PAUSE x OUR PRESENTS:
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
our tapped PAUSE on the shoulder so we could take a peep behind the curtain of the main stage, and what did we see? Well we didn’t, we were blinded by the light that was beaming behind those that were shaking things up behind the scene. Explore some creatives enlisted as “movers and shakers” within the creative industry we tap into very often below!
Photographer: Phillip Raheem
Fashion Stylists: Rhys Marcus Jay & Felicia Brown
Fashion Assistants: Nia Ashi, Jashel Nelson, & Jake Marcelo
Video Director: Matt De Lest, Video Production: The Idiots
Hair: Brittni Campbell MUA: India Rawlings
Interview: Precious Osoba
Special thanks to The Tea Building for the Location.
Aarti
Jewellery: Talent and Stylists’ Own, Dress: Tofe Col
Name: Aarti Popat
Occupation: CEO of Always Protected Publicity
Instagram: @aartipopat
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
It means everything! To be a part of this editorial alongside all the other incredible movers and shakers recognised by PAUSE is an honour. The creative industry has come a long way over the years and we are finally in a place where people of all races, ages and genders are in roles they deserve. The movers and shakers before me are the reason I am here today and I hope I can be the reason someone after me also follows their dreams.
Let’s go through your career timeline, tell me about how you started out and how you came to be where you are now?
My career timeline starts as a music fan! Lol. My sister and I found a love in UK rap many years ago and would attend shows for the likes of Cashtastic, Krept and Konan, Yungen when we were just 13/14 years old. I always wondered if there was a way to transform my passion for music into a career and that is when I applied to be a music writer at Link Up TV, my time there was amazing and the perfect step into the industry, I made some amazing connections and was even a part of Link Up TV’s first print magazine. From there, I started working at a PR company, firstly as an intern but then into junior and senior roles representing some of the biggest and best talent worldwide. This year, I have launched my very own agency, Always Protected Publicity, which represents the likes of Unknown T, Nafe Smallz, MoStack, Dave East and many more.
Who or what inspires you and motivates you to do what you do?
I come from a family of strong women; my mum and my sisters are my motivation every day.
This project is a collaboration, what does collaboration mean to you and what is the importance of it? Have you worked on any notable collaborations? Tell me about the one you’re most proud of.
Collaboration is key. It sounds cliché but there really is no ‘I’ in team. The best possible outcome is always when you have a team of people working towards a collected goal, good collaborations bring out the best in everyone involved.
I’d say the collaboration I’m most proud of is getting my client Unknown T a part in the Louis Vuitton SS22 collection by Virgil Abloh (Rest in Peace to a legend). We worked tirelessly for months to ensure his profile is known in the fashion world and then had the opportunity to fly to Paris for Fashion Week and walk the runway – it is an experience I will never forget and always be proud of.
What barriers do you or did you face in your career that you think have changed? Do you think there’s more accessibility to your industry?
I think being a young and small female comes with the illusion that you’re always ‘too young’ ‘too inexperienced’ to be in charge. I’ve had it said to me a few times and it can get frustrating but if you just continue to work hard and prove people wrong, nobody will ever be able to tell you that you don’t belong.
How would you describe your personal style? Is there a meaning or message behind it?
Tom-boy chic! I love being comfortable but it also has to look good. My look for this shoot was super out of my comfort zone but it’s something I’d definitely do again. Get you a girl that can do it all, lol!
What’s an intentional, staple part of your look? E.g. sunglasses? A hairstyle?
No matter the outfit, you can always guarantee I’m going to pair it with some Chanel runners.
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as a result of your awareness of issues such as climate change?
I think it’s important that we all start wearing more ethically sourced fashion brands. It’s also super important to support smaller businesses who spend lots of time on the quality of their clothes over fast fashion all the time.
Ayo
Puffer Jacket: Tommy Hilfiger x Romeo Hunte, Jacket & Trousers: A Cold Wall*, Shoes: Clarks
Name: Ayo B @D1LON
Occupation: Ballroom MC/Host/Presenter
Instagram: @tabooade
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
“Movers and shakers“? .. simple! Nicki Minaj ‘high school ‘ the line when she says “ he was gettin’ money with the movers and the shakers”, it’s unrelated but somewhat connected to my idea of what or who can be a mover and shaker when we factor in the impact and influence of technology, media and fashion and the effect these three factors have on not just my self but a vast number of people all over the world so to be a mover and shaker, in short, is someone basically doing what needs to be done and blazing a trail in whatever respected field of cause they believe deep within there core.
