Brand like a pro, shine like a star!
Behind every successful creative, there’s a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to turn their talents into a brand. These unsung heroes are the ones who come up with branding strategies that elevate creatives from unknowns to stars.
One such unsung hero is Brave the Mini-God, a branding and marketing expert who has worked with some of the most exciting creatives in the industry. Or the brand maker, for some razzle-dazzle.
First Things First, Let’s Get The Basics Out Of the Way. Tell Me About Yourself.
I’m Brave and I call my brand, “By Brave.” Turning names into brands is what I do–be it independent creators or corporations. I ensure their names bring in money.
So, More Like A Brand Maker?
Yea. You can call me that but I also work with established brands, especially corporate bodies, to keep them relevant in the public eye.
How Do You Make That Magic?
First, my team and I develop a media strategy – as odd as can be. Emphasis on odd.
Part of that is developing themes that work best for that brand, documenting, and presenting it as something refreshing and exciting to the public.
These names are my muses. I focus on making them into brands while they focus on their craft.
Like Who? Do Some Name-Dropping Na.
The first creator I worked with was Kida Kudz. He wanted to come back to Nigeria and hit my team up to create a buzz. So, we came up with the Homecoming concert.
Then, there was Victony for the Outlaw Camp Tour in Ibadan. >>Victony<< in the scene since 2016, on and off. Tragically he had an accident. Released new music, time for traction. Created “Victony Campus Tour. Did over 15 universities, private & federal. Finished in Abuja.
Oh, Wow. You Mentioned Working With Corporations Too. . .
Yes, I have also worked with Johnny Walker. Now Johnny Walker was already a brand, internationally. However, they wanted to enforce their place in Nigeria.
After my team and I identified their audience as fun-loving people, we knew dropping press releases or working with news outlets just would not cut it, So, we decided to make it a party, more than a concert. And that is how The Walker district, which became a monthly experience, came to be. We started with Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan then expanded into three more cities. Our strategy alone shot up 60% in sales for Johnny Walker.
There is also the Oyo State Youth & Sports. The state government wanted to connect more with the youth and reached out to us. My team and I took that mission and developed The Brown Roof Party. We have successfully organized themes like “The Haunted Park” for Halloween, “Silencio”, “End of Year”, and “Diego likes to party”. We have another coming up in February, stay tuned.
Walk Us Down Your Journey As A Brand Maker.
Interesting and annoying. Coming up with new angles for new things definitely makes my job interesting. However, most times these names tend to forget the brand makers and give little to no credit. That is annoying.
So, Why Do You Do It?
I have a passion for defying the odds.
How Long Have You Been A Brand Maker?
Almost three years with my five musketeers. I started my brand in December 2020.
Any Thrills Of The Job?
Lmao. There’s no pleasure on the job o.
Come On, Don’t Be Modest. Not Even Meeting Big People?
Well, yes, there’s that. I have had the opportunity to meet Lammy, the Project manager of Empower Africa. Psycho YP, Lahomey, Ajebo Hustlers, MohBad, MI Abaga, Rexxie, DJ YK Mule, Crayon, BlaqBonez, Reekado Banks, DJ Lani and Wani.
Bizarre Things Your Eyes Have Seen.
Omo, the industry is crazyyy. You try to get gigs from the big dawgs and end up hearing, “no pay o but, we will give you exposure.”
Some Nuggets From You To A Creative Out There Looking To Make A Brand Out Of Their Name?
Two questions, “What are you willing to give?” “And is the audience ready to take it?” You need to be unique. Stay ten steps ahead to be relevant.
Play smart. Defy the odds. For instance, my brand became this huge because I chose to defy the odds. Odd numbers stick in our brains more. And that should be your strategy – to differentiate yourself from the trend.
Then there is the marketing part of blowing and staying relevant. Sometimes the songs are not lyrically all that but we, the brand makers, spin magic.
