������Ƶ

Mary Nnah

Popular showbiz promoter and entertainment entrepreneur, Mallam Yankee of the Yankee Entertainment has applauded the Federal Government for giving more recognition to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, describing it as the first time in decades that entertainers are being truly listened to.

Speaking as a panelist at the Abuja ������Ƶ and Investment Expo 2025, Mallam Yankee recounted his 29-year journey in the creative sector, stating that entertainment has evolved into a multi-billion-naira industry that creates jobs, drives tourism, and promotes Nigeria’s cultural identity across the world.

“Let me just say this — entertainment as a whole is massive. When I say massive, I mean billions are flowing into it. Unfortunately, before now, people didn’t pay much attention to it or see us as serious people. But I must commend this current government because, for the first time, we are being listened to,” he said.

Mallam Yankee recalled his humble beginnings nearly three decades ago when entertainers were often dismissed as miscreants. He narrated how he borrowed ₦36,000 from his mother to organize his first show at Lagos State University (LASU) — a huge amount at the time.

“₦36,000 back then was a lot of money. Our tenant bought a brand-new car for ₦70,000, and we even threw a party for it. So, you can imagine how big that was,” he said.

Despite family opposition, his mother secretly lent him the money. The event was a massive success in turnout but ended in loss after some attendees forged hand stamps to gain entry.

“People stole the stamp we used for those who paid at the gate and started stamping themselves. I lost all the money and couldn’t go home for three weeks,” he recalled.

When he finally returned home, expecting punishment, his mother said nothing about the failed show. That night, he promised her that he would make her proud and turn entertainment — once seen as a frivolous pursuit — into serious business.

“I told her I would make her proud, and I did. This thing people called miscreant work has now become big business,” Mallam Yankee said proudly.

He reflected on the early struggles of Nigeria’s entertainment scene when promoters pasted posters by hand across Abuja only for authorities to tear them down repeatedly.

“We started entertainment when there was nothing. You’d paste posters from Area 1 to Berger, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Agency would come and remove them. You’d beg them, paste again, and they’d tear them down — but people still showed up,” he said.

Mallam Yankee also recalled playing a part in launching the careers of some of Nigeria’s biggest stars.

He sarcastically said, “JJC once chased D’banj and Don Jazzy out of his flat in London. I brought them to Nigeria on June 16, 2005, and that was when their story changed. They became stars here and never went back to the UK,” he said.

According to him, the entertainment sector has now matured into a major employer of labour and a key driver of youth empowerment.

“Entertainment creates jobs and reduces crime. A young artiste who wants to make something of himself won’t be on the streets or involved in crime — he’ll protect his image,” he noted.

Mallam Yankee also highlighted the global influence of Nigerian music, which now dominates airwaves and clubs across Africa.

“I’ve travelled across countries and heard Nigerian music playing at airports and clubs. In one Kenyan nightclub, the DJ played Nigerian songs all night and only played Amapiano about ten times,” he said.

While commending the government for showing interest in the sector, he urged stakeholders not to depend solely on public support but to play their part in sustaining the industry.

“We shouldn’t depend 100% on government. Let’s do our part too,” he advised.

Mallam Yankee expressed appreciation to the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, describing her as a “fantastic woman who attends all our events and genuinely supports the industry.”

He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for improved infrastructure and security in Abuja but called for more event venues within the capital city.

“We thank you for the good roads and better security in the FCT, but the roads must lead somewhere. Please give us event venues that these roads can lead to,” he appealed.

Mallam Yankee concluded by reaffirming that entertainment has become a serious, profitable business that commands global respect.

“Parents used to want their children to become doctors. Now, they want them to become Burna Boy, Wizkid, or JJC. Entertainment is big business — and it’s time we all treated it that way,” he said.

Other panelists at the event included Seyi Vodi, Jim Iyke, and JJC.

The event was also graced by top government functionaries and other prominent Nigerians.