When you think of one of the leading creatives in the Nigerian music industry, you think Obi Asika!
We are psyched to bring you this week's episode of the Listed Lagosian with Obi Asika.
Obi comes from the town of Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria.His father, Anthony Ukpabi Asika, was administrator of East Central State, Nigeria during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. Obi attended Ekulu Primary School, Enugu from 1974 to 1977, and then proceeded to the United Kingdom where he attended Ashdown House, East Sussex between 1977 and 1982. From Ashdown House, he gained a direct entry into Eton College, having obtained a Distinction in the National Common Entrance Exams in the UK.
At Eton College, Obi held several positions, including school prefect, secretary of the Political Society and secretary of the Film Society.
Obi was a research assistant at the World Trade Centre of Nigeria between 1986 and 1987. In 1987, he enrolled at the University of Warwick, from which he received an LLB Hons in 1990. At the University of Warwick, Asika was secretary, Nigerian Society; member, Political Society; member, Afro-Caribbean Society; radio host and DJ and events promoter.
Between 1987 and 1990, Obi organized successful concerts, charity and entertainment events at university campuses around the UK. He also hosted a weekly radio show at the University of Warwick. He was equally DJ and promoter of over 200 events at universities and clubs in London, using venues such as Legends, Dingwalls, Camden Palace, Brighton Hippodrome, Wall Street, Shaftesbury's and many more.
In 1991, Obi founded Storm Productions, a Nigerian entertainment company whose record label arm is notable for ushering in a new generation of Nigerian musical talent, including Naeto C, Ikechukwu, Sasha P, Tosin Martins, Banky W, who changed and developed the Nigerian music landscape.
Obi has worked – and continues to work – with The World Bank, international companies, and government at state and Federal levels to shape public policy and create an enabling environment for the creative industries.