Having listened to his pidgin English radio
programme, one would think Smart Oshoko can’t
speak Queen’s English. In this interview, Oshoko
who is a presenter and musician, spoke about his
experiences in tourism, art, culture and
broadcasting.
How I started Na so I see am
I didn’t not start the programme in 2007. The old
Daily Times and Lagos Weekend had severally
published my stories since the 1980s. There is
nothing really special about me. I am an ordinary
Nigerian, may be more Nigerian than most
Nigerians because of my vast interactions and
relationships with people from different ethnic
backgrounds in Nigeria.
As for my programme, Na So I See am which
comes up on Star FM 101.5 every Saturday from
3.30 pm and on MITV by 9.00 pm on Fridays, people love it
because they see their true reflections in it. It is about their culture,
their music, and their language. Pidgin English is the language of
the ordinary Nigerians who form majority of the population. So
Pidgin English, the language of ordinary people, is part of what
makes Na So I See am special. It is about our culture. It is about
people ’s identity.
About Na So I See am
We are not just praising any government. We are highlighting the
good works some of them are doing. Take Fashola of Lagos State
for instance. Who does not approve of, or extol Fashola ’s
government? However, I do criticize government when they are
wrong or are not performing. Some governors are doing well,
and Na So I See am is happy with them. Nevertheless, I am
naturally a very positive person. I look for the good in everything
or person I meet.
Focus of the programme
Some people think that the ordinary people are not important
when talking about development in a country. But this is a wrong
notion. The ordinary people are as important as the leaders. That
is why wise leaders stay close to the ordinary people and carry
them along in every important thing they do. Other leaders only
come close to these people only when it is election time, but that
is not a good strategy.
My own contribution to nation building is to help forge a friendly
and sustainable relationship between leaders and the grassroots
population. That is why I am inviting all the 36 governors in
Nigeria to come one after the other to Na So I see Am to speak to
the people in the language they can best understand. And that is
done in pidgin English. ”
My accent and background
When I speak, I want people to know I am an African. I don’t
speak like Oyinbo (white people). I don’t know how to pretend to
be what I am not. I am from Obalikwo in Bebilisang near the
Obudu Cattle Ranch.
Tourism and me
I am a tourist because I travel a lot. Often I travel to Niger
Republic, Libya and other West African countries. I see giraffes in
their Game Reserves right in the deserts. I see antelopes too.
During hot season when people are suffering from heat, in Obudu
my hometown, people always feel very cold. Ice blocks even fall
there. The Ranch is right in Obalikwo my village. Everyone who
loves nature and tourism should visit Obudu. It is a wonderful
place.
Place of birth
I was born in Kaduna. I grew up there too. I had my primary
education there. Kaduna people are quite friendly. Never mind the
religious crises around the area, which is usually instigated by
some politicians.
Languages spoken
I speak Hausa, Yoruba, Igala, Bishiri, and I am learning to speak
Igbo too. My wife is teaching me Igbo. She is from Cross River,
but she speaks Igbo fluently. When I go to Niger Republic, I
communicate with the local people in Hausa.
I compose the jingles, sing and produce them. It’s not about the
size or amount of noise a company makes. It’s about talent. It’s
about achieving results. I create new things each time my
programme is on air. And as a musician, my talent always rubs
off on my programme.
Vision
I want to use Na So I See am to put Nigeria on the world culture
and tourism map. My second aspiration is to get all state
governors in Nigeria to sit down with me on Na So I See am and
speak to the ordinary Nigerian people in Pidgin English.
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