By Ben Efe
Back in the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s, Ken Caleb Olumese the man who ran the Nightshift Coliseum, Nigeria’s foremost celebrity hangout has lost his desire for nightclubbing.
At 81 years of age and still kicking strong Mr. Olumese who was guest in the January edition of the O’jez “Elders Forum” last Sunday January 25, said he has moved on and enjoying his retirement adding that Nightshift Coliseum was a passion, he turned into business, and he was lucky to have made a great impact.
Back in the days, Nightshift Coliseum was a meeting point of politicians high and low, actors, comedians, musicians, sportsmen and women, tucked in upscale Allen Avenue in Ikeja, Lagos, it was the happening spot in Nigeria entertainment.
“Night Shift Coliseum was like a passion I turned into business. I was lucky it came out at that time and made the small impact I wanted it to make,” said Mr. Olumese.
“The Coliseum happened at a particular period in Nigerian entertainment business and that period is gone. I think success in business is by luck, it’s by luck and I came at the correct time, and I left at the correct time.”
He said he is enjoying his retirement from nightclubbing and now managing the new aspect of his life.
“I’m retired, and at home a retired elder statesman. Retirement is quite another job; I’m keeping myself busy with social engagements. It is part of the retirement busy schedule that I have. It is God that has keep me strong, I don’t do anything special. There is no secret to my longevity.
“I do not miss the nightlife, it was a period in life and that period is gone, and one must not look back.
“I am looking forward… I’m not missing night life, I am enjoying my new stage of life, when I ran the coliseum, I was at a younger age and I’m now at an advanced age trying to manage this period of my life.”
He refused to compare his era of nightclubbing to the present.
“You cannot make comparison between that time and now because there are two different eras, many things have changed, modern technology and advancement have set in.
“So, it would be unfair for me to make a comparison of the two generations, but all the same, during our time we tried our best to make the necessary impact, now the new generation has taken over from us, new environment, new age and they are doing their best.
” Let’s not forget that after this generation there is going to be another generation…every generation have something to offer.”
Speaking on the music rendered by Nigerian artists of this age he added: I’m not too happy about the music they play now, because I feel that the artists of today are not working hard like the previous artists, that’s all have to say.”
Olumese despite his contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry, has not been given an award by the same politicians who frequented the Nightshift Coliseum, but according to him, he was satisfied with the recognition people in the industry continue to give to him.
“I have so many honours from the people in the entertainment industry and that makes me glad, it is why I’m here at the O’jez Elders Forum with all my friends who had been with me for 40 years now to celebrate another award.”
