Turning a musical passion into entrepreneurship

Photo: Courtesy of Nadeem A Salam

He is the founder of Skesh Entertainment, a music management and production company. His career started with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, an American band in Florida.

Nadeem also worked with celebrated bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megadeth, We the Kings, and As It Is among others.

Nadeem with We the Kings.

"I spent a big part of my childhood in South East Asian countries, the UK, and USA. I wanted to develop the music industry in South Asia," he shares. After spending years with the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Nadeem formed Skesh Entertainment and expanded his business in six different countries, over 25 cities, across Asia. "Asia was becoming the next big music market in the world, and I wanted to get an upper hand in the regional scale," adds Nadeem. " I had a hunger to develop the Asian music scene. Bands trusted me with their international tours because I knew Asia well."

Nadeem stated that to create a sustainable music industry, it is important to develop domestic musicians and bands. With that aim, he invited local bands to several international tours.

Chester Bennington with Nadeem.

His passion for photography led him to capture rare behind-the-scenes moments of international concerts.

Furthermore, Nadeem shared that meeting Chester Bennington of Linkin Park was one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

"I am always reminded of how lucky I am to do what I do for a living and I try not to take things for granted," he adds.

Initially, it was challenging for him to make people acknowledge his capabilities, and see him beyond his skin colour, race, and religion. Keeping up his professionalism is crucial for Nadeem, who is currently working on developing the music industry in Bangladesh, by partnering up with various artistes, producers, and entertainers. 

Nadeem plans to launch a show in Bangladesh, titled "Platform Live". For the show's first season this year, he will introduce 10 volumes featuring 40 different acts from Bangladesh, highlighting different genres and musicians.

"No one invests in music, people only invest in other people. I never signed an act because of their music. I worked with artistes because of their individual characteristics and work ethics," concludes Nadeem.