By Teddy Nwanunobi (Sundiata Post)
Abuja — Despite the myriads of challenges that are associated with the entertainment industry, Kennedy Emeka Chukwunazom ‘Loco’ Dureke expresses confidence that the industry is a very rewarding one, if one is blessed by God to have the right talent.
But the show business, to an average Christian, should not be allowed through the airwaves, and stars should not be proud citizens of the universe.
Loco, however, is one Christian, who sees the show business “as a very sweet game”.
A practicing and an ardent Catholic, Loco grew up with a very deep religious background.
But when life threw up a challenging storm at him, he stood solidly against the raging storm, and emerged victorious against all odds.
Loco, who resides in the United Kingdom, hails from Isi-Ogbaku Autonomous Community in the old Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
As a young man, he so much wanted to be a Catholic priest; although it was not the will of God.
But he later left the seminary to pursue a career.
Loco, who spoke to this reporter from his UK base, embraced international business to look after his family, after raising up capital in the UK, through hard work.
“I left for United Kingdom for the greener pastures when I realised that I was among those God called, but did not choose.
“After raising up capital in the UK through hard work, I had to embrace international trade to look after my family,” Loco told Sundiata Post.
Loco spoke about his early call to the entertainment industry.
“What led me into it was my love for music right from the junior seminary to the senior, and my vision to assist my little niece, Nene Johnson, actualise herself as a natural singer.
“(But) it was when I started this international trade – buying goods from UK to Ivory Coast – that I had to give the call of my niece a second call.
“So, right now, I’m combining my importation business with my show business for the time being, hoping to abandon the importation biz for the show biz any moment from now,” Loco said.
He spoke of his initial experience and challenge regarding the entertainment industry.
“It was never an easy decision for me at all, coupled with the fact that some people see pop stars as worldly people, and should not have the backing of any known serious Christian with such formation like us.
“The capital involved also almost scared me away, not until I started making moves.
“But now, I see it as a very sweet game, especially for the fact that my beloved niece is the talent in question. So, all is well,” he revealed.
Loco gave some insights about his journey into the entertainment industry.
“I have been getting distractions from my niece, Nene Johnson, right from when I was in the senior seminary.
“But I started giving it serious thought when I left the seminary untill 2006 when I first gave it a go,” he said.
Having taken a dive into the industry, Loco speaks of what he really thinks about the show industry.
“It is really now that I can see the joy of life.
“It makes you younger everyday, and gives you the opportunity to meet with peoples of different nations.
“It makes you a man on a show everyday.
“The show biz is a wonderful industry in Nigeria.
“It is capital intensive. It involves a lot of risk-taking, endurance, patience, prayers and connections.
“But it can also be very rewarding when you invest on the right talent, and have the blessing of God.
“It is like a dream realised,” he enthused.
He gave an exposé of his work and the star musician he is currently working on.
“Not just that. Initially, she (Nene) was part of my reasons; but now, I think I’m there now for the love of good songs.
“I have produced her (Nene) before as a group, Xtacy, before I decided to split the Group and kept rather to her alone.
“I will go for other talents as soon as much starts flowing into my account,” he disclosed.
Loco delved into the future of his chosen career.
“Anyway, tomorrow will tell better. At the moment, we are investing.
“But my happiness is that (I’m) investing on the right talent. Once she is out there, the whole game is done, for we can not but be there with her.
“Just give us few months from now by the Grace of God,” he emplored.
