From newsroom to music studio, Ajiye tells his story
CAMPBELL O. Ajiye just keeps blazing the trail. Having captured on lens, events of high reckoning, both at home and abroad, such as, Agbani Darego, J.J. Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, NBA star Emeka Okafor, Usher Raymond, Wyclef Jean and others, his creative oeuvre has stretched to fashion.
Campbell’s quest for success has, in fact, made him to launch a fashion label known as Alpha Money Self-made Billionaires Apparel (AMSMB), a brand that was inspired by the Gianni Versace, Bevista, Roberto Cavalli and Louis Vuitton.
For Ajiye, who first conceived the name of his label in Cairo, Egypt, “I have also launched my online store and unveiled my first summer collections www.amsmbofficial.com.”
Under his label, Campbell has done designs with international appeal. The entrepreneur said the online store would give customers opportunity to shop online for these products as well as get updates on the activities of AMSMB as a record label.
Ajiye said when he moved to USA in 2016, he started a programme in Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta, Georgia, which has further widened his scope.
Born September 29, 1981, Ajiye, who is from Ifon, Ondo State, was raised in Akure. He attended St. Finbarr’s Primary School, Akure, and for his secondary education, he was at the C.A.C Grammar School. Ajiye holds an ordinary National Diploma certificate from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
His words: “I moved to Lagos, where I was assisting a ‘brother’ from our village who was a professional photographer in Sweet Sensation eatery on Opebi Road, Ikeja.” He continued, “the man taught me how to handle camera. I was later employed as official photographer for Society International magazine. The Uk-based Prince Matins Orjie owns the magazine. I later worked for Reality International magazine as reporter/photojournalist. It was here that I got exposed to the fashion world and various local and international fashion designers.”
He later quit photojournalism to pursue a musical career. As musical artist with stage name AJ Campbell has worked closely in studios in Nigeria with top-rated artistes and producers such as, the late OJB Jezreel, ID Cabassa, Mr. Daz, Sheyman, K-solo and Puffy Tee. The results of these are a few hit songs that went viral.
According to him, “as a kid, I had passion for music and fashion. However, since I couldn’t do much musically, I switched to fashion. Ever since, there has been no regret. I’ve been able to use my talent to the best of my ability.”
In the last few years, he
Campbell has participated in many concerts, which featured artistes like, Tuface Idibia, Fuse ODG, DJ Humility, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Chuddy K, Sheyman, Eddy Kenzo and Reminisce.
While speaking with The Guardian, Campbell said, “I started small and have been able to find my way by fortunate twist of events that have involved meticulous planning and still steadily gaining momentum. I want to share my experiences as an entrepreneur and to mentor younger people, sharing with them that success is about nothing short of hard work and the rest is just grace.”
He has this message for the younger generation: “Believe in your dreams. No matter the situation you find yourself, never let go until you achieve your dream.”