the school year, providing opportunity for parents to discuss school matters and to check the progress of their child. Parents are also welcome to arrange an appointment to pop into school for a chat with their child’s class teacher to talk about any aspect of their child’s education.

Ella-Henri has structured safe and stimulating environment ensuring that the teachers strive to bring out the best in all our children.

Their aim is to provide more for every child.

 ‘The benefit of thorough education are clear so key into our vision of giving our children not just high academic standard but good etiquette in their daily lives thus providing them with thorough education.’

Wow! now that is what I call a total package.  I walked into the school and was really impressed, it just felt homely. 

The subjects taught in the preschool classes are Numeracy, sensorial, literacy, practical life, cultural life, creatively, music, movement Rhymes, Handwriting (cursive), computer Appreciation, creative dance techniques, good etiquette and so much more. 

The school has loads of soft toys, outdoor games and toys as Astroturf (synthetic grass) mini pools for swimming/ water play days, video based Educational and Learning aids, conducive classrooms with air conditioning. We will like to state that all toys and facilities are brand new.  NICE! 

A very cozy sleep room for the sleepy heads, well equipped Crèche, Disney theme TV screens and DVDS, available medical personnel who could offer first aid treatments to a child who might fall sick in the course of the day’s activities or whose health history requires constant attention.

This makes me want to be two years old again, with no worries and have a fun learning experience. I remember in my days we had slates and chalk and screamed our heads off when reciting the alphabets and numbers. I am glad my children have a fun time now while learning.

Invest in a quality education for your child(ren) it never hurts!

Looking for Ella-Henri school? Here are their addresses and contact number. 

08023139289

Lagos facility address is 58, Diya Street, Gbagada Lagos.

Aba facility address is 31, Faulks Road Aba, Abi state

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