From managing live stages and televised events to producing high-profile music videos for some of Africa’s most celebrated artists, Andrawine has consistently combined discipline, structure, and a keen eye for detail in a fast-moving, male-dominated industry. In a candid conversation with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, she shares the evolution of her career, the lessons leadership has taught her, and what it takes to make creativity thrive behind the scenes.
A Multi-Layered Journey
Andrawine’s career began in unexpected ways. In 2018, a senior classmate from the University of Nigeria’s Theatre Arts department reached out, impressed by her styling work in Nollywood. He invited her to assist at the AMVCA 2018, and that opportunity became the springboard into a career that spans stage management, floor coordination, and music video production.
“Soon, people started recognising my work and calling me for more jobs,” she recalls. From managing sports events like the Access Bank Marathon in Lagos to styling the cast for Reekado Banks’ Blessings in Me, Andrawine steadily expanded her skillset. By 2023, she had become the producer behind music videos for artists including Ckay, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido, building a reputation for precision and adaptability.
The Anatomy of a Smooth Set
Experience across live shows and video productions has given her an acute understanding of what separates a smooth set from a chaotic one. “A smooth set is the result of thorough pre-production, well-defined roles, and steady leadership,” she explains. “Everyone must share the vision, respect the structure, and know who’s in charge. Chaos often stems from poor planning and too many conflicting directions. On high-level sets, issues are normal, but the hallmark of top-tier productions is how efficiently they’re resolved.”
Her stage management background profoundly informs her approach to video production. “Stage management prepared me for pre-production, recce work, and logistics. Transitioning to video production was seamless because I already understood the flow of creating an experience. It made the process smooth rather than overwhelming.”
Leadership Under Pressure
From Lagos Countdown 2019 to music video sets featuring multiple artists, Andrawine has learned the art of leading under pressure. “I lead by example, stepping in to handle tasks when needed. Staying calm amidst chaos and thinking carefully before making decisions are my guiding principles,” she says.
Balancing creativity with discipline is key. By clarifying the vision early, meticulously planning schedules, and assigning clear follow-ups to her team, she ensures that innovation thrives without jeopardizing timelines. “Talent opens the door, but discipline, communication, and consistency keep you inside,” she emphasizes.
The Invisible Work Behind the Scenes
Many artistes underestimate the level of preparation required to execute seamless live shows or music videos. “What the audience sees in minutes is the result of weeks of rehearsals, technical coordination, and contingency planning,” Andrawine notes. Live events, in particular, leave no room for error: “Unlike music videos, live shows are streamed in real-time. Every moment counts, and you must get it right the first time.”
She also points to structural gaps in the industry. “Our creativity is unstoppable, but we still need to strengthen behind-the-scenes systems, consistent planning, and crew welfare. When operations match vision, our industry will be even more powerful.”
Breaking Barriers as a Woman
Operating in male-dominated technical spaces has presented its challenges. Early on, Andrawine had to prove her technical competence to be heard. “I faced moments of doubt and being overlooked, especially in technical decisions. I overcame it by staying prepared and letting consistent results speak for themselves.” Today, she commands respect not through force, but through expertise and reliability.
Resilience, Composure, and Vision
Behind the glamour of high-profile productions, Andrawine’s daily reality includes physically and mentally demanding work. She recounts a particularly challenging shoot for NAKUPENDA, featuring five African artists, where she and a single coordinator managed the entire production. Despite the chaos, her disciplined planning and composure ensured the final product was a success.
Her routines—remaining calm, thinking clearly, and never showing panic—reflect a professional philosophy rooted in quiet consistency. And her ambitions are as expansive as her skillset. “Dream big, think Andrawine. Everything is possible. There’s always a way,” she says with a smile.
Defining the Role
For aspiring producers, Andrawine distinguishes between music video directors and producers. “Directors dream it—they create the vision, storyline, and style. Producers make it happen—we handle budgets, schedules, crew, and locations. The director imagines, the producer executes.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to be remembered not just for spectacles, but for the systems she builds and the way she shapes production culture. “My career is proof that discipline, preparation, and quiet consistency behind the scenes create some of the biggest moments people see on stage and on screen.”
In an industry fueled by talent and creativity, Andrawine exemplifies how structure, resilience, and leadership can turn vision into reality. She’s not just part of Nigeria’s entertainment machine—she helps run it.