Let’s go through your career timeline, tell me about how you started out and how you came to be where you are now?
Legendary iconic mother pepper Labeija said it best “do you want me to tell you who I am and what I do and all of that?” In a scandalously yet koi demeanour if you do not understand this reference I would highly recommend watching “Paris is Burning” as well as other black queer iconic documentation but nevertheless, my name is Ayo Babatope is also known as Taboo I am a Model, Movement Artist, Voice Actor, Ballroom Mc & The UK farther of Elite Kiki house of bodega almost other talents. I’ve always just gravitated to things that keep my flame of joy burning.
Great things are always happening and I like to feel great so naturally, the law of attraction comes to play.
Who or what inspires you and motivates you to do what you do?
I can give you a never-ending list but off the top of my head, the desire to understand and to be understood, my community, my friends who I also call my sisters brothers, ballroom, my mum, the knowledge and understanding that there is inspiration and motivation in all matter it’s how I choose to see it depending on what conditions I allow prior to contact.
This project is a collaboration, what does collaboration mean to you and what is its importance of it? Have you worked on any notable collaborations? Tell me about the one you’re most proud of.
Collaboration to me is something we do every day even without thinking, it can be as simple as having a conversation to working as a part of a group towards a goal that ultimately involves 2 or more people working together.
I believe collaboration to be one of the essential building blocks to our current society and has brought us as a species here so far. The constant mingling of perspectives leading to the birth of new outcomes is the beauty and reason as to why we are not just artists but people who create. The most important and meaningful collaboration that I have done in my career has been the work I create with my friends like Seyon Amosu Creative Director/Stylist, Iggy London Director, FX Goby Director. Saul Nash designer to name a few but magic is created when there is a shared interest for the greater good.
How would you describe your personal style? Is there a meaning or message behind it?
My style I would say is constantly evolving, with my sense of self I dress how I feel and how I want somedays I can be political, provocative, or whatever but ultimately I dress for my comfort and because whatever I am wearing feels good and trust I would never wear anything that does not make me feel great.
What items could you not live without?
Simple my phone & my UK residents permit. As long as I got those two, my dear, I’m good.
What’s an intentional, staple part of your look? E.g. sunglasses? A hairstyle?
A micro / mini bag which I carry all the patience I have left in the world and lip gloss.
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as a result of your awareness of issues such as climate change or activism?
Most definitely, I’m more of an upcycle kind of GURL with a few timeless pieces and I do my best to support more black-owned businesses.
Rasharn
Necklace: O Thonghai, Vest: MMRMS Studio, Trousers: Bianca Saunders, Shoes: G.H. Bass
Name: Rasharn Powell
Occupation: Emerging Renaissance R&B Star
Instagram: @rasharnpowell
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
Breaking generational curses and leaning over life’s edge.
Let’s go through your career timeline, when did you start pursuing a career in music and how have you developed as an artist over time?
I started pursuing music from around 16 but the intention to create has been there since I can remember. All I’ve ever worked towards is my own growth, I think I run towards that more and more over time.
What does your music represent? Who does your music speak to?
It represents an honest part of myself that speaks to another’s interpretation. The meaning shifts, I guess, as it moves away from being just mine and now someone else’s too.
What inspires your creative process? Person, place or thing?
Living life and the clarity of mind.
What barriers do you or did you face in your career that you think have changed? Do you think there’s more accessibility to your industry?
I think there’s always going to be some sort of barrier if we think of them as such. I just try my best to navigate with my intuition & ideas. Being less precious and more so focused on building with my ever-evolving community. It helps with maintaining my mental stability and pushing towards what I truly want.
What social issues are you passionate about and are these reflected in what you do?
Mental health awareness seeps into all that I do because I’m documenting my mind with everything I touch. Whether that’s music, events or design. I want my output to heal in whatever way it possibly can.
How would you describe your personal style?
Limitless, if I choose to be on said day.
