Over the weekend, SpotlightFirst had it’s first ever 2-day online event on Instagram. Sunday 29th of March, had been the original date planned for the next UnderTheSpotlight event. But with a pandemic and a lockdown looming over us, plans changed and a new online event was put in place.
In a plan to keep everyone at home and in good spirits during such a time of uncertainty, SpotlightFirst welcomed Grammy nominated producer Kel P Vibes and global superstar Afro B onto instalive for some Friday night entertainment. On the second day we invited Marketing Consultant Daniel Ayim for a Q&A, and hosted special guest mixes from DJ Teeshow and DJ Fitz.
View this post on Instagram
We had our girl Daisy Mae sit with the talented artist and producer Kel P to discuss music and upcoming projects. Fans and supporters had the chance to ask questions and interact with their faves. When asked about his favourite song that he had produced, Kel P said “it hasn’t come out yet” while hinting at a collaboration with Disclosure and Shakka coming very soon. He also mentioned fellow producer, Sarz as being a major inspiration and mentor. Kel P is the genius behind some of our favourite hit songs such as Burna Boy’s ‘On the low’ and Wizkid’s ‘Cover Me’.
Next we spoke to Afro B, who told us about life after his hit song ‘Joanna’, which sky rocketed his career leading to artists Wizkid and French Montana featuring on the remixes. He also spoke about working with the amazing T-Pain and Ashanti. Throughout the live Afro B had a chance to interact with fans and when asked about his thoughts on the UK Afrobeats scene he said there isn’t as many Afrobeats artists as before, but the quality of music in general has improved. We were also able to get some tips that would prove useful for upcoming Afrobeats artists when he suggested ‘consistency is key’ and promoting on your own page would prove more effective than promoting on genre generic pages. Afro B also took us on a cribz-style tour around his house to show us what he had been getting up to during the lockdown. We are definitely looking forward to hearing more hits from these guys! He also provided feedback and song reviews from artists such as, Nonso Amadi, Adejosh, Gabzy, Efosa, Kojo Funds and also a few artists who submitted their songs.
Wow that didn’t feel like two hours! Really enjoyed @SpotlightFirst_ ‘s Insta Live 🙌🏾 #UnderTheSpotlight #StayAtHome
— Joy✨ (@Toyosiii) March 27, 2020
On day two, before DJ Fitz and DJ Teeshow took over with back to back live mix of Hip Hop and Afrobeats, Tolu sat down with Daniel Ayim to discuss how to market your music in 2020 as an independent artist as well as his come up with mixtape madness and the influencer industry + it’s relationship with brands.
The DJ session on @SpotlightFirst_ right now is 🔥🔥
— eMbeZzLE (@MojooJojoo_) March 28, 2020
@SpotlightFirst_ are doing a great live with @DanGreaze covering artists, marketing and so much more. Worth locking in if you’re in music and a creative in general
— PASTOR MRS PRINCE OF PAN-AFRICANISM. (@findingmalo) March 28, 2020
All in all, it was a fun and informative two day event that covered a number of topics and we also got to hear a few exclusives too, including an unreleased Kojo Funds and Nonso Amadi track.
Continue to keep an eye on Spotlightfirst via our Twitter: ‘Spotlightfirst_’ and Instagram: Spotlight1st; where we will be bringing you more live entertainment.
Words by Comfort Bankole