REEL RADIO is a new revolutionary online station, marrying visuals with radio. Born on the 25th of April 2012, REEL-RADIO is the brainchild of Uche Okoli (also known as ‘MamaUch’). The idea behind using an online platform is to make it possible for listeners/viewers to witness uncensored radio at its best. REEL RADIO is all about REALNESS. From the moment you log on to their site, it is clear you will experience radio like no other. Spotiks had a chat with the brain behind Reel Radio UCHE OKOLI and here is what she told us about herself and Reel Radio.
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| REEL RADIO owner, Uche Okoli |
1. YOUR FULL NAMES AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My Name is Uche Okoli and I am originally from Anambra State, Nigeria.
My Name is Uche Okoli and I am originally from Anambra State, Nigeria.
2. HOW DID IT ALL START FOR YOU AND WHEN WAS REEL RADIO ESTABLISHED?
My love for the creative arts started during my primary school years. I was given my first major role as the Princess in my School's production of 'Princess Ida'. We often went on school trips to the National Arts Theatre to take part in workshops with famous veteran Actors such as Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva and it was during one such trip that discovered I loved performing. As I grew older it wasn't unusual for complete strangers to ask me if I sang or was a radio personality. People often suggested I should do voice over because of my distinct voice and before long, I started to give it some thought. By the time I moved back to Nigeria, it was clear to me that I would pursue a career in Broadcasting and I began by doing my youth service with NTA Channel 5, Abuja. There I presented my own show called 'The Top 5 Music Videos in the FCT and was a red carpet host. Once my youth service was completed, I returned to Lagos and set up a record label because I have a passion for music and I wanted to see what difference I could make to the Nigerian Music Industry. Soon after, the opportunity to be an OAP (On Air Presenter) on an Online Radio station fell into my lap. I loved the experience so much that it inspired me to start my own online radio station called REEL RADIO. REEL RADIO was conceived in June 2012 and became fully operational by September 2012.
My love for the creative arts started during my primary school years. I was given my first major role as the Princess in my School's production of 'Princess Ida'. We often went on school trips to the National Arts Theatre to take part in workshops with famous veteran Actors such as Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva and it was during one such trip that discovered I loved performing. As I grew older it wasn't unusual for complete strangers to ask me if I sang or was a radio personality. People often suggested I should do voice over because of my distinct voice and before long, I started to give it some thought. By the time I moved back to Nigeria, it was clear to me that I would pursue a career in Broadcasting and I began by doing my youth service with NTA Channel 5, Abuja. There I presented my own show called 'The Top 5 Music Videos in the FCT and was a red carpet host. Once my youth service was completed, I returned to Lagos and set up a record label because I have a passion for music and I wanted to see what difference I could make to the Nigerian Music Industry. Soon after, the opportunity to be an OAP (On Air Presenter) on an Online Radio station fell into my lap. I loved the experience so much that it inspired me to start my own online radio station called REEL RADIO. REEL RADIO was conceived in June 2012 and became fully operational by September 2012.
3. EVERYONE KNOWS REEL RADIO IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ONLINE RADIO BECAUSE IT IS KNOWN FOR BEING REAL ON AIR; DO YOU SEE OTHER ONLINE RADIO STATIONS AS COMPETITORS?
Yes, I do. To stay ahead of the game, you cannot underestimate the competition. We are always aware of what is going on within our industry, who the new players are and what they have to offer.
Yes, I do. To stay ahead of the game, you cannot underestimate the competition. We are always aware of what is going on within our industry, who the new players are and what they have to offer.
4. REEL RADIO HAS GOT A LOT OF WONDERFUL PRESENTERS, WHICH OF THEM WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
Honestly, they all bring something unique, fresh and exciting to the table and my favourite changes each day. I am a huge fan of all the OAPs at Reel Radio. They are not just staff we are a family and I love them all.
Honestly, they all bring something unique, fresh and exciting to the table and my favourite changes each day. I am a huge fan of all the OAPs at Reel Radio. They are not just staff we are a family and I love them all.
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| REEL RADIO OAP, Ayo fala fala, Kimani and Shola |
5. ARE YOU MARRIED?
No, I'm not.
No, I'm not.
6. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF NIGERIAN ARTISTES ON REEL RADIO FOR INTERVIEWS, WHICH OF THEM CAN YOU SAY YOU ENJOYED HAVING ON YOUR STATION?
I loved having Show Dem Camp, All Of Syndik8 records, the very funny Ramsey Noah and the cast of Tinsel. I also liked the lovely Rukky Sander, Burnaboy..I really could go on! Oh, I can't forget my interview with Joseph Benjamin- it was on that show that he revealed exclusively to us that he was no longer with his wife. Big Brother's Prezzo was also one of my favourites!
