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Popular showbiz entrepreneur and entertainment promoter Kehinde Adegbite, popularly known as Mallam Yankee, has said his journey in Nigeria’s entertainment industry spans three decades, dating back to the golden era of the legendary music group, Plantashun Boiz.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja ahead of the celebration of his 30th anniversary in the industry, Mallam Yankee reflected on the milestones, challenges and collaborations that have defined his career, describing the journey as one built on resilience, relationships and service to others.
Mallam Yankee recently became the official manager of Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba. Confirming the development, he said his relationship with the singer dates back to the early days of Plantashun Boiz, stressing that they have grown together through the evolution of the Nigerian music industry.
“Yes, I can confirm that I am now the official manager of 2Face Idibia. But our story did not begin today. It began in the golden era of Plantashun Boiz. I have walked this journey for as long as that legendary group has been part of Nigeria’s music history. We grew in the same era, watched the industry evolve together, and that bond has endured the test of time,” he said.
Reflecting on his career, Mallam Yankee attributed his longevity and success to his willingness to invest in the growth of others rather than seeking personal glory.
“Success means little if you cannot point to lives you have lifted. Your greatest achievement is not how high you rise, but how many people rise because you believed in them.
“Many of Nigeria’s biggest stars crossed my path long before the spotlight found them. Some I managed, others I supported, and for many, I simply created the platform they needed to be seen. Watching them blossom has become one of the greatest rewards of my journey.”
He said artistes such as Kizz Daniel, MI, D’banj, Tekno, Wande Coal, and Portable, alongside several top comedians, benefited from platforms and opportunities he helped create during the formative stages of their careers.
“When I look at artistes like D’banj, Tekno, Wande Coal, Portable, Kizz Daniel, MI and many others, including several comedians, I feel fulfilled. I thank God that they stayed the course, kept growing and never forgot those who stood by them when the journey was only beginning.”
The show promoter also reflected on his contributions behind the scenes, saying history bears testimony to the impact he has made on Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
“I don’t need to make noise about what we have done because history speaks for itself. We worked with countless Nigerian artistes and opened doors that helped many of them find their place in the music industry. Those footprints remain visible today.”
He recalled taking over the management and promotion of Opa Williams’ iconic comedy show, Nite of a Thousand Laughs, noting that the platform became a launch pad for many emerging comedians.
Mallam Yankee further revealed that he played a pivotal role in transforming Abuja’s nightlife into one of the country’s thriving entertainment destinations.
“When we arrived in the year 2000, Abuja slept early. There was hardly a nightlife to speak of. We dared to dream differently and helped build a vibrant entertainment culture. I was Chairman and co-founder of the popular The Bank nightclub that became the destination for major events in Abuja.
“Today, Abuja proudly stands alongside Lagos and Port Harcourt as one of Nigeria’s leading nightlife destinations, and I am proud to have played a role in that transformation.
“You all witnessed the Abuja International Carnival, a project the Federal Government recently embraced. The carnival was rebranded in 2024 in partnership with the Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy.
For us, it is the fulfilment of a dream we have nurtured for years. Seeing that vision come to life is both gratifying and inspiring.”
“We didn’t stop in Abuja. We went on to establish entertainment hubs in Owerri, Port Harcourt and several other cities across the country, helping to transform Nigeria into a thriving destination for entertainment. That has always been our vision, and we are proud to have contributed to making it a reality.”
Looking ahead, he said his immediate focus is managing the career of 2Baba, whom he described as Nigeria’s greatest musical icon.
“2Baba is more than a music legend; he is the greatest musical icon to have come out of Africa. He is a timeless institution. What has kept us together is not just business but mutual respect, loyalty and genuine friendship. Since the days of Plantashun Boiz, he has never forgotten me or looked away. That is the mark of true greatness.”
Mallam Yankee, often called the Jagaban of entertainment, said the remainder of the year would be packed with exciting activities, urging entertainment lovers to watch out for what he described as an eventful season.
