Music talent agent, Ayo Shonaiya, has revealed how he passed up on working with the late Dagrin before he became one of Nigeria’s biggest music sensation.
In a post on X, Shonaiya said that Dagrin was one regret he holds in his music management career.
“I remember my PA at the time Destiny bringing him to my hotel in Opebi late one night, telling me he believes this is going to be the next big Hip-Hop star with his punchy Yoruba rap. We sat by the swimming pool and I listened to some rough demos on a CD player and I said I wasn’t really feeling it like that. We took a picture and they left…
“Less than a year later he had made ‘Kondo’, produced by a young producer named Sarz, and I bumped into him again at Tee-A’s Lounge behind the Headies office off Allen Avenue in Ikeja. He made sure he reminded me that I passed on him. We took another picture and I was genuinely happy for his success. That was the last time I saw him. Rest in Peace Dagrin. Only God knows the heights you would have reached,” he wrote.
Shonaiya, also a filmmaker and lawyer, has managed many of Nigeria’s artists. The list includes Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate), pop star D’banj, music producer Don Jazzy and rapper Eldee the Don.
He has also represented former beauty queen and rapper Muna and global music star Akon. He is the founder of entertainment and media management company The RMG Company in the UK and Nigeria.
Born October 25, 1984, the late Dagrin released his first studio album ‘Still On The Matter’ in 2006-07. In 2009, He released his second studio album, ‘C.E.O.’ (Chief Executive Omoita). In 2010 he was nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Album (C.E.O.), Hottest Single ‘Pon Pon Pon’, Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with vaocals.
‘C.E.O.’ won the Hip hop World Award 2010 for best rap album. Before his demise in 2010, Dagrin worked with artistes such as Y.Q, 9ice, M.I, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Terry G, Ms Chief, Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga.
His third studio album, ‘If I Die’ was released posthumously.