One on one with Mr. Ate

One on one with Mr. Ate

A graphic (video/photo)editor at APERTURE VISION. Chinwi O. Ate hails from Eleme L.G.A of Rivers State in Nigeria. From a Christian family of 6( 3boys, 1girl), the 2^nd of the 4children. A National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from the River State College of Art and Science, currently pursuing a B.Sc. at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

Mr. ATE,

Who is ATE?

Mr. ATE : With all identity spelt out  I am Ate, a multi talented young man trained to make a difference in all I do. I am Video Director, Editor & I still do more of photography and graphic design & recently a co-anchor on a campus radio programme titled Off-CampUs.

WHY DID U CHOOSE MUSIC PRODUCTION IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?

Mr. ATE:  (lol)there you go.. its actually because I had love for the entertainment industry, an that propelled me into it. Though it wasn’t easy for me, I could remember me coming into the scene as a rapper, attending series of local shows with friends back then doing lots of mix-tapes and miming but parental pressure didn’t let me continue. My dad always threatened withholding my school fees and tuition if I continued with entertainment. But here I am today…

WHEN DID YOU OFFICIALLY BEGIN GRAPHICS AND VIDEO PRODUCTION?

Mr. ATE: I started within 2006/07, then I was barely 18years of age. I will always follow up my church median crew (KPM), but later saw the need to improve and venture into new ideas, so I had to take a step into making it professional.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TODAY?

Mr. ATE: A leading one mehnnn… it’s taking over Africa and even overboard the continent, we are really doing great, the industry is like wao! Irrespective of the flaws of piracy, lack of management, sponsors and promoters, poor market ratings and bargains,,, I think we are still doing great.

IF YOU WERE TO RATE THE NAIJA MUSIC VIDEOS THEN WHEN YOU STARTED AND NOW, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SCORE?

Mr. ATE: There has been major improvements, for example take P-Squares video “get squared”, watching the video and what they actually have now.. beautiful onyinye, danger.. Also 2face album African queen,..

THAT WAS A NICE VIDEO..

Mr. ATE: Yea ..but compare it with the graphics in his new video “for instance, only me”, they are proudly directed by Nigerian based video directors..

IT SAYS YOU ARE STILL IN SCHOOL, HOW DO YOU MIX SCHOOL AND ENTERTAINMENT

Mr. ATE: This I must say is not easy at all. I get distracted sometimes but I try my possible best to cope cos I love adventure, they make me strong.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE SO FAR

Mr. ATE : None.. and its because I see life on a progressive and challenging platform, so I face challenges everyday, and I love it when I take them down because I become stronger

OUR RESEARCH SAYS YOU HAVE DONE MUSIC VIDEOS FOR A COUPLE OF ARTISTS IN DIFFERENT CITIES, CAN YOU HINT US A BIT MORE.

Mr. ATE: Yap. I have done lots of videos.. Yeah.. Its either I m directing, shooting or editing, mostly in Port-Harcourt and the south-south base. The likes of NaNa, Entity, Step-up, 2geez, Waju, Mr. Dee, Rappon, UBA, DJ Juno and so on..

WHATS YOUR GREATEST ARCHIEVEMENT/MASTERPIECE IN YOUR LINE OF WORK?

Mr. ATE : Wao! Every stage is a stepping stone, so my best is yet to come but experience-wise I have achieved a lot. I have seen a lot, met a lot, and standing currently as the personal/media adviser to RT. Hon. Leader of my L.G.A, Legislative Assembly RT. Hon. Gomba N. Olaka

WHAT’S YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?

Mr. ATE : Can’t figure out one for now

WHAT’S THE MOST HAPPIEST MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE & YOU FELT LIKE IF IT’S A DREAM DON’T WAKE ME UP

Mr. ATE: ? oh ok.. every passing day is like a dream come true no matter how tough. ATE is always happy. I am a very happy guy, cos my mom taught me to always  be happy.

WHAT IS IT THAT HAS KEPT YOU GOING I.E YOUR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION

Mr. ATE : Just GOD, He keeps me going everyday, from glory to glory, he strengthens me , gives me broader visions Ideas and insight.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND LABEL IN 5YEARS.

Mr. ATE :  changing the world mehnnn….. like I said earlier “TMD” I am trained to make a difference and that’s my priority in life, impacting people and affecting life positively. SO 5years from now, I see myself changing the world around me

A WORD TO YOUR FANS AND PEEPS

Mr. ATE : My word for my fans – fear God, be adventurous, work hard and success will pursue you.

*& THAT’S A WRAP!!!