Tony One Week
The undisputed king of Gyration music in Nigeria, Tony “One Week” Muonagor, has no doubt, paid his dues in the nation’s entertainment landscape. One Week, who now lives and operates from Abuja, the nation’s capital, in this interview, spoke on his secret relocation, plans for his forthcoming tenth anniversary as a complete entertainer, new projects and why he is angry with Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra, his state of origin.
Enjoy the interaction!
Why did you abandon Lagos for Abuja?
Nothing really happened; I fell in love with Abuja and decided to relocate with my family. Lagos is good, but I am happier living and operating from Abuja. I have been living happily here in Abuja for almost three years with my lovely family.
Aside entertainment, what are the other things you do in Abuja?
I still do entertainment and showbusiness in Abuja alongside some consultancy services. Abuja has given me peace of mind. I’m also a contractor.
Entertainment wise, do you still miss Lagos?
I don’t think so; Abuja is fun and quiet with many happening places.
When was the last time you featured in a movie?
The last movie I produced and directed is titled Police is Machete, though it has not been released, it was shot three years ago. I ‘m currently in the studios working on my next gyration song with some artistes and it is coming out soon. It is also my fourth album and titled Ololo. I featured Sunny Bobo, African China, Singaholic, and a host of others.
What is the next level for you?
The next level for me is my new programme coming up soon on AIT. It is a sitcom titled Me and My Family. It is star-studded and would make the whole family laugh endlessly, a real family oriented programme.
Why are you celebrating your tenth anniversary?
First and foremost, my tenth anniversary is tagged: One Week at ten. For me, it’s been ten years as a successful person in the entertainment and showbiz industries. It is also my tenth year as the crowned Gyration master, scriptwriter, actor, comedian, producer, director and an all-rounder in the business of entertainment. It is a celebration of hard work and success. Already, a committee has been set up to ensure a successful event. Ali Baba is the chairman of the Planning Committee, while Chike Okogwu, is the Secretary. The main event comes up on November 16, which is also my birthday, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
As one of the ambassadors of Nigerian Breweries, they would be organizing a pre event show in my honour, on November 15, at the Old Parade Ground, here in Abuja. Both shows will be very solid. For the main show, we are bringing in ten musicians, ten comedians and ten Nollywood stars to perform at the Transcorp, because we are celebrating ten years. It promises to be fun-filled and fantastic.
What are your expectations for the event on November 16?
I’m expecting the whole of Abuja and Lagos to gather at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, for the biggest show in Nigeria this year. It is going to be a night of unending celebration, reunion and networking. I want to also, use this medium to thank all those that have supported my career and I since inception. My special thanks to all those assisting me to power this anniversary, I owe them a lot. No shaking.
Who are the special guests gracing the event?
Several dignitaries and celebrities are expected at the event. My friends like J. J. Okocha and his crew, the three senators from my state-Anambra, namely Annie Okonkwo, Joy Emordi and Ikechukwu Obiora, alongside other dignitaries in both the private and public sectors. As a politician and card-carrying member of the PDP, most of our party members would grace the evening. Above all, my pals and colleagues in the industry are also coming in large numbers.
Why Abuja and not Lagos, where you started from?
I chose Abuja because that is where I live now permanently with my family and business interests. As a matter of fact, Abuja is the capital of Nigeria and truly the place to be.
Do you intend taking this event round the federation after you are through with Abuja?
Maybe, when I clock 15 years as an entertainer, I might decide on the next venue, which could even be outside our shores, but definitely not Anambra. You and I are proud sons of Anambra State, but I’m not happy with our state’s governor. It is obvious that the government in Anambra State does not appreciate the arts and entertainment industry. I am sorry to say this, the current governor of Anambra State, I don’t want to say, seems to be anti-socials. Other governors are embracing and working with some of their illustrious sons and daughters in the entertainment industry, unlike our governor. Look at people like RMD, Okey Bakassi, and others, they are Special Assistants to their State Governments on Entertainment Matters, I don’t know why ours is different.
I just do not understand and several of us who are big players in the nation’s entertainment scene, are from Anambra. I can’t wait for Peter Obi to leave office, so that another governor that appreciates entertainment and our talents can come in and change the status quo. The current administration in Anambra is not favouring people like us that are in the entertainment industry, and I feel very sad about it. And I am speaking the minds of most of us from Anambra that are in the entertainment industry. Oliver De Coque, a proud son of Anambra is dead and the state is paying lip service to his funeral. Anambra will be the last place I would think of taking any of my shows to, for now.
First published, November 2008
Culled from Azuh Amatus’ best selling books, FAMOUS FACES…
