Why VVIP Returned to Kennis Music
Kennis Music has announced its readiness to work with Ghanaian hip-life group, VVIP, (formerly VIP-Vision in Progress) who it introduced to the Nigerian market many years ago when they came out with Ahomka Womu which became a monster and continental hit. After that it seemed everything went quiet. VVIP went commercial in 1998. VVIP has transformed from being a four member group to a three-man band, following the exit of Promzy. However, Joseph Nana Ofori (Prodigal), Abdul Hamid Ibrahim (Lazzy now Zeal) and Reggie Rockstone are keeping the flag flying.
Recently, has released another hit which is making waves in Ghana. It has also recorded a wave-making single called ‘Alhaji’ with Nigerian superstar, dancehall and regge artiste, Patoranking. The ‘Alhaji’ song caught the ear of Kenny Ogungbe, CEO of Kennis Music who got in touch with them. “What are you guys doing?,” he inquired of them. The line of communication was open. The group sent all the promotional materials required to make the music known in Nigeria and Kennis went about promoting it.
Mr. Ogungbe returned to Nigeria from the United States of America in the 90s with his friend, Dayo Adeneye. Together they hosted a radio show on Raypower FM. The show went on to television. The duo would later form a music label which has been credited with shaping a certain era of Nigerian music by shaping the career of artistes like 2Baba, The Remedies, Sound Sultan, Eedie Remedy etc.
Kenni who is fondly called ‘Baba Keke’ holds the rank of a director and non-executive director at Daar Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower has recently announced the birth of his own private radio station, Kennis 104.1FM. He told this reporter at a public function recently that he has the understanding of VVIP to return to Kennis music, but he would not disclose the duration of the working relationship.
“It is going to be the same relationship as we first signed. They have a record company in Ghana called Vision in Progress and again, they are international acts based in Accra, Ghana. But in Nigeria, Kennis Music is their record label meaning Kennis Music will promote, market and sell their works in Nigeria. If anybody is interested in having VVIP, you’ll call Kennis Music. Even if you call them, they will say call Kennis Music. We can then negotiate and bring them back to Nigeria for performances.”