Deji Falope is the host of the largest syndicated radio show in Africa. He is also popular for his previous shows, MTN top 10 and Malta Guinness Street Dance. His break-up with his girlfriend became a hot topic on social media. It also ended up as a court case. Last year, he announced his engagement to another lady. In this chat with our reporter, he speaks about his new moves.You got engaged last year and we are yet to hear anything about marriage. What is happening?
You know I don’t like talking too much about my personal life and relationships. This is because it has to do with more than one person. I may say something and the other party may not like it. So for now, what I will say is that when I am about to get married, I will let you know. In fact, I will give you exclusive details. It could be this year, it could be next; it’s all in God’s hands.
How far is your court case with your former girlfriend?
That as well is a no-go area, not because I don’t want to tell you but because it will be illegal for me to talk about it. The case is still in court and it will amount to contempt of court if I reveal the proceedings to the press. I want the case to take its natural course but I do not let the issue bother me. My lawyers are on top of the issue; it’s running for two years now, so all the pressure is no longer there like before. I am focusing more on my work and business.
What happened between you and Devine?
Well, that’s one story I would rather forget. Let’s just say, I have learnt a lesson that I didn’t even know life had a class for. So now, I am very careful about everything and everyone. I have drawn closer to God and thank Him for the lesson, so that I don’t go through the experience again. As they say, if something that ought to cut your head off only takes off your cap, quietly and calmly thank God, pick up your cap and go home to family.
What are you focusing on these days?
I have been focusing more on the business side of entertainment and media. Of course, my baby, the MTN Yello Top 10 Countdown, which I host, is still on air every Friday. It is possibly the biggest show on radio world wide, though it is adjudged the biggest in Africa. My focus now is more business than the shows. I have been travelling quite a bit, securing materials for various clients.
We learnt you are also into production. Does your business include moviemaking?
Moviemaking, not yet, but we are fully into production. Many of the adverts you see on television today are shot and produced by us. We have a multi-media studio, where we do everything from editing, animations and post-production in general. We also work on various television shows. What we do is that we offer cheaper and better quality alternatives to clients and that seems to be working for us. We might delve into movies later. If we get a movie job now, we have all the equipment to shoot a high definition product; we will take it on. Already, we have worked on various musical videos and short movies.
There were some snippets of a show called MTN Pulse online but it is yet to show on television. What is it about?
Really, we don’t know how that got leaked to the Internet. It is a show we designed for the youth market and we are still recording it as we speak. As per MTN, I won’t say it is an MTN show yet. I think because people see me on the show, they instantly think that it is an MTN show. We are still discussing with prospective sponsors and who knows, MTN could eventually take over the show.
What happened to Malta Guinness Dance Show?
I am sure that producer and sponsors are working on something very unique. For a while now, the show has not held but I’m sure they know what they are doing. I will surely be the first to tell you when the action begins. So for now, keep your fingers crossed.
As a businessman and an entertainer, how would you rate the quality of programmes on Nigerian televisions?
It could be a lot better. I mean that is why DSTV and the rest don’t pay producers as much. But in details, looking at the business, it’s booming madly. Considering content, Nigeria is among the top 10 across the world. Wale Adenuga Productions, Tajudeen Adepetu and others have contributed immensely to the growth of the industry. There is still a lot to be done; there is a new crop of young Nigerians that will take the industry to the next level. We will get there.
From a commuter bus driver to a celebrated TV presenter in Africa, how did it all start?
I can only say that my story was written by God Himself. I come from a comfortable background but circumstances led us through hard times. I knew I had to drag myself out of the misery but to do that there were lots of challenges. I knew I had the talent to be a presenter, as I have always had a flair for entertainment but there was no one to mentor or support me. I remember when I got a deal to present a 10-minute show on DBN, I did not even have money to transport myself to the studio and I had to trek from UNILAG to Victoria Island, and the day was supposed to be my first day on air. It was when I got there that I heard that the programme had been postponed. After a while, I decided to refurbish my mum’s rickety bus and immediately it was road worthy, I took to the streets. I did not even have complete papers and because I was on TV, I would use a face cap to cover my face, while driving. But I couldn’t hide myself for long, as some passengers would recognise me and ask if I’m not the one on television. However, I wouldn’t say anything but just continue driving. The big break came with MTN Yello and the rest is history.
You once survived a bike accident; how careful has that incident made you now?
Very careful but still I am riding. This will, however, be my final bike; I have cancelled the other purchase I requested. I guess am bored with bikes these days and the roads are not helping matters.
What are your greatest fears?
Losing my mum, family and friends and, of course, going to hell.
You must be religious
It is not about being religious; it’s about being close to God. In whatever I do, I put God first. I believe we all need to get closer to God. Many people do not really believe that heaven or hell is real. They are real.
What’s happening to your proposed musical career?
If you had asked that some years ago, I would have told you that it’s very much alive. But today, I am successful doing other things. I won’t sacrifice all that to be a musician. It is very much in me but I am more of a realist. To record a song and push it out takes a lot of time, and the question is do I have that time
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