Meet: Ibrahim Suleiman

Ibrahim Suleiman is a multi-talented creative and one of the newest additions to the cast of Tinsel. An artist in various forms of expression varying from dance to writing to architecture and more by night, he is your bespectacled, bearded Captain Quest

Who is Ibrahim Suleiman?

Firstborn of Aisha Edna Suleiman.

Child of God.

Creative, Multitalented, Chill.

– Tell us what it was like growing up in Kaduna

Wow…growing up in Croc City was simple. I miss that the most, the simplicity of life. School, lunchboxes, mother’s baking, Voltron super ted and sesame street. Friends who were like extended family. And the beautiful weather. And kaduna was SO safe!!! Like we didn’t have a fence until I was in Uni!!!

– What are your major influences in life?

My Mother. She was my everything.

Creatively, my influences are diverse. From the cartoons I saw as a child, to Michael Jackson, to Robert Ludlum, Ted Dekker, The Wachowski brothers, Guy Ritchie, etc. The list is endless, as you can imagine seeing as I am very interested in different forms of artistic expression.

– How did you develop your sense of humor?

Hahaha. Mahn…it would just HAVE to be hanging with my mom and sibs. My family is ridiculously funny. I am the least humorous in my home. That should tell you something.

– As a multi-creative, list your talents in order of preference.

Dude. This one no possible o. Hahaha.

I’d say artistically, I have seasons.

Sometimes Digital Art has all my attention.

Few weeks later, I get a dance project and I breathe dance. Then it could be Acting, or Writing or Architecture and so on. It just depends on the season really.

– Is there anything you can’t do that you wish you could?

I honestly wish I could play the piano.

Or rap! Yes, I wish I could rap. Lol

– Define ‘Dream Catching’ as a creative entrepreneur

Hmmm…if it harnesses your creative energies and it can make a difference in yours and the lives of a bunch of folk, chase it down, catch it and work it until it blows up

– What’s your dance story in summary?

Wow…That’s a whole book’s worth of story telling you’re poking at o.

I picked up dance on the campus of ABU zaria at the age of 17/18. Then I got saved, joined YWAP and was made the head of the dance department (SOULDQUEST) we went on to put up over 100 dance based concerts on almost every federal university campus in Nigeria and a number on campuses in Ghana, Benin Rep etc. Then we went on to win The Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa 2008.

After that, I became a brand ambassador for the brand, did tvcs for them, GTBANK, MTN, interswitch, etc.

– What would you say was your first big break in entertainment?

Winning Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa

– At the time, what did you like about it the most and the least?

I loved the fact that we had a access to a larger audience.

Didn’t dig the impression people had that if you’re an entertainer, you’re a heathen.

– What valuable lessons have you learnt from the Nigerian entertainment scene?

Everyone has an angle.

Talent is never enough.

Maintain your day ones, they’ll help keep you grounded.

Call your mother daily.

The brands don’t care about your values.

Never burn bridges.

Help as many people as you can, but remember to keep climbing.

Save up.

– As a creative what do you prefer, working behind the scenes or in the limelight?

Working behind the scenes.

There’s more money there. Lol.

– What do you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?

To be honest…I don’t think I’ve achieved much as an entertainer.

As a person, now that’s a whole different story.

– Having worked with a lot of young talent over the years, what are the major challenges they face?

They are in such a hurry, it is heartbreaking. So instead of being a steady flame for 2 decades or more, They’re just a firecracker for a festive season.

– So Captain Quest, if you could have a super power other than dance, what would it be?

The thought process of the human mind fascinates me. So I’d love to read minds.

– Tell us about SeekYou Art

SeekYouArt started off with me attempting to find myself creatively every day.

Basically take what I learned yesterday, apply it in different ways today and see what I learn from the process which I’d use tomorrow.

It then inevitably evolved into a series of pretty dope pieces of art and a couple of people started placing orders for wall art. Then t-shirts. Then mouse pads, dogtags, tote bags, etc.

Lol, it has been quite an experience of learning and growing and making money hallelujah

– If asked to describe the last 12 months in 3 words, what would they be?

Loss. Recuperation. Growth.

– If you had to travel what would be the two things you would not do without?

Besides personal hygiene stuff?

My digital work device and bank cards.

The Adventures of Isys Drain: My First Hip-Hop Class

Now I know what you’re thinking… Me… Hip-hop… How?
Well believe it or not I had my first hip-hop class today. Krump studios hosted it’s first workshop for the year with Carl James of Mobile Dance Academy (MDA) and Ibrahim Suleiman (Captain Quest) of Soul Quest and I was privileged to be a part of it.

It kicked off with Latin, which for me (being a social salsa dancer and all) was brutal! My body was doing the exact opposite of what my head was saying, which isn’t difficult when you’re moving your hips, waist, feet and arms at the same time. Anyways, we did a crash basic class in Salsa, Samba and Paso Doble, with Carl cutting us no slack at all. It was fun, tiring and frustrating. I mean Carl was moving his hips better than mine for pete’s sake! Worse, I’m not sure I still know where my hips are after that class!

After two and half hours of swaying hips and stomping feet, we moved on to hip-hop which was probably the most enlightening experience for me, not just because I got to sit down through the whole thing,listen and observe, but also because I’d never met a professional hip-hop dancer who is as refined (for lack of a better word) as ‘Captain Quest’.
He took us through Musicality 101. He explained the essence of accounting for every sound one chooses to emphasize in any given piece of music, the need to understand your body, the music and the message essentially passed across to give a meaningful performance.

The greatest lesson I did learn today however was about loyalty. As creative people, we yearn for freedom to express without restriction. We are self-acclaimed geniuses and sometimes unwilling followers. In an industry that barely exists, thriving as a dancer is tough and money dictates to many, one must marry passion with structure and submit to an authority that will and can speak for you.

That said, y’all know I do not have a hiphop bone in my body. So this class was perfect! Of course I did well, I mean I just gave you full gist na and I didn’t have to pop, lock or do a windmill! Anyways it was a great way to spend my sunday and another opportunity to be around talented people!

For more on dance classes, training and fitness rush down contact
Krump Studios @ 31, Alex Ekweme street, Jabi or Call 08185651796