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Label manager will be fine, he has a ‘new Iyanya’ in Tekno
Ubi Franklin will be fine. He is that industrious. Always have, always will be.
Ubi Franklin whose real name is Ubi Ekapong Ofem was born on February 2, 1986, with a twin, who is now late. The artiste manager and entrepreneur is the founder of popular music label Made Men Music Group, Triple MG which Iyanya , Selebobo, Chibbz, DJ Coublon, Tonye Garrick and Tekno are signed to. He is from a large family, the 11th child out of 15 in the family hails from Cross River State. A Law graduate from Madonna University, and the son of a former High Court Judge, Ubi got married to Nollywood actress, Lilian Esoro on October 30, 2015 at a traditional marriage but had their wedding on November 1, 2015.
playLilian Esoro & Ubi Franklin (Instagram)
playLilian Esoro and Hubby Ubi Franklin at her surprise party (Ubi Franklin)
Ubi has always been a hustler. From being an ‘industry guy’ – as people with no clear cut work are referred to in the entertainment industry – His first major gig was with Julius Agwu, where he served as an assistant to the comedian. He also worked with AY Makun, and a few others, before promoting shows, and getting paid for gigs.
His meeting with Iyanya was never planned. Kelvin Orifa, the MTN executive, was the first one who brought Iyanya from Abuja in 2010, where he resided in the home of producer, Tee-Y Mixafter the flop of his first album. Iyanya, under verbal agreements was brought to Lagos by Orifa, and Ubi Franklin was added on as manager. Iyanya never did a day of management in his life, with people always available to handle his business. ‘Kukere’ and all its planning was done at this point. In 2011, under the guidance of Ubi Franklin, he broke out from the wings of Orifa, and struck out with Ubi.
Iyanya's powers decline, a new force has risen from his record label. His name isTekno, and he is currently one of the best pop acts right now in the country. (Coko Bar)
Under Made Men Music Group, Ubi managed the firm and the talent. Iyanya’s job was very limited to creating the content, and handing over to Ubi, and working on the performance. It was Ubi who did the bookings, handled the business end of everything, digital sales, expansion and more. Iyanya took care of powering in the money via entertainment. That combination has worked wonders for a period in the Nigerian music space. Expansion came in 2014, with more talent signed and the business grown. Iyanya’s money had afforded them the financial freedom to make bigger decisions, and they did.
playIyanya's powers decline, a new force has risen from his record label. His name isTekno, and he is currently one of the best pop acts right now in the country. (Coko Bar)
Among the signees was a certain young man, Tekno.
The young singer was signed at the height of Iyanya’s fame in 2013, after impressing with ‘Oyenekwu’ and the Davido-assisted ‘Holiday’, the singer, producer and dancer was snapped up by the record label. He had just released his song ‘Dance’, with very little promotion. Fate sought him out, and his star began to rise. ‘Dance’ grew quickly, eclipsing songs with bigger budgets, and convincing the powers at MMMG to get it a video.
playTekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai
playTekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai
playTekno thrills fans at Industry Nite in Dubai
Last year was a prolific one for him. Tekno made the nation stand still with ‘Duro’, before going one better with ‘Wash’. These songs cemented his position as one of the stars of the year, shot up his stock, and also changed his fees. Where he was commanded peanuts, now his fees make you go nuts. That was quickly followed by the 2016 where which is just beginning to catch on.
playTekno at Afrobeats Mayday concert
Why has Iyanya stalled and Tekno accelerated? Because unlike Iyanya, Tekno possesses something that cannot be bought; he is new. And everybody loves new. Iyanya holds the grounds as the more matured and experienced man who also manages the label. Tekno is an employee who has a chokehold on pop music right now, with his incomprehensible and often crude lyrics combining with mid-tempo beats to inspire dancing.
The fortunes of both artistes are not tied by music. Rather it is business that binds them together and creates a juxtaposition which further throws more light on the plight of Iyanya. Where Tekno has risen, Iyanya has found difficulty in growing, and pop culture is ruthless in kicking out stars as quick as they are made. Attention span is fickle, and as Iyanya has lost ours, Tekno has found it, and he is keeping it for now.
play(Instagram/Ubifranklin)
Ubi Franklin is currently milking the Tekno show. All the focus from MMMG is now on Tekno. Just as he did make a fortune from Iyanya, he now has the momentum of the new guy to ride and make more money.
Iyanya is leaving him, but he will be fine. Tekno is his new Iyanya.