23-year-old Aminu Lateef Olamide, aka Baron, is a young entrepreneur and CEO of Kingsbridge Entertainment, a company that has already signed three young Nigerian artistes. This Aerospace Engineering final year student of the National Aerospace University, Ukraine also has a clothing line called AOMT. The first of seven children, he took his destiny in his hands after he lost his mother, Alhaja Faidat Ashake last year. He shared his secrets with Showbiz and More…
You are studying Aerospace Engineering and I think you should be very busy. How are you able to combine this with entertainment?
I lost my mum a year ago and she has been my motivator. Whenever I’m not in school or not doing anything, I always think of what next to do. I have always wanted to work. I’m an entertainment lover. I like to be where it’s happening. So, I decided to create a platform for myself in it. I have a policy of doing what makes me happy. I do entertainment for the love of it, not because I want to get something back from it. But I know with time I would definitely get something back from it.
How did you conceive the idea of Kingsbridge Entertainment?
Kingsbridge Entertainment started in 2008. We are managing , helping and promoting artistes in the little way we can. I had worked with couple of artistes, but the dream got bigger when I had to move to Europe to manage artistes and gradually, we extended to producing and hosting shows , events and concerts which we are known for in Europe. Basically, Kingsbridge Entertainment is all about show business. From music to movies and all spheres of entertainment; based in Europe and now in Nigeria.
So, what have you been doing in Nigeria and how many artistes are signed unto this label?
Currently, we are working with three artistes , who are the best products and next rated artistes Nigerians should watch out for. They are Base10, a singer and producer; Trybson Dudukoko, a singer and artiste (played lead role in Da Grin’s movie , Ghetto Dreams) and Deebee, the collabo song crooner. We have also been strategizing on hitting the entertainment industry with a big bang.
You also have a clothing line and a charity organisation. How much did you start all these with?
My clothing line is named AOMT; which means “And One More Thing”. We make all kinds of outfits, like blazers, jeans, tops, skirts, undies, polos and all sorts for unisex. The name AOMT, which I started with 100 dollars, was inspired by a quote by one of my mentors named Steve Jobs. I loved the line and thought about what I could do with it and since am I am model and a fashionista, I blended it into a business because, it’s what I love doing. The acceptance was massive in Europe. Even my friends outside Ukraine fell in love with it and speedily it became a household name because I prefered to go hungry to achieve this feat. We have our major market in Europe, but currently extending to Lagos, Nigeria. Though, it’s being worn by celebs already in Nigeria.
For youths who have spent years looking for white collar jobs, tell them what inspires you?
God is the Inspiration! Then, my late mum taught me how to be independent and hard-working. Life also inspires me. I do a lot of thinking and I always want to be on the move. What to do next is always on my mind. Basically, I started from a point called ‘My Dream’, discovering myself, what I love to do and who I am. After that, I was determined to pursue the goal and I’m focused. The best business you can do and succeeds is what you love to do. For youths who always want white collar jobs, its always so good to have a second plan and always bear it in mind that you want to be your own boss.
You are just 23 yet you have achieved a lot, tell us about your success secret.
I must say I am driven by a vision to do what I’m doing and not doing it for survival. I have really put a lot into what I do and I’m not ready to quit until my voice is heard all over the world because I am not limited. I want to capture everyone’s heart with what I do and eventually, I know it will be a success story all the way because I started from nothing. But I believe in taking the first step. Believing in my self brought me to where I am today.
How do you operate your charity organization?
My “Project Charity” is a programme where the crew of Kingsbridge Entertainment and friends of the team pay a visit to the motherless babies home and the less privileged. Giving back to them and making them feel cared for. I sponsor this by myself, but friends and well meaning Nigerians who wish to join and know more about it can do so by adding the BB pin 299BEF7C or follow us on twitter, @baronGoldboyOla.
So, how do you plan to storm Nigeria with this your 3-in-1 idea?
I think I have got what it takes. With my team and God by my side, I know we are good to go. Though plans have been laid down on how to storm Nigeria. We had our launch party recently at Q Lounge Club, Victoria Island, Lagos with a couple of events. Our activities will fully commence next year, after the completion of my undergraduate programme. By then I will be fully based in Nigeria.
What are you doing presently?
I have been busy with my artistes’ video productions, my project charity and the club tour for my crew members. We are currently doing our radio and television tours. We are also bringing 2Kriss and Tipsy (UK’s finest and most wanted) of BigboyZ Entertainment to Ukraine on a tour in October this year.
What is your dream for Kingsbrigde?
To make it number one in Nigeria. Get to a stage where other entertainment outfits would be begging to get our blue print to establish something of this nature.