Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as Skillz or JJC Skillz, has re-introduced himself and is ready for something bigger.

The songwriter and rapper recently launched Afristar, a platform created to showcase talents, products and services.

At the launch formal launch in Lagos, where he introduced up-and-coming artiste David Olurinde, known as Dave Willz, Bello said he has been working on the project for a while to give a perfect platform to young artists, actors, job creators and job seekers to showcase themselves.

“Apart from creating content, we also have a CSR branch where we go to neigbourhoods across the world to showcase African styles. This involves acting, singing and content creating in general. My life has always been music and video and if I am not performing on stage, I am behind the screen directing music videos. But for the first time, I am combining everything to create a platform that showcases that.”

He, however, explained that the platform is not a record label, adding, “Afristar is not designed to sign anybody, because we want to make it a platform that many people can use as a stepping-stone to go higher. In the past, I realised that when I focused my energy on a few talents, a lot of people were missing out. Unfortunately, many artistes don’t actually appreciate it when you carry them on your head. So, I’ve learned to just do what I can for God and leave.”

Speaking on the value the platform will be adding to the Nigerian creative industry, he said: “I believe that for the first time, we are going to have a platform that would create our own database. We are always waiting for Instagram, Facebook or somebody outside Nigeria to put us together or produce our own data. So, this initiative will bring us together. As my saying goes, ‘together we stand, divided we fall.’ So, with Afrristar, let’s come together and help ourselves.”

On the feature of the app, he said: “Afristar has a LinkedIn kind of feature; people can use it to get a job. Anyone can log in, create a profile, and upload videos and pictures. And ultimately, someone can apply for a job. Literally, the most important thing people need Afristar for is to get paid and connect with the right person.

“If you want to get paid as an actor, or looking for connection as a musician or anything, Afristar app is a suitable platform. Without Afristar, you will be missing out on all the activations. Already, I have up to 15,000 subscribers on the platform, which means I have roughly about 7000 actors.

“I’m doing this for the whole industry, which means, forever and ever, you can always look for talents from the comfort of your home. No need to book a big hall to do an audition, just with a post, people can apply.”

He continued: “I’ve had this idea for ages. I launched the first one called Nollywood Search and that’s where I got the database from; a lot of people connected to it. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the app at that time; I only had the website and through the website, I was able to give a lot of people jobs. But now, I want to take it bigger and better so that it will be more interactive. And every week, we’ll be making new movies and new TV shows and then more people can get to showcase themselves.

“I want to inspire generations. You can grab your mobile phone, shoot yourself, act, send it to me and I will put you on a TV show, because that’s what Afristar is for.”

On measure to tackle fraud, he said, “If someone is booked but fails to deliver or not up to expectation, there is a rating system in the app. And a person found wanting could be taken off,” he assured.