Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke is the CEO of Don Sylvester Records. This Enugu State-based businessman is also a movie producer, actor, Minister of God, and a philanthropist. In the past 5 years, he has focused more on movie production and has produced a good number of movies.
Last year, the very industrious gentleman decided to Commission his record label, where he currently has over 30 artistes and 2 signed artistes. In this interview with City People’s Senior Showbiz Reporter, BIODUN ALAO, he talked about his journey into the entertainment industry, why he decided to accommodate so many artistes on his record label within a year, the challenges he has been facing and why he is so loved by youths especially the Igbos in Lagos.
How long has Don Sylvester Records been in operation?
Actually, DSR has been in operation since last year, though it is something we have nurtured for years, but because we were not financially buoyant enough, we decided to wait till we were capable to run it. But we had earlier been in the entertainment industry; we have been in film production for like 5 years now.
Can you talk about the movies you have produced?
We have produced a good number of movies such as “The Virgin Bride”, “Waiting To Exhale” Illicit Desperate Ladies” and so many others. I have also been featuring in my friend’s movies as well.
Do you just give producers a story line to produce for you, or you get fully involved in the production?
I bring out money for producers to produce, which makes me an executive producer. I also oversees what is happening in the production. But most of my movies. I am the producer, I also give direction and act in all my movies, I am also an actor, I have featured in movies like “Oyi Agu”, Mandalas ” and lots of others. I have been acting for 7 years now, though often, I take up the waka pass roles in most movies.
How many artistes have you signed on your record label so far?
I have over 30 artistes on my record label now, but I have signed only two officially. It is like a different stroke for different folks. Because of the expenses and other things, we don’t sign more than 2 artistes at a time. We have 30 standing by. What we do to them, is that they sing, we promote. It’s more or less like grooming before proper signing. The difference between them and the signed artistes is that we don’t give the unsigned artistes the benefits the signed ones get, like accommodation, cars, cash, and other things.
What does it take or require to be on DSR label?
It doesn’t take much, DSR is more or less a youth empowerment organization. I am the Director of the National Youth Council, Lagos branch. So, we empower youths, take them off the street, there are lots of talented youths out there, even when I started, I was advised against signing more than one artistes at a go, but I told them, I don’t care. This is what I want. So, it doesn’t take much to be one of us. Once you can sing very well. Your capability will determine what you will get, after going through the usual test. We do free studio session for artistes, we have our producer, who also helps out with the studio session.
How true is it, that you focus more on Igbo youths?
That is not true, I’m in Lagos, I came to Lagos after my youth service scheme in August, 2000. I got married in Lagos, had my kids too.
So, I empower youths in Lagos irrespective of ethnicity, language or religion. I am not concentrating on Igbo youths alone, the funniest part of this whole story is that my current 2-signed artistes are not even Igbo, one is Yoruba, then the other is from Benue.
So, why do you get so much respect and recognition from the Igbo in Lagos?
Yes, they respect me a lot, and that is because I am the “Eze Ndi Igbo” here in Lagos, which is “The King Of Igbos”.
What are the aims and Objectives of DSR?
We want to take music to the highest level, re-brand it, we are the game changers. We want to add class, value and glamour to music. We will be launching and signing new artiste on the 21st at Sheraton Hotel, most record labels go to clubs to do theirs.
Another thing is to empower youths, to give them a platform to exhibit and showcase their talents instead of just wasting away.
How do you intend to manage a situation where one artiste outshines others in DSR?
Well, you know we are all born equal before God, but some tend to be more fortunate than others. I will try my best to treat everybody equally, but in such a situation, I feel it will only encourage others to work harder to be their best. We will give all of them equal opportunity on the platform; share record session for them too. We are Christians and we don’t intend giving anybody preferential’ treatment against others. So, if after all these, one still excels above others, then we will accept it as the will of God. So, for now, everybody will be given equal platform to showcase his/her talent.
What are the benefits of being on DRS label?
Shelter, accommodation, monthly allowance, medication and also taking care of their extended family, and anywhere we are invited as the CEO, I go with my artistes. I carry them along in everything and also clothe them, there are so many benefits.
How do you intend to sustain DSR, considering the fact that many record labels rise quickly and fall quickly in Nigeria?
Actually, I have answered this question, several times and I won’t stop saying this, any ship I’m in doesn’t sink. It took me time, and I have really worked so hard to build DSR, so it won’t be like other record labels. We have learnt a lot from other People’s mistakes and we don’t want to repeat them. We are applying wisdom. Those who have failed in other record labels are the people we assembled, like my manager in Enugu, he had a record label before, also my operation manager, producers, all these people advised us on how to go about things because they know what it takes to fail and what it takes to succeed. Most of the record labels failed owing to insufficient capital and artistes not performing well. We have worked so hard, and also I am putting things in place to take care of that. I would not want to let the cat out of the bag. In order not to give my artistes insight into what we have on ground. We promise not to fail, you will keep hearing about us for so long.
How do you intend dealing with breach of contracts owing to sudden wealth and fame of artistes?
