BIG SMART: From Benue’s heartland to the pinnacle of African entertainment

In the vast realm of African entertainment, one name stands out as a true renaissance figure, seamlessly weaving through multiple dimensions with unparalleled brilliance. Meet Big Smart, whose journey from the heartland of Benue has propelled him to the zenith of African entertainment in a way that defies comparison.

If there were ever a modern embodiment of boundless talent, it would be Big Smart, born Oche Joseph Udeh. While our search for similar polymaths led us to the likes of Childish Gambino, even this comparison falls short of capturing the vastness of Big Smart’s prowess. Childish Gambino, the American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, writer, director, and producer, pales in comparison to the sheer breadth of Big Smart’s repertoire.

From his early days as a student at Benue State University, Makurdi, Big Smart displayed an uncanny ability to navigate diverse fields. His journey started with event planning and emceeing, all while nurturing talents through his groundbreaking Star Trace Movement (STM). This very movement served as a launchpad for his multifaceted career, encompassing roles as diverse as a hypeman, compere, event planner, talent manager, political consultant, media strategist, A&R, and even reality star – a true testament to his uncontainable genius.

After his university days, he embarked on a journey to Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment epicenter. Here, Big Smart’s star continued its meteoric rise as he honed his skills as a content producer for Hip TV during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Subsequently, he founded Finish Media, his own firm, signaling his arrival as a force to be reckoned with.

The annals of African entertainment bear witness to Big Smart’s indelible contributions. A luminary with unmatched expertise, his journey has been one of unwavering commitment and unyielding consistency. What began as a young entertainer wearing multiple hats at Benue State University evolved into a global microphone celebrity, captivating audiences across continents.

Born in Kaduna and tracing his roots to the Idoma heritage in Benue State, Big Smart’s brilliance was apparent from his early days, as he effortlessly excelled in various social activities. Today, he has orchestrated and graced high-profile events in Nigeria, the UK, the US, the Middle East, and across Africa. Notably, he serves as the tour manager for the Ameno Amapiano sensation, Goya Menor, among others, and manages prominent figures including Nedu Wazobia, Magnito, and Ice Prince.

Big Smart’s journey has been punctuated by electrifying performances alongside icons like Davido and Wizkid, either as a host or a hypeman. His role as an Event Host at the African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMA) further underscores his influence in the industry.

But Big Smart’s story doesn’t end there – it takes an unexpected twist into the realm of reality TV. As a former housemate of the renowned show “Next Movie Star,” he shares a lineage with luminaries like Tonto Dikeh, Annie Macaulay, VJ Adams, and Big Brother Africa winners Kelvin Pam, Uti Nwachukwu, and Karen Igho.

Accolades have poured in for Big Smart’s exceptional contributions, with The Headies Award for Best Street-Hop Artiste and Afrima Award Achievers among the glittering gems adorning his journey.

In a world hungry for brilliance, Big Smart’s ascent from Benue’s heartland to the pinnacle of African entertainment serves as a beacon of inspiration. His story is more than a journey; it’s a symphony of talent, dedication, and versatility that continues to resound across the tapestry of African entertainment.