NUESA EXCLUSIVE: How Shoney of Abuja is Redefining the Nigerian photography and cinematography world with Creative Visuals.
Sinach
Published Date:
Apr 9, 2024
Last Updated:
How Shoney of Abuja is Redefining the Nigerian photography and cinematography world with Creative Visuals
It's not a call for debate that the Enugu state born creative boom has spurred an era of photographers and filmmakers, and Shoney of Abuja is one photographer and video director that's changing the narrative of cinematography with a fresh interpretation of age-old phenomena.
There are photographers, and there is Shoney of Abuja, in a league of his own. We at Nuesa press dug deep into how Shoney of Abuja erupted amidst other legendary cinematographers in UofA and the FCT, how he's effecting a paradigm shift, redefining the game and infusing so much imagery that evokes enough emotions and creativity.
Shoney of Abuja— The Man, The Art and The Styles. The true face of mother faculty.
Chukwudiilo Chidiebere Michael, popularly known as Shoney of Abuja,the CEO OF SØA ENTERTAINMENT, might not have come from the most privileged of backgrounds, but his family wasn't poor either. His middle-class home instilled in him all the abstract values that he needed to become the most wanted cinematographer that he is today – the super talented photographer and Cinematographer
Unlike every other privileged child of wealthy kids of Abuja, the journey wasn't rosy for Shoney of Abuja, but consistency, they say, remains the mother of perfection. Shoney of Abuja developed his passion for photography, and he started developing his craft in cinematographer; albeit he's learned how to direct the best photography in town.
Q.Today, in our studio,let's make welcome, Shoney of Abuja
R. Thank you so much for having me in the studio, ODOGWU UofA.
Q. Now that you're here, can you tell us more about yourself and family?
R. My name is Chukwudiilo Chidiebere Michael, I'm from A family of 3... My mom and I and sister... My father left when I was 5 months so It's been my Mum so far and it was good as well... My mum is a high ranking officer and my sister is an Alumni of the UofA and my family hails from Ugwu oba,Oji River,Enugu state.
Q. Wow! This is really touching, Tell us about your passion in photography and Cinematography
R. Yes I always had the dreams of bringing the world to Africa through photography, and the dreams started coming true when my friends and I ventured into the dreams of photography and got tutored and today I'm the best among them as a Photographer... I began to love art,I wanted to make waves I wanted steeze, I wanted Ideas and it kept me going till now.
Q. Truly,the dreams are now true,so what has been your motivation so far in the industry?
R. It's been the Connection and networking you get when you link up with creatives and also the track left and the attention, I am well known to be a little extroverted... So of course it help with the flow.
Q. So what are your best moments in the industry?
R. Uhmmm my best moments was being in the same Camp tent with Davido in Abuja last year for his timeless concert and getting to hear him speak to us and looking at me gave me cool chills..
Also getting a message from ABUJA ODUMODUBLQCK to come work with him was also a time not to pass
Another was engaging a conversation with NANCY ISIME and she was Like you're a HANDSOME BOY OH... 😂 Funny but I swear It counts 100%
Q. Shoney is really a big name, even Nancy Isime has been crushing on you,So who are the top celebrities you've worked with?
R. They are many,bro ODUMODUBLVCK
JOSH2FUNNY
SIR UTI
TONTO DIKEH
ANNA BIERE
REEPLAY
ICE PRINCE
OJ POSHARELLA
NANCY ISIME
EBUKA
JERIQ
MC BOBS
SARKIN DARIYA
ZILLA OAKS
DJ KAY Y
AGUERO BANKS
BLAQBONEZ
VICTONY
BOY SPYCE
DERENLE EDUN
RUGER
AKPORORO
FUNNYBONE
CHARLES OKOCHA
DAVIDO CREW (APITAIMMENT)
They are others to mention tho but let's cut it from here, I am also opportune to have contact with them personally
Q. You must be the most wanted in Abuja currently, so which celebrity do you dream to work with?
R. Uhmmm personally I would want to be on OBO Team fully.... Workin with Davido is my only aim now and I won't stop till he notices me I made Odumodu to... So why can't David too?
Q. O! Boi, 30 BG must come for you ASAP, you're truly an amazing fan of OBO and I know he'll definitely see you.
Q. I heard you're also an actor,how true is that?
R. Yeah,I'm an actor and I've featured in 3 movies.
Q. Wow! Shoney shot it is truly a big name in the industry, what other places of interest, do you want to share with our tasty audience.
R. I'm also the official PHOTOGRAPHER of ANTI WORLD GANGSTERS... Of which ODUMODUBLVCK is a lead artiste as well as Other pageantry and modeling companies and other artists not Mentioned
Q. What course are you studying in UofA and how do you find the course
R. I'm a 300level student of Educational management and planning in the faculty of education and I'm really enjoying my stays here.
Q. This is huge,so How many awards have you bagged so far?
R. Uhmmm 6 awards so far and two Certifications of Excellence
Let's say 8
Q. And why have you continued to remain at the top?
R. Because I saw people who believe I couldn't be what I'm today bow and change perspectives, it makes me wanna go high...
Q. This is sincerely an eagle's trait, thumbs up man. Who is your best support in life?
R. Uhmmm my best supports to be sincere is my mom.
Q. Momma's boy,she must be proud, I know, and who is your celebrity crush
R. Omo this one go cost oh 😂😂😂uhmmm I think it's Qing Madi... Since i met her in Hilton Last Month my mind hasn't been at ease she was a vibe and she said she was going buzz me when next... Don't know if was clout chasing but I believe
Q. This has really been a very impactful session for us here,and hope we'll have you again Shoney?
R. I'll always try, if I'm in Abuja and clear on schedules
Q. Wow! Just like Air peace that is booked for the whole year,you're really a scarce commodity, pardon my choice of word?
R. Yeah, the most wanted in Abuja.
Q. So, how do our readers get to contact you and also book appointments
R. INSTAGRAM @ SHONEYOFABUJA
Q. Before you go,shout outs to your friends and families who has been true.
R. Uhmmmm shout out to my OGs and Jigis
Shout Out To Morant specially and anyone who came through for me coz they a lot.
The world must know the Shoney of Abuja,the man who wants to bring the world to Nigeria . He's painting Nigeria as a culture everyone wants to be a part of through photography and if Shoney hasn't shot yours, then you haven't made memory yet.
About the Author
Sinach
A les Avocat, living with the It Begins With Me Mantra and determined to dot all i's and cross all t's for a better Nigeria.