We have put that into consideration before starting, we know lots of them have hidden agenda, but remember I told you DSR is more or less out to empower youths.
We are richer than the artistes in Nigeria how much do they make? The so called very rich artistes in Nigeria, how much do they have. If any artiste blows and decides to abandon DSR, we will take it as one of the hazards of the business. We are not into it for the financial gain. We just want to help youths, so if they make it tomorrow and decide to forget us. It’s all well and good. God is with us.
What make DSR different from other record labels?
What makes us different; we are just one big family. We are trying to bring decency into music, no drugs, no smoking, no sex. We are trying to change something in music take for example, in our office; we paste handbills all over, no smoking. Also a lady that just joined us, the day our lawyer saw the way she was dressed, asked if she was a banker. We want to do things differently. Artistes are often regarded as drug addicts and tagged everything negative you can think about, but here it’s no to such lifestyle..
Where do you see DSR in the next Five years?
5 years is too far away, before the end of this year, DSR will become an household name lots of people will fall in love with and so many will want to be part of us.
In 5 years, we will be like every record label that has made it so big in Nigeria and Diaspora, we will still keep going up and not coming down.
So far have you experienced any form of challenge?
Yes, a lot of challenges like some artistes trying to have things done in their own ways, disappointment from producers and so many others.
Like we bought a car for an artiste, sometimes the car started giving problem, he called the guy who supplied to come and pick the car won’t come or even make any refund. To many, it might not be a challenge, but to me, it is. Nobody likes to waste money. Another major challenge we are facing right now, is choosing artistes to be signed, because there are lots of them, and they are all exceptionally good, so it’s been difficult picking, but I always try to use my discretion.
What made you go into this type of business?
I’m a lover of music, and it started when I was a little child, then during my undergraduate days, I used to rap at every Esut Award Night. I have been in showbiz for so long, though at the background, because there was no money then. I think this is the right time, at least, I am okay now, I have always had strong passion for music.
So, who is Don Sylvester?
My name is Chinedu Eweke Sylvester, my father is late, my mum is still alive, and I’m from Enugu State. A graduate of Enugu State University of Technology, I read Sociology and Anthropology and I have engaged in so many studies as well.
I went to bible school, school of discipleship as well. I am also a spy police an Asp, we do secret investigations. I am a strong believer of Christ, a minister, I attend fellowship every Thursday.
How do you relax, with all these activities?
We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us, it is division of labour, I do create time for all I do, so no one will be lacking. If Dangote can combine all he does and he is still there, then, why can’t I do the same.
Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke is the CEO of Don Sylvester Records. This Enugu State-based business man is also a movie producer, actor, Minister of God, and a philanthropist. In the past 5 years, he has focused more on movie production and has produced a good number of movies.
Last year, the very industrious gentleman decided to Commission his record label, where he currently has over 30 artistes and 2 signed artistes. In this interview with City People’s Senior Showbiz Reporter, BIODUN ALAO, he talked about his journey into the entertainment industry, why he decided to accommodate so many artistes on his record label within a year, the challenges he has been facing and why he is so loved by youths especially the Igbos in Lagos.
How long has Don Sylvester Records been in operation?
Actually, DSR has been in operation since last year, though it is something we have nurtured for years, but because we were not financially buoyant enough, we decided to wait till we were capable to run it. But we had earlier been in the entertainment industry; we have been in film production for like 5 years now.
Can you talk about the movies you have produced?
We have produced a good number of movies such as “The Virgin Bride”, “Waiting To Exhale” Illicit Desperate Ladies” and so many others. I have also been featuring in my friend’s movies as well.
Do you just give producers a storyline to produce for you, or you get fully involved in the production?
I bring out money for producers to produce, which makes me an executive producer. I also oversees what is happening in the production. But most of my movies. I am the producer, I also give direction and act in all my movies, I am also an actor, I have featured in movies like “Oyi Agu”, Mandalas ” and lots of others. I have been acting for 7 years now, though often, I take up the waka pass roles in most movies.
How many artists have you signed on your record label so far?
I have over 30 artistes on my record label now, but I have signed only two officially. It is like a different stroke for different folks. Because of the expenses and other things, we don’t sign more than 2 artistes at a time. We have 30 standing by. What we do to them, is that they sing, we promote. It’s more or less like grooming before proper signing. The difference between them and the signed artistes is that we don’t give the unsigned artistes the benefits the signed ones get, like accommodation, cars, cash, and other things.
What does it take or require to be on DSR label?
It doesn’t take much, DSR is more or less a youth empowerment organization. I am the Director of the National Youth Council, Lagos branch. So, we empower youths, take them off the street, there are lots of talented youths out there, even when I started, I was advised against signing more than one artistes at a go, but I told them, I don’t care. This is what I want. So, it doesn’t take much to be one of us. Once you can sing very well. Your capability will determine what you will get, after going through the usual test. We do free studio session for artistes, we have our producer, who also helps out with the studio session.
How true is it, that you focus more on Igbo youths?