I loved having Show Dem Camp, All Of Syndik8 records, the very funny Ramsey Noah and the cast of Tinsel. I also liked the lovely Rukky Sander, Burnaboy..I really could go on! Oh, I can't forget my interview with Joseph Benjamin- it was on that show that he revealed exclusively to us that he was no longer with his wife. Big Brother's Prezzo was also one of my favourites!
7. YOUR TOP FIVE NIGERIAN ARTIST?
In no particular order; I love Shank, Burnaboy, Vector, Dammy Krane and of course Tuface!
In no particular order; I love Shank, Burnaboy, Vector, Dammy Krane and of course Tuface!
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARASING MOMENT?
My most embarrassing moment would probably be when we did a Show called #ReelAfterDark and we were playing truth or dare. I was asked an implicating question; I avoided answering but the damage was done.
My most embarrassing moment would probably be when we did a Show called #ReelAfterDark and we were playing truth or dare. I was asked an implicating question; I avoided answering but the damage was done.
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| Shola Ajayi of REEL RADIO |
9. REEL RADIO IS ALL ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT AND ALSO PROMOTING ARTISTS, WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN THE PAST AND PRESENT?
With regards to the music industry; though there are many more players today, the quality of songs in my opinion has really dropped. I would love for us to return to producing songs with good lyrical, inspirational content with less of the vulgar content.
With regards to the music industry; though there are many more players today, the quality of songs in my opinion has really dropped. I would love for us to return to producing songs with good lyrical, inspirational content with less of the vulgar content.
10. IF YOU WERE ASKED TO PICK A NIGERIAN CELEBRITY YOU WOULD LOVE TO GO OUT ON A DATE WITH, WHO WOULD YOU PICK?
Oh that's simple; Tuface for sure.
Oh that's simple; Tuface for sure.
11. WHAT WILL YOU BE IF YOU WERE NOT DOING WHAT YOU DO NOW?
Maybe a hairdresser with my own salon or an image consultant. I really can't imagine doing anything other than what I'm doing to be honest.
Maybe a hairdresser with my own salon or an image consultant. I really can't imagine doing anything other than what I'm doing to be honest.
12. COULD YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
I'm a happy go lucky girl. I am Honest, hardworking, creative, very sociable and open minded.
I'm a happy go lucky girl. I am Honest, hardworking, creative, very sociable and open minded.
13. YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
I love peppered snails or suya. I'm a meat person.
I love peppered snails or suya. I'm a meat person.
14. ANY GREATEST REGRETS?
I don't have any regrets. I don't believe in regrets. I believe in lessons.
I don't have any regrets. I don't believe in regrets. I believe in lessons.
15. BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR?
It's got to be REEL RADIO
It's got to be REEL RADIO
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| Daxydags on the mic |
16. WHO ARE YOUR ROLE MODELS?
It may be corny but my role models are my parents and of course Jesus Christ.
It may be corny but my role models are my parents and of course Jesus Christ.
17. GROWING UP AS A CHILD, DID YOU EVER HAVE IT IN MIND THAT YOU WILL OWN A RADIO STATION?
The thought never crossed my mind. Always knew I would work in the creative Industry, but I would have thought it would be TV only.
The thought never crossed my mind. Always knew I would work in the creative Industry, but I would have thought it would be TV only.
18. WHAT SHOULD NIGERIANS AND FANS EXPECT FROM REEL RADIO in 2013?
REEL RADIO is a very dynamic, exciting radio station. But most of all, it's REAL! Expect the unexpected. REEL RADIO is all about thinking outside the box. So look forward to more of your favourite shows and brand new shows! Look out for #ReelAfterDark. A show we do once a month. It is rated 18. You've been warned.
REEL RADIO is a very dynamic, exciting radio station. But most of all, it's REAL! Expect the unexpected. REEL RADIO is all about thinking outside the box. So look forward to more of your favourite shows and brand new shows! Look out for #ReelAfterDark. A show we do once a month. It is rated 18. You've been warned.
19. MESSAGE TO FANS, LOVERS OF REEL RADIO AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL THAT LOOKS UP TO YOU?
I want to thank everyone that has supported us. We love you all and promise to keep giving you great quality shows. We also promise to continue to keep it real.
I want to thank everyone that has supported us. We love you all and promise to keep giving you great quality shows. We also promise to continue to keep it real.
20. MESSAGE TO SPOTIKS BLOG?
Thank you Spotiks Blog! REEL RADIO wishes you the very best in 2013. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Spotiks Blog! REEL RADIO wishes you the very best in 2013. Keep up the good work.
21. TWITTER HANDLE AND FACEBOOK NAME?
@mama_uch @reelradioNG find us on facebook at facebook.com/UcheOkoli facebook.com/ReelRadio
Interview conducted by @orirefreshout
