SAMKLEF the blue print

Born Samuel Oguachuba 26 years ago in Lagos, Samklef, as he is widely known in the Nigerian Entertainment scene remains one of the most talented music producers cum singer around at the moment, writes GBENGA BADA
Samklef, a native of Imo State who is signed to Noni Records has been in the industry for a couple of years, working with entertainment and advertisement firms like Sound Factory, Flow Records, Smashers Records, Back 2 Black, Mindfalls and Exp & i360 before deciding to start his own outfit, Noni Records. “I joined the industry several years ago before I eventually opened my own studio where I started recording and producing songs for various music acts.”
While horning his skills in the entertainment industry, Samklef was able to stamp his authority after his production works became most sought after by record companies and popular music acts.
Samklef’s vast experience, which was garnered by working with some of the best hands in every field with influences from international producers cum singers – Timbaland, Kanye West and Don Jazzy – has given him an edge in the music production world. This is evident in his production of popular hits like Durella's “My Life”, Wizkid's “Tease Me” and “Don’t Dull”, Vector’s “Kilode” and D'Prince's “Jonzing World.”
Samklef produced a large portion of Wizkid's widely acclaimed album ‘Superstar,’ thereby significantly contributing to the huge success of the album. He has also worked with names like Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Durella, Skales, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O'cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina and a host of others. “I admire and learn from the production works as well as expertise of artistes like Timbaland, Kanye West and D’Banj,” he said.
Life on the streets of Lagos amidst the harsh survival conditions of the typical Nigerian ghetto toughened Samklef and gave him an opportunity to see life from different perspectives. This is evident in his music where he shares his strong beliefs from the lessons he has learnt from the streets.
After establishing himself as one of the most popular music producers in the country, he decided not to rest on his oars and unveiled yet another side of himself – the singer. Samklef released his debut album titled “Noni” in 2010 and recently re-packaged and re-introduced it with an international edition entitled “Nonilizing”, released in January 2011.
Some of the popular songs in the album are “Labalaba” and “Molowo Noni” featuring Wizkid, D’Prince and Iceprince. In recognition of his contribution to the Nigeria entertainment industry, he's been nominated for several awards that include the Nigerian Entertainment Award in New York; City People Awards; Channel O Awards; Hip Hop World Awards and the Nigerian Music Video Awards.
He has won many awards, one of which is the award for Producer of The Year 2011, both at the City People Awards and Nigerian Entertainment Awards. Last year, the producer decided to begin another phase in his life as he tied the nuptial knot with his long time heartthrob, Yvonne in an elaborate celebration.
“Married life is definitely different from living single but it’s a whole new experience as a married man and we thank God for everything. I’m married to my best friend, sister and mother. That and many more are some of the qualities I found worthy in my wife,” Samklef said of his wife