Showing Up Authentically

What a morning, with Bayo Adelaja, the founder of Do It Now Now. She spoke of her journey into entrepreneurship and how she found herself building her skills and values to form a social enterprise from a young age. Bayo generously shared her experience and vision for Do It Now Now and discussed how she’s using systems and processes throughout the organisation that challenge society’s status quo. She likened the structure as a tapestry made up of interconnecting circles, that work holistically together, rather than being a construct of separate entities – and by using a user-focused model she is able not just to inspire but to create deep and lasting impact at the same time. She also generously opened up and spoke of vulnerable aspects of herself – awakening to the fact that she didn’t always get it right in the beginning, but through tested innovation and building an incredible team with similar values, the work she and her counterparts are doing is industry changing.

In the afternoon Jordan Pharoah spoke to us about his company ENDO, and the passion he and his company have around unifying the music scenes across the globe. Focusing on the US and the UK, to build career bridges for global artists in Black communities. Jordan spoke of the process that is built with artists at ENDO. At the core of everything is relationships. Jordan takes the time to learn about each artist, getting to know their upbringing, their history, their geography and influences, in order to better understand and build these artists’ careers. ENDO focuses specifically on emerging artists, creating a platform for those who have not had previous access into the music industry. ENDO also spends time focusing on Social Impact and creating work that builds conversations around social justice and equity. Jordan’s work is open and vulnerable. He uses music as a way to open conversation of and record histories that explore personal experiences of racism. In a poignant and touching moment he played some of his work that was created over the pandemic, and during that time he interviewed family members and the relationship they have to being black. Proving the power of art to educate, engage and move to action and change.

After explaining and walking us through his theory of practice and building his company, we were privileged to access some never before seen footage and tracks. Jordan also spoke of upcoming events showcasing the work of some of the artists ENDO has programmed including M.U.L.A. Jammy K, Charlene, Isee and Brudda Nay.

As a special treat, we were privileged to have Jordan return to air at 4pm to present an hour–long DJ set of ENDO artists recordings and remixes. A truly special set with so much energy and originality. The DJ set was recorded and we hope will be made available to tune into on our web pages in the near future.