I’ve Built Careers, Transformed Nightlife In 30 Years – Mallam Yankee

Popular entertainment promoter and showbiz entrepreneur, Kehinde Adegbite, popularly known as Mallam Yankee, has reflected on his three-decade journey in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, describing it as a career built on resilience, relationships and creating opportunities for others.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja ahead of the celebration of his 30th anniversary in the industry, Mallam Yankee recounted his contributions to the growth of Nigerian music, comedy and nightlife while confirming his appointment as the official manager of music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba.

He said his relationship with the singer dates back to the era of the legendary Plantashun Boiz, noting that they have maintained a strong bond throughout the evolution of Nigeria’s music industry.

“Yes, I can confirm that I am now the official manager of 2Face Idibia. But our story did not begin today. It began in the golden era of Plantashun Boiz. We have watched the industry evolve together, and that bond has endured the test of time,” he said.

Reflecting on his career, Mallam Yankee said his greatest fulfilment comes from helping young talents find their footing in the entertainment industry rather than seeking personal recognition.

“Success means little if you cannot point to lives you have lifted. Your greatest achievement is not how high you rise, but how many people rise because you believed in them,” he said.

He recalled supporting the early careers of several leading entertainers, including Kizz Daniel, M.I Abaga, D’banj, Tekno, Wande Coal, Portable and a number of frontline comedians by providing platforms and opportunities that helped shape their careers.

“When I look at artistes like D’banj, Tekno, Wande Coal, Portable, Kizz Daniel, M.I and many others, including several comedians, I feel fulfilled. I thank God they stayed the course and never forgot those who stood by them at the beginning.”

Mallam Yankee said history bears testimony to his contributions behind the scenes, noting that he worked with numerous Nigerian artistes and played key roles in promoting their careers.

He also highlighted his role in taking over the management and promotion of Opa Williams’ iconic comedy show, Nite of a Thousand Laughs, which he described as a launch pad for many successful comedians.

The entertainment promoter further recalled his contribution to the development of Abuja’s nightlife, saying he was among those who helped transform the Federal Capital Territory into one of Nigeria’s leading entertainment destinations.

“When we arrived in Abuja around 2000, the city had little nightlife. We dared to dream differently and helped build a vibrant entertainment culture. As Chairman and co-founder of The Bank nightclub, we created a destination that hosted some of the biggest events in the capital.”

He added that the vision later expanded to other cities, including Owerri and Port Harcourt, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem.

Mallam Yankee also pointed to the Abuja International Carnival as one of the projects he nurtured over the years before it received renewed support through its 2024 partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy.

Looking ahead, he said his immediate priority is managing the career of 2Baba, whom he described as one of Africa’s greatest music icons.

“2Baba is more than a music legend; he is a timeless institution. What has kept us together is not just business but mutual respect, loyalty and genuine friendship. Since the days of Plantashun Boiz, he has never forgotten me. That is the mark of true greatness,” he said.

Mallam Yankee, popularly known as the “Jagaban of Entertainment,” hinted that the remainder of the year would feature several major entertainment projects and urged fans to look forward to an exciting season.