Wednesday, 3 April 2013

One on One with Aly Alibhai


Who is Aly?
He is basically a hard worker who sets goals and does all he can to achieve them.
What do you do?
I am the CEO of Talent 256 and I also run a security firm called Tight Security. I also have a new magazine called “The Hit” and it’s already on sale. I basically make sure the businesses I’m involved in run smoothly and efficiently.
What is Talent 256?
It is basically an entertainment company that deals in talent and event management, concert productions, and many others. It is basically an agency for all kinds of entertainment,  be it events or artists.
So who are the artistes under Talent 256?
Well, there is a whole lot of them; Jackie, Lillian, Navio, The Mith, Keko and many others. And of course we are looking to sign many more. With time, it will be extended to the rest of East Africa. Talent 256 is just a small part of a larger company, that is Talent Africa Entertainment Group which is broader and deals with artistes all over the continent.
What exactly do you look for when signing new artistes?
Unlike other agencies and record labels, we look for multi-talented people, entertainers with the whole package so as to enable proper exposure to the entertainment industry worldwide.
This has been, for example proven with Navio who recently traveled to the United States for the One8 concert and got the opportunity to work with various renowned African artists like Amani and JK. And then of course he got the honor of working with the R&B king R Kelly and this was great exposure and experience for him.
How do you manage all this work?
(Laughs) Well it’s all basically hard work and love for what I do, because business has always been my passion and I have great organization skills. And then of course I have a very capable staff that works round the clock to ensure efficiency in the businesses.
Why did you leave Club Rouge, yet it was just at its peak?
I left Rouge because I needed to focus on Talent 256 considering I am CEO. Clubs need constant supervision and thorough management, so I guess I could not give the club my all as it needed. But it was cool, because the new boss is my friend and he still asks for my help whenever necessary and my experience is needed.
You are Canadian and yet you choose to build your life and career here in Kampala, why is that?
My parents settled here a long time ago and although I grew up in Canada, I used to visit once in a while and I just fell in love with Uganda, Kampala particularly. The weather is so beautiful and the people are extremely nice and friendly. And most importantly they are talented, so I just decided to set up camp here. (Laughs)
Well, it looks like your life is all about your work, what do you do for fun?
(Laughs)  Well I like to travel a lot, to nice exotic places just to unwind. I also like to hang out with friends and colleagues and the partying in Kampala is crazy, a lot of fun. Once in a while I’m also a deejay at certain clubs and I do that fun, though I am really good.
Tell us about your personal life, I’m sure all the girls in Kampala have been waiting for this part.
Well, right now I’m not seeing anyone. Mainly because I’m so busy and I don’t think it would be fair to put anyone through a relationship where my attention would mostly be focused on my work. I had a girlfriend for 6 years but when I moved here, we had to let go because long distance relationships don’t really work.
Any future projects we should look out for?
Yes, definitely. This year we are bringing you the biggest performance/concert from a world famous dance hall/ hip-hop artist. Ugandans are going to be knocked off their feet! Just wait for it and get ready!

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