That is not true, I’m in Lagos, I came to Lagos after my youth service scheme in August, 2000. I got married in Lagos, had my kids too.
So, I empower youths in Lagos irrespective of ethnicity, language or religion. I am not concentrating on Igbo youths alone, the funniest part of this whole story is that my current 2-signed artistes are not even Igbo, one is Yoruba, then the other is from Benue.
So, why do you get so much respect and recognition from the Igbo in Lagos?
Yes, they respect me a lot, and that is because I am the “Eze Ndi Igbo” here in Lagos, which is “The King Of Igbos”.
What are the aims and Objectives of DSR?
We want to take music to the highest level, re-brand it, we are the game changers. We want to add class, value and glamour to music. We will be launching and signing new artiste on the 21st at Sheraton Hotel, most record labels go to clubs to do theirs.
Another thing is to empower youths, to give them a platform to exhibit and showcase their talents instead of just wasting away.
How do you intend to manage a situation where one artist outshines others in DSR?
Well, you know we are all born equal before God, but some tend to be more fortunate than others. I will try my best to treat everybody equally, but in such a situation, I feel it will only encourage others to work harder to be their best. We will give all of them equal opportunity on the platform; share record session for them too. We are Christians and we don’t intend giving anybody preferential’ treatment against others. So, if after all these, one still excels above others, then we will accept it as the will of God. So, for now, everybody will be given equal platform to showcase his/her talent.
What are the benefits of being on DRS label?
Shelter, accommodation, monthly allowance, medication and also taking care of their extended family, and anywhere we are invited as the CEO, I go with my artistes. I carry them along in everything and also clothe them, there are so many benefits.
How do you intend to sustain DSR, considering the fact that many record labels rise quickly and fall quickly in Nigeria?
Actually, I have answered this question, several times and I won’t stop saying this, any ship I’m in doesn’t sink. It took me time, and I have really worked so hard to build DSR, so it won’t be like other record labels. We have learnt a lot from other People’s mistakes and we don’t want to repeat them. We are applying wisdom. Those who have failed in other record labels are the people we assembled, like my manager in Enugu, he had a record label before, also my operation manager, producers, all these people advised us on how to go about things because they know what it takes to fail and what it takes to succeed. Most of the record labels failed owing to insufficient capital and artistes not performing well. We have worked so hard, and also I am putting things in place to take care of that. I would not want to let the cat out of the bag. In order not to give my artistes insight into what we have on ground. We promise not to fail, you will keep hearing about us for so long.
How do you intend dealing with breach of contracts owing to sudden wealth and fame of artists?
We have put that into consideration before starting, we know lots of them have hidden agenda, but remember I told you DSR is more or less out to empower youths.
We are richer than the artistes in Nigeria how much do they make? The so called very rich artistes in Nigeria, how much do they have. If any artiste blows and decides to abandon DSR, we will take it as one of the hazards of the business. We are not into it for the financial gain. We just want to help youths, so if they make it tomorrow and decide to forget us. It’s all well and good. God is with us.
What makes DSR different from other record labels?
What makes us different; we are just one big family. We are trying to bring decency into music, no drugs, no smoking, no sex. We are trying to change something in music take for example, in our office; we paste handbills all over, no smoking. Also a lady that just joined us, the day our lawyer saw the way she was dressed, asked if she was a banker. We want to do things differently. Artistes are often regarded as drug addicts and tagged everything negative you can think about, but here it’s no to such lifestyle..
Where do you see DSR in the next Five years?
5 years is too far away, before the end of this year, DSR will become an household name lots of people will fall in love with and so many will want to be part of us.
In 5 years, we will be like every record label that has made it so big in Nigeria and Diaspora, we will still keep going up and not coming down.
So far have you experienced any form of challenge?
Yes, a lot of challenges like some artistes trying to have things done in their own ways, disappointment from producers and so many others.
Like we bought a car for an artiste, sometimes the car started giving problem, he called the guy who supplied to come and pick the car won’t come or even make any refund. To many, it might not be a challenge, but to me, it is. Nobody likes to waste money. Another major challenge we are facing right now, is choosing artistes to be signed, because there are lots of them, and they are all exceptionally good, so it’s been difficult picking, but I always try to use my discretion.
What made you go into this type of business?
I’m a lover of music, and it started when I was a little child, then during my undergraduate days, I used to rap at every Esut Award Night. I have been in showbiz for so long, though at the background, because there was no money then. I think this is the right time, at least, I am okay now, I have always had strong passion for music.
So, who is Don Sylvester?
My name is Chinedu Eweke Sylvester, my father is late, my mum is still alive, and I’m from Enugu State. A graduate of Enugu State University of Technology, I read Sociology and Anthropology and I have engaged in so many studies as well.
I went to bible school, school of discipleship as well. I am also a spy police an Asp, we do secret investigations. I am a strong believer of Christ, a minister, I attend fellowship every Thursday.
 How do you relax, with all these activities?
We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us, it is division of labour, I do create time for all I do, so no one will be lacking. If Dangote can combine all he does and he is still there, then, why can’t I do the same.
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