By Opeoluwani Akintayo

Sammie Okposo needs no introduction in today’s Nigeria entertainment industry.

As a singer and performer, he is accomplished and has made his mark in the industry.

Currently enjoying the status of Ambassador of Telecoms giant GLO, Sammie whose penchant for steering up controversies is a ‘born again’ determined to put aside gossips and focus on his career.

In this interview with Showtime Celebrity, he talks about his career, marriage an opportunity of clinching a role in the movie someday and many more.

Excepts.

What have you been up to lately?

Well, I’ve been busy campaigning for President Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor of my state, Delta State, Emmaneul Uduaghan.

Why did you decide to get yourself involved in politics?

It’s about time we entertainers speak up because we’ve been too quiet about getting involved in the process of who governs us.

And we’re the same people who have been complaining about how badly the government treat us. We have been complaining that the government doesn’t support the industry in their budget . All that happened because we’re not involved. If we’re involved, they’ll remember

us whenever they get elected into the office. But because we keep quiet, they don’t bother about us.

We have to speak up so that when the time comes to make and present their budget, they’ll remember the time when we supported them in their political pursuit. The only way we can better the entertainment industry is when the government gets involved, and that’s why we’re getting involved so that our lives can be better than what it is now.

Opkoso and wife

Are you not scared of what people will say, people expect you to be neutral…

No, it’s my choice whether to get involved in politics or not. I’m an adult and old enough to choose. What would have happened if I’m not an artiste. So, I’m an artiste and old enough to be involved in the process of choosing who governs me.

It is my civic right as a Nigerian and it has nothing to do with whether I’m an artiste or not.

You don’t want to put your mind on gossips?

Yes because one won’t be able to move forward. People will always talk regardless of whatever you do.

So, one has to decide and be focused. Whether you get it right or wrong, or you decide to stay neutral, people will still talk. So, it’s better to stay focused and not allow side talks.

Are you working on anything in music?

Yes, I have two singles out now. They are Ja Chineke and Praise Magic. They are wonderful songs and they’re everywhere-on twitter, face book, radio, TV. The full album will be out sometime in July or August.

Aside music, what else are you planning to go into?

I have my recording studio and outlet. So, for me, it’s entertainment all the way, I’m not a contractor. Entertainment is my heart beat.

Are you planning on re-branding?

For me, every time I wake up, I re-brand myself. And I work with talented people and see what needs to be changed. Right now if there any changes in the set up, I’d let you know as we go along.

What’s next after your marriage?

After my marriage? I need to relax and enjoy myself.

So how has it been since your marriage?

As you can see, my wife beautiful wife looks good by the day and it’s good to be married. One thing I’m going to say is that I’m glad I didn’t get married before now.

I waited to have at the right time, the right person as my soul mate and partner. She understands what I do and is ready to stand with me through thick and thin. So I’m having a wonderful time as a married man.

As Sammie Opkoso, do you still have challenges?

The only people who don’t have challenges are the dead people. Life itself is a challenge. When you wake up every morning, you’ll find out that life is full of challenges. Especially in the entertainment industry where new videos and artistes come out everyday.

Because the Nigerian entertainment industry is blessed with talents, just struggling to be relevant in it is a challenge. So, if you’re not on top of your game, you won’t last long. So, my biggest challenge is staying relevant in what I do.

If given an opportunity, what is it that you didn’t do well that you’d want to correct?

Nothing. And it means that I don’t have regrets. Everything I have been through since my birth to where I am now, is what is responsible for what I am today. If I didn’t go through those things, trust me, I won’t be where I am. So, I don’t regret everything I’ve been through. I thank God for the good, the bad and he ugly times and for where I am today.

Are you happy with what is going on in the Nigerian entertainment industry today?

Oh yes. The industry is growing by the day, good things are happening. We are getting international recognition and that’s a good sign. But I know that the best is yet to come. Generally, Nigerian artistes are hard working and I say kudos to all of us because it’s a collective effort to bring the industry to where it is today. But, we’re not going to stop here, we’re moving forward.

Are you thinking of going into acting someday?

Well, I think for where I am in the industry today, I could just branch into playing one or two roles in movies. But I have to look at it and make sure that the role is worth my time and its a role that people will learn something from. I just don’t want to go into acting for the sake of it.

I need to look at what message that role and movie has to offer, before I’d jump at it.