Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014—35
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electable and enterprising Susan Opute Somosu caused a dramatic revolution in the Namibian music industry when she floated a multimedia entertainment empire in the nation. A feat achieved not only as a foreigner, but as a woman. In Windhoek, Susan owns a state-of-the-art private music production and recording facilities, in addition to running Sustones Recordz , a record label dedicated to discovering young African talents. Susan is ready to replicate the feat in Nigeria and opens up on how she became Africa’s first female record label owner and how she intends to conquer the African music market. What has been happening since you launched your record label? I came back last year for the purpose of introducing my record label to Nigerians. I started from Namibia. I have taken my time to study the industry and realize that a lot of homework still needs to be done. Now, we’re still busy with our Nigerian studio and some other strategic projects we need to put in place. What prompted your foray into this line of business? Back in Namibia as a beautician, I had musicians approaching me to manage them even though I knew very little about the music industry. Their requests prompted me to do some researches. During the process of the research, I discovered that Nigerian music dominated Namibian music scene. I thought about it and decided to give it a try. This gave birth to Sustone Recordz .God be praised for its success so far. How does it feel being the first female label owner in Africa right now? It feels so good to be the first female record label owner in Africa. It’s something I didn’t expect. I didn’t come to the industry with that mindset, I didn’t even know I would be the first, It’s something I have passion for. This should be an eye opener for other women. They shouldn’t ignore the mindset that it’s a male dominated industry. What’s your assessment since you started?
Being the first female record label owner in Africa… — Susan Opute Somosu, Showbiz entrepreneur / First female to own a record label in Africa The industry is okay, but a bit complicated. It’s tough and it’s for the strong hearted. Does that mean you’re afraid? I am not afraid of being the only female label owner and of doing the business of entertainment. I have what it takes to become big in this industry. Did you see yourself in competition considering the nature of record labels in Nigeria? First, I am not here in Nigeria to compete with anybody, but to create my own
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By KEHINDE AJOSE
During the process of the research, I discovered that Nigerian music dominated Namibian music scene. I thought about it and decided to give it a try. This gave birth to Sustone Recordz .God be praised for its success so far
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*Susan Opute Somosu brand. Besides, my personal mantra is ‘When you make hard work and prayer your habit; success would be yours.”. Sustones has come to stay in Nigeria and we are poised to let the world know of our vast talents. What is your greatest business decision? My greatest business decision was when I entered into property business in Namibia .I initially started out in the beauty business but when the economy was about taking a negative toll I decided to try my hands in the real estate business. How have you been able to overcome business challenges? It’s challenging to make a mark in a country where you are not recognized as a
citizen. You are faced with laws that are not favorable to you as an investor. The good part of the country is that they are much more organized and have a functioning system. Irrespective of the challenges, I have resolved to maintain a positive attitude. What is your vision for the business? My vision for the business is to dominate the industry in Africa. I want to be a force to reckon with and I have started already. Nigeria is the biggest when it comes to entertainment in Africa that is my reason for taking the bold step to move my entertainment business back home. In the next three years I hope to have been able to build a brand with Sustones Recordz. I want it to be a household name in Africa.