Mr. Desmond Emokiniovo talented music entrepreneur, impresario and band leader was born into a family whose patriarch was a very strict disciplinarian. Desmond’s father made sure all his kids had proper education.
Desmond’s initial dream was, indeed, to be a lawyer. But a man born with immense musical talents and who from an early stage learnt to play up to 17 instruments, all self-thought, needed not be told when to pursue his rendezvous with destiny. It was but a matter of time before that rendezvous would give birth to VEENTAGE BAND.
Desmond attended Pius School and Garrick Memorial School l in Benin City. He later pursued and obtained a degree in Political Science in the University of Benin.
Desmond’s musical journey began from a tender age in the church. His first foray was with percussion instruments and then, with the zest for more, he delved single-handedly into mastering the keyboard. This unyielding passion drove him into taking on other instruments and through his resilience and dint of hard work, he made the instruments his own such that once he lay his hands on them, he became one with them.
To further hone his skills and get them attuned to modern trends, in 1995, Desmond attended the Sir Victor Uwaifo Musical College – Joromi College of Music where he obtained a Certificate in Music. Desmond gained further professional experience by joining the legendary Sir Victor Uwaifo’s band in 1997. He would gain invaluable experience there till he moved to Lagos in 2004 as a prelude to forming his own, Veentage Band, in 2013.
Between 2004 and 2013, Desmond worked with different bands, offering enough professional and business development background that would make the establishment of Veentage Band possible in 2013. Since then, the band has grown to become the toast of the high and mighty in Nigeria such that no High Society party is complete without it.
The huge achievement of the band and relevance cannot but be connected to the personable and highly professional personality of its founder. Desmond is a winner. He sees every challenge as another battle to win. He may take his time in taking decisions on the next project direction but when he sets out, it’s another goal to attain, another mission to accomplish. “I always make sure I achieve all the goals I set out to achieve,” he says.
In a space of 7 years, Veentage Band’s list of musical shows, including headlining of the parties, functions and events of billionaires, top politicians, top captains of industry and major conglomerates etc is endless. From its humble beginnings, Veentage Band has grown to a household name in the live band music industry and that is a tribute to the staying power and well endowed vision of Desmond Emokiniovo.
Always aiming high, Veentage has entertained the Crème-de-la-Crème. of the Nigerian, African and world’s societies including the Dangotes, Otedolas, Adenugas, the Folorunsho Alakijas, and the topnotch multinationals. These greats are still returning clients.
Desmond’s Veentage Band is an equal opportunity employer and staff welfare is of utmost priority. With such enabling environment musicians and support staff have achieved great things in my band.
Besides music and entertainment, Desmond is a player in Real Estate. He is also engaged in sale or lease of assorted musical instruments and live concert equipment with a huge personal clientele.
Widely traveled, Desmond and his band have been to the far reaches of the World of entertainment.
Desmond’s hobbies include table tennis, football, PlayStation and snooker.
His ultimate goal is to make sure that Veentage Band is known globally and for staff musicians to have a sense of belonging. “While I am winning they are winning too,” he says. “It will be my joy to see people in my space excelling and also to make sure we are making progress and also to make sure we expand our horizon.”
