Lately, the Nigerian music videos have been criticised for its adult contents, but a prominent video director has said they (directors) are not to be blamed for it, but the artistes and sometimes the fans, who he said like what is trending.
He may not have spent several years shooting music videos, but he has done some of the finest videos for top artistes in Nigeria. The man being described, Olalekan Busari, works under the name ‘Unlimited L.A. and has won awards for doing what he knows how to do best.
He recently spoke about the world of music directing, the need to travel out of Nigeria to shoot videos and who made him join the profession.
How did you get into music video production?
Sincerely, I did not go to any film school because I finished from Lagos State University and studied Computer Science and Mathematics but I have a cousin who is a big brother and he’s name is DJ Tee. During my years in school, I was always going to his place during weekends, so we go on set together. That was where I started developing my talent.
These days, music videos are always about the females shaking their butts and nakid girls; what is your view on this?
It is the song, it comes from the song first. We Nigerians love the trend of what is going on. We get to get the same particular kind of songs. So artistes will come and say ‘I want this kind of video’. It’s really not our (directors) fault because our customers, who are our clients and in this case, they are the artistes and as a business man, you cannot say no to what they want.
How do you get these video vixens?
We work with professionals. So when the idea comes, we tell them ‘this is what you (will be) doing’ and we are good to go.
Why the idea of flying outside Nigeria to shoot videos?
There are some things that are hard to get here in Nigeria like location, type of camera and speed boats. But outside the country, I think it is easier for us.
Have you travelled outside the country to shoot video?
Yes, of course!
Do you turn down up and coming artistes?
It is the song, I do not turn down up and coming artistes because I like working with them. I like to showcase the up and coming artistes especially when you are talented. But I turn down songs because I like good songs. Good songs that I will play and I will get attached to almost immediately. I could nod my head to.
Artistes you have worked for?
In Nigeria, I have worked with almost all the artistes there is.
Are you married?
I am not married yet, but I am in a relationship.
How are you giving back to the society?
What I do right now is to train the younger ones on cinematography for free. I am working with 17 f them.
How do you deal with advances from advances who want to date you?
I am used to it. I have been with DJ Tee for like five years so have some experience before I started off. I used to the female drama.
What is your industry doing to probably get a guild?
I don’t think that is in place yet. We (video directors) are all friends though, but there is no association yet.
What other projects are you working on?
I am basically working on music videos and other African collaborations.
How similar is music directing to movie directing?
Sometimes, when you hear one song, you would know if it needs to be scripted with drama sequences or not. Some are just montage videos, just performances. It is very different from movies.
How much is your cheapest video work?
Well, I have to listen to the song first before I charge. I need to like the song first.
Do you have links with other music video directors outside Nigeria too?
I have links with some directors from South Africa, Ghana and London too. We chat on the new cameras, new software, how good they are etc.
Would you allow your children go into the industry?
Yes, if they are passionate about it.
