I apologize to the new hitmaker in town under the tutelage of Don Jazzy – Michael Ovie Hunter, hitfully known as London. This is because his skills are standing him out without calling him the next Don Jazzy. I first encountered his name and handwork in the Mavin Record’s monster hit by Crayon title So Fine. Not long afterwards, I heard his musical signature again in Mavin International Star’s single bad Commando by Rema. At this point I was beginning to wonder who is this wonder producer is? Before now, I have often seen this handsome young man in the musical videos of Mavin Records young superstars. And I have often asked who is this guy that is always tagging or hanging out with the Mavin Stars. My question also included a reprimand that when will this guy release his own hit? On completing my research on him, all these questions evaporated. What was left was absolute respect and acknowledgement of the hitmaking skills of this young and highly talented Nigerian – Michael Ovie Hunter whose mother is an Urhobo woman from Delta State.

With all that is happening in Nigeria, there is hopelessness everywhere, especially among the youths. As we approach 60 years of nationhood, its quite easy to forget how gifted our youths are, as represented by their exploits in the creative industry. From the likes of creative godfathers like the still creative 88 years old Bruce Onobrakpeya, to Nigeria’s greatest hitmaker and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Nigeria is a hotbed of super talented people who the world is becoming acquainted with both locally and internationally with the likes of the Emmy, Grammy and Tony Awards singing and acting sensation Cynthia Erivo and our new superstar Burna Boy. In Sports, Science and Technology Nigeria youths are also blazing the trail with Anthony Joshua, Silas Adekunle – the celebrated robotic engineer and the many youngsters who continue to break academic records in their institutions abroad. Nigeria is indeed a nation whose greatest potential lies in her youths. And with Nigeria having more youth demography than virtually all other nations, government must do all to harness this unexplored asset. This is both a governmental task as well as corporate and individual task. The federal and state governments must mine this resource better than they are presently doing with petroleum and gold.

Corporate executives like Don Jazzy and would be sponsors must setup infrastructures and incentives that will groom these talents for global dominance and profitability. Rihanna will soon become a billionaire and maybe even replace the Queen of England as ceremonial head of the government of her native country Barbados. The music and movie industry are huge and can become a bigger and more sustainable earner than our land based natural resources. The world is hungry for quality African content that our creative industry championed by the new kids on the block like Michael Ovie Hunter are working hard to globalize. I want to congratulate Don Jazzy for creating a nest for these promising youngsters to cultivate their raw talent into global stardom. None of us should be left out in the pursuit of excellence. Ovie, should not be carried away by is success. He should dream big and work big. Don Jazzy’s greatest feat can become his launching pad to international relevance as a producer or whoever he wants to become. He has everything to succeed like musical billionaires like Kanye West who was is a producer also. The world is waiting to be conquered by Nigerian youths, Rema’s success is an example of what is possible. Whatever we do, we represent our race that has suffered untold psychological trauma due to the history of slavery and bad leadership by present African leaders. Our individual success motivates millions of the younger ones to do better. Serena has inspired Noami Osaka and Coco Gauf. Do your best to inspire the next generation.

Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com