By our Correspondent
Top Nigerian show promoter, Azeez Adenekan, alias Lanre Typical, based in the United Arab Emirates, has decried the impact of the visa ban on his nightlife business.
According to Adenekan, in October, the United Arab Emirates said it would no longer issue visas to Nigeria and 20 other African countries, although it did not give reasons for the ban.
And in the same month, about 542 Nigerians were evacuated from the UAE and arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Adenekan, the avid show promoter, who has over the years facilitated the inclusion of top Nigerian afrobeat artistes in shows in Dubai, says the visa ban has made him look towsrds other African countries.
So, Although he seems more involved with Amapiano singers, he told reporters that he still hopes to invite Nigerian artistes in the long run.
Adenekan said: “I have not taken Amapiano over Afrobeats. I’m sure you are aware that the Dubai Emirate has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians.”
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He added: “So, in trying to find a solution for myself and continue my business of promoting nightlife in the city and to keep myself going, I started bringing Amapiano artists to Dubai because South Africans are not affected by the visa.”
Reacting to criticism, the show promoter, explained that his love for Amapiano is part of what influenced his decision
He stated that, “Amapiano and Afrobeats have some similarities. For me, the genres of music are almost the same. So, that was why I penetrated South Africa. Once the ban is lifted, in Dubai, I will return to my Afrobeats because that’s my roots.”
Touted as the King of Dubai Nightlife,
The computer science graduate of Lagos State University (LASU) said it took some hard work to sell Nigerian music to the Gulf state of UAE.
And rxplaining how he played his part in that regard, he said: “Funny enough, I came to Dubai for vacation and decided to reside here after seeing so many opportunities. Nigerian entertainment wasn’t so strong when I came to Dubai about ten years ago”.
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He explained further that, “I visited the first club where Nigerians hang out, and the music wasn’t good, so I met with the manager and gave him some advice on improving it. Then I was called by the club management the same week for a meeting. After taking my advice which worked for them, they told me they would like to work with me, and I accepted, and that’s how it all started”.
