At 36-years-old, Adams Ibrahim Adebola aka VJ Adams has become a household name on the Nigerian entertainment scene. With inputs in broadcasting, music, movies, and fashion, VJ Adams is not slowing down in his aspirations to be a role model to youths across Nigeria and Africa. He sits down with iGEN NEWS team lead, GBENGA BADA, to discuss varied issues in this interview.
In 2024 you created partnerships with shows like ‘KnowYourmusic’ on MTV base and ‘OffTheTop’ on BET. Can you elaborate on those shows and the ideas? I was blessed to secure a partnership deal with paramount where I can executive produce the shows I create and they give me distribution. It is a great feeling to finally own my intellectual properties on TV.
What was the most important lesson for you in 2024?
What 2024 taught me is that one’s dreams are valid. Make sure you place a lot of value on your time.
What do you think every Nigerian youth needs to get by in the current realities of life?
To get by I would say the youth needs to learn, practice and earn. Every youth needs to become great at anything they choose to do and also don’t take for granted collaborations.
There are many vices in the world as they say, how have you been able to keep your head up and high?
Regarding vices, my father always said, ‘remember the son of whom you are,’ and that is enough to keep me in check.
How would you describe your ability as a multi talented personality?
A blessing and a curse if you ask me. In 2025, the DJ and actor part of me are top priorities. I’ve been blessed with a lot of talent and all I’m really trying to do is show anyone coming after me that it is possible to fulfill your potential by living multiple dreams and winning in life legitimately.
Last year, Bimbo Ademoye gave you credit for designing the roll out campaign for all her six movies on YouTube, how was it working on all those projects?
I can’t take all the credit . I have to use this opportunity to thank the actors as well for agreeing to my crazy ideas to promote the movies. I start thinking of the roll out plans before we start filming. I go on set on some days just to feel the energy and sometimes flesh out the promotional ideas even further and I’m thankful to God the people love the PR campaigns. When it translates to the over 40 million views and counting on the movies, I am overjoyed.
In 2015, you had your first shot at fashion with Embruto by VJ Adams but 2024 berthed VIF by VJ Adams. How far are you willing to go on this fashion journey?
You see, fashion is one of the things I’ve created that will outlive me. Even when I’m gone, I can give all the equity to my family so it’s without a doubt one of the most important things I’ve created so far.
February 8, 2025 will mark 10 years since the release of your smash Fuji hit ‘Gbemisoke’ featuring Pasuma and Reminisce but you seem to have put music at the back burner since your album in 2018. Any plans for music in 2025?
To be honest, I’ve gotten a number of messages asking why I stopped making music. I stopped enjoying creating music when it solely became a numbers game. Don’t get me wrong numbers is very important in data. Spread and numbers help analyse the market. However, when it becomes the only factor in deciding what a good song is, that’s no longer art. That’s commerce if you ask me. I’ll be back in the studio as we are making more movies this year so I’ll create the sound tracks like I did on some of the movies in the past.
From an investment standpoint, what are some of the other areas you’re willing to invest in?
A few short let apartments would be great, a games arcade too. I kind of miss owning a game centre. I’ve invested a lot in e-sports/gaming over the years, filling up 4000 capacity venues multiple times and giving gamers something exciting to look forward to, so, my own game arcade would be nice.
Being a youth, how has VJ Adams been impactful to youths around him?
I have been able to show to a large audience it is possible to win legitimately, that’s the most important thing for me. Anything I do personally for people I’m not willing to discuss, also VJ apprentice search I do to help mentor anyone willing to pursue a career in pop culture broadcasting, my gaming franchise CVGC looks out for youths interested in ESports and help them earn amongst many other things.
Does being a successful youth put pressure on you as a person and your love relationship?
I have no pressure whatsoever. I have been blessed to achieve a lot of remarkable things while failing at some and taking the learnings in the process. What is mine will never pass me by and what isn’t will never get to me even if it’s as close as my upper and lower lip and that keeps me at peace.
What are your predictions for 2025?
I think 2025 is a collaboration year. If you’ve built a sustainable career where you have nothing more to prove, collaboration is important to scale your ideas and reach a wider audience.
