For the entertainment industry, Kennis Music partners Ben TV

For the entertainment industry, Kennis Music partners Ben TV

By Tony Nwanne and Yemi Olakitan
published by the Guardian Nespapers
Thursday, November 12, 2009

KENNIS Communication, the parent company of Kennis Music, has entered into a partnership with United Kingdom-base Bright Entertainment Network (BEN TV). According to the Chief Executive Officer of Kennis, Kenny Ogungbe, the synergy between the two outfits is aimed at placing Nigerian artistes on international platform, as well as showcasing culturally inclined activities.

"With this strong initiative, most of our contents here will be broadcast live in UK, so that Nigerians in the diaspora will feel our local contents over there too. Different genres of songs that depict our cultures will be played through Kennis music on BEN TV for UK viewers".

From being credited as the major catalyst that bridges the gap and keeping the African communities informed of issues and events in the continent, BEN TV, today, has become a media force to reckon with in the UK.

Under the agreement announced recently in Lagos, the London based music channel would broadcast content from Kennis television for more than four hours every day. The new arrangement would provide Kennis with the opportunity of marketing and distributing their products across Europe. On the other hand, Kennis would also provide windows for the broadcast of the TV station's content on terrestrial and cable stations across Nigeria.

Speaking on the partnership, the CEO of BEN TV, Alistair Soyode said, "along with an extensive co-production deal, the two companies would also distribute, market and see to each other's affairs in the country where they are individually based. BEN TV will co- produce with Kennis Europe, content, and manage concerts and events, while Kennis will represent BEN TV in collaboration with the Lagos office in Nigeria in the aspect of marketing, production and Events."

Speaking further on the partnership, Ogungbe said Dr. Sowode has done a lot in promoting Nigerian entertainment abroad. A member of the committee on re-branding Nigeria, Dr. Sowode is passionate about promoting positive messages about Nigerians and de-emphasing the negative reports of foreign media. He said Ben TV gives the most accurate information about Nigeria to the outside world. This information is spread across all aspects of life through news and current affairs, talk shows, documentary, movies and musical videos. ''This partnership would help both companies to take Nigerian artistes to the next level by introducing Nigerian artistes to larger markets.'' he said.

Dr. Sowode, on his part, said both companies would also work together on other areas such as programming. He said the companies have been able to generate numerous ideas since they began discussion. He also said there would also be major concerts across Europe so that the artistes can also be seen on stage in addition to the screens.

One of the most versatile and consistent outfit in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Kennis Communication recently made a loud appearance on Satellite Channels HI TV, and Daar Sat, and has a wide reach which covers more than 15 states in Nigeria.