How I Overcame Gender Barriers in Music Video Production and Stage Management – Andrawine

Agah Chinecherem Alexandra, professionally known as Andrawine, is a rare breed of creative talent who thrives in Nigeria’s fast-paced entertainment industry. From managing live stages and televised events to producing high-profile music videos for top African artists, her journey has been shaped by discipline, organization, and mastery of logistics in a male-dominated space.

In an exclusive interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, Andrawine shares how she navigated the challenges of carving out her voice as a female music video producer while building systems that allow creativity to flourish.

Her career began in 2018, when a senior classmate from the University of Nigeria (UNN) invited her to assist at the AMVCA 2018. That opportunity opened doors to stage and floor management, sports events, and eventually, music video production. By 2020, she styled Reekado Banks’ “Blessings in Me” video and steadily transitioned to line producer and eventually producer roles on projects including Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti”.

For Andrawine, the key to a smooth set is pre-production planning, clearly defined roles, and strong leadership. She emphasizes that chaos arises when planning is poor or conflicting directions abound. Her background in stage management allows her to bring a methodical, disciplined approach to music video production, making her workflow efficient and stress-free.

Discussing leadership under pressure, Andrawine reflects on Lagos Countdown 2019, where she learned the importance of leading by example, staying calm, and making careful decisions—even under extreme stress. She adds that balancing creativity with discipline requires early clarification of vision, meticulous planning, and strong delegation.

“Talent opens the door, but it’s discipline, communication, and consistency that keep you inside,” she says, highlighting the importance of preparation, dependability, and problem-solving in high-pressure environments.

Navigating a male-dominated industry brought its own hurdles. Andrawine recalls having to prove her competence before being taken seriously, overcoming bias through consistent results and professionalism. Today, she commands respect not through words but through the quality of her work.

Looking ahead, she wants her legacy to reflect spectacles, stories, and systems that work—showcasing that meticulous planning behind the scenes is just as important as what audiences see on screen.

On the difference between a director and a producer, she clarifies: “A director dreams it, and a producer makes it happen.” The producer manages logistics, schedules, budgets, and crew coordination, ensuring the vision comes to life.

Despite challenges, Andrawine believes every obstacle strengthened her resilience and leadership, proving that discipline, preparation, and quiet consistency can shape some of the biggest moments in entertainment.

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