We recently connected with Michael Asiedu Okyere and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The genesis of my journey into creating a creative services business is a story of passion, opportunity, and a deep belief in the transformative power of music and digital media.
From an early age, music was more than just entertainment for me; it was a language that transcended borders and cultures, a means of expressing emotions and stories that weren’t always easily put into words. Growing up, I found myself drawn not just to the music itself, but to the entire ecosystem around it – the artists, the production, the promotion, and the way music could touch lives and bring people together.
My eureka moment came during my studies in Journalism and Media, and later in Digital Media Design. I realized the immense potential that lay in combining traditional journalistic skills with new digital media platforms. There was a gap in the market for a service that not only promoted music but also told the stories behind it in a compelling, visually appealing way. This idea was further cemented during my interactions with fellow students, professors, and industry professionals, who often lamented the lack of cohesive platforms that bridged music with impactful storytelling and visually striking design.
Emotionally, it felt like standing at the edge of a new frontier. There was excitement, certainly, but also a palpable sense of responsibility. I knew that if done right, this endeavor could not only support and promote artists, particularly in the African and Afrobeat scenes, but also offer fans a richer, more immersive experience.
The logic behind my confidence in this venture’s success was multi-faceted. Firstly, my background in journalism and media provided me with the necessary skills to create engaging content. Secondly, my expertise in graphic and web design meant I could offer a visually stunning platform, a key differentiator in the digital age. Additionally, my own experiences as a musician and music aficionado gave me an insider’s perspective on what artists and their audiences desire and need.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a multitalented person who loves working behind the scenes as a journalist, A&R representative, publicist, a creative graphic & web designer, and an Afrobeat and Afro music promoter based in Britain and beyond. The entry point of my immersion into this dynamic world is the initial spark of my passion for music and story that have been fed in and out through various years of academic and professional life in journalism, media and digital design.
Moving to the industry was a logically consistent process for me, to say the least. I initially started off in Journalism and Media but later switched over to Digital Media Designing. It was not that easy to choose another field for college, since I fell in love with the media and its capability to tell stories and form cultures. To this end, I decided to put music together, either African or Afrobeat genres, to unveil a media channel that not only indoctrinated artists but would also dictate the complex narratives that are usually embedded in the music.
I believe my uniqueness comes from the combination of my panoramic talent with the background knowledge as well as love of African and Afrobeats music in my case. This special conglomeration will give ample opportunity to deliver quality services to my clientele that are adaptable to ethnic disparities.
I am a close-knit and tight teammate of both up-coming and established artists, along with them I experience the music industry, and build up their artistry and contacts facilitating them to attend the right opportunities. Using basically, I publicist’s skills artists announce themselves via media placement, interviews, as well as marketing campaigns. The knowledge in digital media design I have accumulated through the years comes handy in the aspect of artists’ branding since I am able to develop visually-appealing websites and graphics. Being a digital fan, I guide through consultation and planning about the right ways of utilizing social media, streaming services, and etc. platforms in order to have a bigger audience.
Of all the things that I’m proud of in my career, nothing makes me more fulfilled than the way I have influenced the artists I worked with and the African music scene as a whole. Having to write for Rita Ora, Da Beatfreakz, Mira May, KSI, Headie One, Sam Tompkins, Love Ghost, Sofi Gev, Br3nya, Wizkid, Kid Travis, Francisco Martin, Jax Jones, Khamari, and many others on their musical releases. Being enthused by artist’s growth, surpassing boundaries, and up entering the international arena is very gratifying. Furthermore pride with how my project has opened doors to a wider audience to realize how much of the African and Afrobeat music is deep rich and diverse.
Besides my business, the purpose of my brand is all about music and its artists. They carry forward the commitment of lifting the African music. Authenticity, breaking the mould, and always aiming for peak performance are what I’m about. All the projects, every artists, and all the stories are a ground for creating something that will last and work for the right cause.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, a multifaceted mission that combines my love of music with my professional expertise is what drives my creative journey. This mission centres around several key goals:
Elevating African and Afrobeat Music: At the core of my work is a deep-rooted desire to showcase the richness and diversity of African music on a global stage. I am committed to bringing the vibrant sounds, rhythms, and stories of Africa to wider audiences, thereby increasing its representation and influence in the worldwide music scene.
Empowering Artists: A significant part of my mission is to support and empower artists, particularly emerging talents from Africa and the Afrobeat genre. By offering a blend of A&R services, public relations, and digital strategy, I aim to provide artists with the tools, opportunities, and platforms they need to succeed and grow in their careers.
Bridging Cultural Gaps: Through my work, I seek to create a bridge between different cultures and communities. Music, I believe, is a universal language that can connect people across geographical and cultural divides. By promoting African and Afrobeat music, I aim to foster greater understanding and appreciation of African culture worldwide.
Innovating in the Digital Realm: Recognising the power and influence of digital media in today’s world, part of my mission is to innovate within this space. This involves leveraging the latest digital technologies and platforms to enhance the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed, thereby keeping up with the evolving digital landscape and audience behaviours.
Storytelling and Authenticity: I strive to maintain a focus on authentic storytelling in all my endeavours. Whether it’s through journalism, web design, or public relations, the goal is to tell the true, unadulterated stories of artists and their music, ensuring that the heart and soul of their work are conveyed to audiences.
Sustainable Growth and Community Building: Finally, I am dedicated to building a sustainable business model that not only supports my own growth but also contributes to the growth of the wider music community. This includes nurturing a supportive network of artists, industry professionals, and fans and creating a space where they can collaborate, share, and celebrate African and Afrobeat music together.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Reflecting on my creative journey, there are several resources that, had I known about them earlier, could have significantly enriched my path and expedited my growth. These resources span across knowledge, networks, tools, and platforms.
Understanding the value of networking in the music industry is crucial. Early access to a network of mentors, experienced industry professionals, and peers could have provided invaluable insights, guidance, and opportunities. Mentorship, in particular, can be a game-changer in navigating the complex landscape of the music industry.
While my background in journalism and media was essential, a more robust understanding of the music business, including rights management, publishing, licencing, and revenue streams, would have been advantageous. Resources like online courses, workshops, or even formal education in music business could have provided a stronger foundation.
Knowledge of data analytics for understanding audience behaviour, preferences, and trends is incredibly valuable. Tools and platforms that provide insights into listener demographics, streaming habits, and engagement patterns can greatly inform marketing and promotional strategies.
Understanding the various funding avenues available for creative projects, such as grants, sponsorships, and investment options, is crucial. Additionally, having a better grasp on financial management and budgeting for creative projects would have been beneficial in ensuring sustainable growth.
Platforms for connecting with other creatives, artists, and industry professionals around the world would have opened doors to collaborative opportunities and expanded my creative horizons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musicarenagh.com/author/musicarena/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrrrdaisy/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mrrrdaisy
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mrrrdaisy
- Twitter: https://x.com/mrrrdaisy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDT46WHqii5fQxCapbLFi5g
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3weZe0R8VkSEvuZWREk5iC?si=kMChubhJRHSCUeaNHRzl1A https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/mrrrdaisy/1582929098
Image Credits
Jowelch Photography Patience Owusu Michael Asiedu Okyere