Henry Okwuenu popularly known as Henreeneo is a leading member of the Nigerian YouTube Tech Reviewers Association (that’s not a real thing but it would be cool if it was). Since 2017, Henry has been delivering amazing tech reviews of gadgets synonymous with the Nigerian environment and he talks to BOPNetworks about how it started, his passion and where he hopes it leads… Enjoy.
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- Can We Meet You?
I’m Henry Okwuenu also known as Henreeneo. I run a Tech YouTube channel based out of Lagos, Nigeria.
- What was growing up like?
Growing up was actually fun. I grew up in an estate so there were lots of kids my age hence I had a lot of friends and we had an awesome time growing up, playing soccer, video games and just straight up fooling around sometimes. I also had some of the best times of my life in church. I was in the Choir in the Anglican church, still am, although in a different church now. I played music, composed lots of songs, was the music director for my youth choir for a bit, and also the chief organist for my Anglican church back then. Yes, I play classical music up to this day.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZCqsLh06G/
- What’s your educational background?
I have a degree (BSc.) in Computer Sciences and a diploma in computer engineering. I’m currently working as the Head of development and IT projects in a financial institution. I build software apps to simplify business processes
- How did you start creating content for YouTube?
I started creating content for Youtube shortly after the Samsung Galaxy S8 was launched. I bought the Galaxy S8 a few weeks after the launch and I made a review on the device. That was my first video on YouTube and this was in May of 2017
- Was it just a hobby or did you from the onset want to take it as a career?
It’s a hobby. I’ve never really thought of it as a career option. I currently have other interests in Tech supported Service Businesses and real estate. I also love to play live music and get involved in movie production. I actually was the sound/music editor for the Nollywood movie ‘Silvertown’
- Has Photography influenced the work that you do and if yes how?
Not really. Although I have a very keen eye for photography, I wouldn’t say it has influenced the work I do. I would say my eye for great design UI/UX, Interior decor and many more design based functions have influenced me more. Photography on the other hand is something I enjoy when capturing moments with my wife and kids. I love to take nature/family photographs.
- Where/Who do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from God and from a bunch of tech reviewers. MKBHD, Jonathan Morrison, Jon Rettinger, Etc. My faith in God drives me to want to make sound, reasonable, and well-informed reviews. While these other reviewers drive my need to get better with my craft and deliver or surpass US tech reviewers content
- Being a SmartPhone Reviewer/Tech Youtuber, what smartphones would you currently recommend for a photographer with an affinity towards smartphone photography;
If you can afford it, either go for a Google Pixel phone or an iPhone. If you’re not so buoyant financially, go for a more affordable phone preferably with a snapdragon processor. This way you can always side-load g-cam on your phone and still have great results. The Redmi Note 7 is one such phone. Had it for two years and it still shoots great photos using the g-cam.
- What’s your perception of the Nigerian Imaging Industry currently?
I think it’s growing really fast. A lot of young people are beginning to own DSLRs and we’re beginning to see young people venture into urban, nature, product, model, and food photography, and they are really creative. Just go through Instagram and you’ll find some amazing photography skills from young Nigerians.
- What challenges do you face and what steps do you take in overcoming these challenges?
Recording, editing, and shooting challenges. I have to write at night and sometimes shoot at night just so I have perfect silence and I’m not disturbed by my kids. I also have an inverter to avoid noise and have constant electricity.
- Any Advice for Beginners?
Just start. If you don’t, you might never know what could have been.
- Any last words?
Make your days count, help and serve someone in need, ultimately love your neighbors (everyone), and treat them how you would want to be treated. Finally, Subscribe to my channel on YouTube here.
Cheers
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Henreeneo is a Nigerian Tech Reviewer that discusses all things Tech from Smartphones to Cameras, Laptops, Applications, and Consumer Electronics. You can follow him on Instagram here and subscribe to his YouTube channel here.
