“The growth of Afrobeats has been phenomenal. It’s amazing to see African artistes selling out stadiums and arenas worldwide. Afrobeats has not only brought African culture to the forefront but also influenced mainstream trends in music, fashion, and dance.” – Camillo Daregos.
By Emmanuel Daraloye
Over the past decade, I have managed more than three underground artistes, gaining firsthand experience of what it takes to break into the music industry. Witnessing individuals and companies that have successfully made their mark in talent management always leaves me in awe.
For Afrocritik, I had a conversation with Camillo Doregos who holds a strategic position at DC Talent Agency, a company that manages great talents like Uncle Waffles, Pheelz, and many more. The pharmacist & pilot turned music executive candidly shared his insights into what it takes to succeed in the music industry. He also offered valuable advice for anyone looking to make their own mark in the field.
Reading through your rich profile, it is evident that Camillo Doregos is a man of many parts. How have you been able to play all these different roles successfully?
Balancing multiple roles successfully comes down to a strong passion for what I do, effective time management, and surrounding myself with a capable team. Each role I’ve taken on has allowed me to leverage my skills in different ways, and having a clear vision and goals has kept me focused and driven.
From navigating life as a pharmacist to becoming a commercial pilot, these are tasking jobs. What piqued your interest in music?
My love for music has always been a constant in my life. Even while pursuing demanding careers like pharmacy and aviation, music was my creative outlet and a source of joy. It started with promoting parties in university, which eventually led to managing artistes and launching a talent agency.
For someone so invested in music, what was it like growing up and who were the music icons that you listened to?
Growing up, music was always around me. My family appreciated various genres, and this exposure shaped my musical tastes. I listened to a lot of Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Michael Jackson. These icons influenced my love for music and my desire to be part of the industry.
Walk me through the process that led to the creation of your talent agency.
The creation of DC Talent Agency stemmed from my collaboration with Mr Eazi. Managing his career and witnessing the potential of African talent on the global stage inspired me to establish an agency that could bridge the gap between African artistes and the international music industry. Partnering with Mark Mac, who shared the same vision, we set out to build a platform that supports and nurtures talent.
In 2023, you launched the creator division of the company. It has been more than a year since. How has the journey been so far?
The journey has been exciting and fulfilling. We’ve learned a lot, and have been privileged to represent some of the top African creators in the US, UK, and South Africa. The goal for us was to connect African creators with global brands, and also open up our entertainment network to them. There’s still so much work to be done, though.
You played a pivotal role in the formative years of Mr Eazi. I have listened to some of his interviews, and one thing is certain, you did a wonderful job. What lesson can underground artistes pick from the process?
Underground artistes should focus on building genuine relationships and understanding their audience. Consistency and hard work are key. They should also be adaptable and open to new opportunities. It’s important to stay true to their unique sound and vision while continuously learning and evolving.
For a goal-getter and a very career-oriented individual, how does Camillo Doregos unwind?
Unwinding for me involves spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and immersing myself in different cultures. I also enjoy listening to music, reading, and engaging in activities that allow me to disconnect and recharge.
Right now, Afrobeats is fast becoming a growing music sound in the global landscape. What can you say about this growth?
The growth of Afrobeats has been phenomenal. It’s amazing to see African artistes selling out stadiums and arenas worldwide. Afrobeats has not only brought African culture to the forefront but also influenced mainstream trends in music, fashion, and dance. This is just the beginning, and there’s immense potential for further growth.
Your company is home to some of Africa’s talents like Uncle Waffles, Pheelz, TxC, and Pabi Cooper. What are the features you look out for in potential clients?
We look for artistes with strong work ethics, a clear vision for their career, and the ability to connect with an audience. Creativity, authenticity, and a unique approach are crucial. We want artistes who are passionate, dedicated, and willing to put in the effort to succeed.
Listed twice by “Black Pride Magazine” as one of the top 5 Music Journalists in Nigeria, Emmanuel Daraloye has over 600 album reviews in his archive.