Six years ago, Joel Gnakale came to the United States from West Africa with big dreams. A self-described “born entertainer,” he started his own entertainment company to bring African events and entertainment to the States. As the founder and operations manager for Joel Gnakale Entertainment Company, he has seen this mission through.
The company specializes in producing and promoting the arts in five countries, helping reach fans across cultures. “JoelGnakale Entertainment specializes in hosting huge events such as movie premieres, red carpet events, and special appearances,” Gnakale explained. “Recently we hosted a New England premiere [at Mechanics Hall] for Executive Images’ Mind Game, a movie with African, Hatian, American actors.” Gnakele could be seen posing on the red carpet with Miss Nigeria, Miss Ivory Coast, Miss Guinea, Miss Liberia and Miss Guinea.”
Gnakale’s received a degree in Video and Audio Production from the New England Institute of Technology, and is currently enrolled in their Media Technoloy degree program, concentrating in Audio Recording. In his position, Gnakale deals with actors, performers, and event organizers, making upwards of 200 phone calls a day, along with 20 conference calls and hundreds of text messages ~ as well as faxes and emails.
Once a contract is written, it is sent to the financial department of the company for review. It is then sent to the CEO for final approval. From there, the information is sent to the artistic department which then begins planning the event ~ from finding a venue to building a marketing and promotional campaign.
The process involves a lot of planning and forethought. “We apply new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with entertainment industries,” Gnakale said. “We are continuously improving the way our fans and artists live and work together in a peaceful world.”
His decision to move to Worcester just over a year ago was based on the business opportunities he saw in and around the city. Its central location was another big selling point.
The Joel Gnakale Entertainment Company’s initial concept was to bring Africa to America, hosting huge events in the states. Gnakale is not content stopping there, however, and would like to bring America to Africa. “By early next year we will be prepared to bring the U.S.A. to Africa,” he said. “Our company will host big name actors and performers on tour in Africa.”
As for his own future, Gnakale plans on working as hard as possible, building his name and his company. “In five years I would like my name to make as much money as possible,” he explained. “I would like our company to be established, and have people work for me as I retire somewhere in Brazil with my family.”
Gnakale is also a licensed touring agent with the American Federation of Musicians. He is available as a booking agent in the Worcester area, and also uses that license to bring actors from abroad to tour in the U.S.
