Fascinated by the culture and people of Africa, multifaceted creative artist, filmmaker, photographer, writer, graphic designer, and recently a talent manager Odhie develops artists with a sense of wholesomeness. Odhie is a performer known for his compelling intricate expression that brings vibrancy, translating human emotions into relative, evocative campaigns with stylish visualization. A formidable talent with an entrepreneurial spirit based in Nairobi, Kenya, Odhie combines his passion for performing art to craft compelling stories with stylized vision dreamscapes.
When did your filmmaking career start?
When I reflect on my genesis in filmmaking and what inspired me to begin making cinema, it began way back at a young age. Growing up, I developed a habit of watching either as a hobby or recreational activity and I would find myself dedicating a lot of time to watching TV. This got to a point that I was addicted to watching TV in that I would sometimes sneak back into the living room watch against my given screen time and this would numerously get me in trouble with my guardians when found. I think one of the things that drew me was the curiosity to get familiar with the magic that happens on TV shows and programs.
I recall at one point during school holiday breaks my cousin asked me to take a picture of her with her phone in which she got excited with my skills and the outcome, through this I would regularly take her photos whenever need a raise.
Later on, in college, I took journalism and production as a major at the Multimedia University of Kenya. Throughout my studies, I was drawn to the art of filmmaking as a way of expressing narratives of given variable dimensions either in form of still, motion pictures, or graphical elements.
After finishing my university studies, I hustled my way into the media industry and along the journey, I got lucky to be offered opportunities to work with various media houses. One of the major projects I got to work on in my early career stages was a reality TV show called "Nairobi Diaries" produced by Inc. House Production, which aired on national TV called K24 TV, here I plaid the role of a Director of Photography. This experience helped me hone my problem-solving skills. That's such a big part of still and motion picture-making, being able to think on the fly and make decisions under pressure.
Along the journey of my career, I used to get offers from friends and referrals to work with or on either their photography or film projects based on collaborative or paid gigs or projects.
Consultations projects flowed so I formulated a business plan to help bridge the gap across a range of visual mediums not limited to still and motion pictures in creative visuals, music video, web series, photography, advertising campaigns, artist branding and brand development, in addition to creating an environment and opportunities for a brand to realize their potentials profitably in an umbrella of film and media agency called Lookart Filmz in 2017 then later changed the name to En Nile Eclipse in 2019.
Tell us about your music video journey?
Over the period and still in active practice at the moment as an industry and market player responsible for accomplishing to build an incredible track record having collaborated and directed various music video projects such like 'Over and Over' by Cara Feral from Kenya, 'Blue Light' by Nephi from Nigeria, 'Manze' by Kay J Wong from Kenya, 'Ni Wewe' by Prince Bernah from Kenya. Just to mention a few as I continue to write my history book and contribute to the industry and culture as I am excited to be currently developing a series of TV and web series.
How did you get into artist management?
I love Africa, I love the people of Africa and the culture we have, the spirit and to be precise, I love the heart and soul of who we are each time we bring it out through our musical art. This is one of the reasons why I made it a choice by dedicating part of my heart and soul to artist management as an extension niche.
Having grown in it, owned it, and essentially have played a major part in modeling it. I've seen the industry grow in front of me. This encouraged me to assemble, prepare, manage, develop, nurture and technically provide an avenue for an artist to realize and become profitable in their potential and passion.
Music as an enterprise in the African region can be challenging and confusing, I decided to also make it my quest in trying to make it less confusing, profitable and more fulfilling for our artists and business partners. The eventuality of navigating through saw me add a category as a founder in the film and media agency, talent management. Currently, I am working with two artists in developing their brands into profitable and fulfill set goals and achievements.
What do you look for in an artist to manage?
Well when working with the artist which can be challenging at times, I tend to look for an individual on how talented they are, how relentless they can be and how passionate they can get to continue being about their craft as this gets to complete both our individuality in harmony.
Any last message?
Above all, I am grateful to be working in an industry I love and care about with brands I get to respect in the passion I am about as grow day in and day out. I am excited about the journey as I am looking forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the entertainment industry not just in Kenya but across the continent.