This project is a collaboration, what does collaboration mean to you and what is its importance to you?
It’s essential. I love harmony. It’s funny too how even when we act alone, it affects something else. To be alive is to collaborate.
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as a result of your awareness of issues such as climate change?
I think from a young age I loved upcycling clothes, finding new ways to wear the same piece or choosing to buy something that would last a great time. Being sustainable is essential.
Ebi & James
Ebi; Sunglasses: Gentle Monster x Heron Preston, Jewellery: Talents’ Own, Vest: Bianca Saunders, Trousers: Tommy Hilfiger x Romeo Hunte, Shoes: Jimmy Choo
James; Shirt & Jacket: Studio U, Top: Cooba London, Trainers: Grenson
Name: Ebi Sampson
Occupation: 1/2 of August Agency
Instagram: @ebisampson
Describe how you got into the industry.
I started off working in fashion PR when I was 21, it was a great opportunity that allowed me to meet loads of amazing people and work across really exciting projects, after a few years there I decided to make the transition into music. I was lucky enough to land my first music role at Atlantic Records as a publicist- it was there I really was able to learn the industry soon before deciding to branch out and launch AUGUST with James.
Explain what your path was like up until your current role and why did you choose to venture into this space.
I worked in fashion PR for around 6 years and I was able to really see how important collaboration is, especially between music and fashion. I was also able to witness so many young people starting their own businesses and I was always really inspired by that. When I started my role at Atlantic I was given opportunities by my manager that really helped me grow my confidence quickly and I’ve always had this idea of ownership instilled in me from very early on in my career so when it felt like the right time I decided to branch out into independent PR.
With the position that you’re in, what do you aim to achieve?
I co-own AUGUST, we are a music PR and consultancy agency. Our aim is to be valuable members of our artist teams and help them tell their stories in the best way possible.
In the next 5 years, what kind of impact do you hope to have on said space that you’re in?
We hope to just continue being a part of some of my favourite artist’s careers and helping them navigate the next phase of their careers.
Name: James Cunnigham
Occupation: 2/2 August Agency
Instagram: @james.cunningram
Describe how you got into the industry.
I didn’t get into the music industry until I was 24 but the music was always my biggest passion. When I was starting out, I interned everywhere that would have me and started doing freelance writing at a bunch of music titles to try and make new contacts. This paid off as eventually, it led to my first PR role which I stayed at for over five years before leaving and starting August with Ebi. I think becoming a publicist was a natural fit for me as I love storytelling and helping musicians find everything that is unique about them.
With the position that you’re in, what do you aim to achieve?
To keep building our company and work with artists that I’m genuinely passionate about.
In the next 5 years, what kind of impact do you hope to have on said space that you’re in?
I hope to just continue being a part of some of my favourite artist’s careers and helping them navigate the next phase of their careers.
Ireti
Sunglasses: Ash Luxe, Shirt: A Cold Wall, Jeans: Bianca Saunders x Wrangler, Boots: Rick Owens, Bracelet: O Thonghai, Jewellery: Talents’ Own
Name: Iretidayo Zaccheaus
Occupation: Founder of Street Souk
Instagram: @iretizee99
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
Movers and shakers mean people that are making a significant impact in whatever field they are in. People that are creating new ways of doing things and shying away from the norm.
Talk to me about Street Souk, what gave you the idea to start it and how have you grown and developed it to date?
Street Souk was an idea that originated from my mum’s fashion Souk. I took her blueprint and just made it to cater to the younger generation and streetwear enthusiasts. Street Souk has grown exponentially since its debut in 2018, from about 1500 attendees and 35 vendues to currently over 5000 people in attendance and 90 + stalls. The growth of the brands has been the most interesting, seeing brands present in the first year with just a few t-shirts out in comparison to now with full collections and a wide variety of products available with improved quality.
Why is the initiative important? What does Street Souk mean or represent for young Nigerians/ Africans?
Street Souk is so important because it has the ability to connect the whole of Africa to the rest of the world through streetwear. Also, it provides a platform that doesn’t exist for Nigerian and African streetwear brands to showcase their collections on a larger scale. Street Souk is a sign of hope for young creatives in Nigeria and Africa as a whole to know that their innovations and creativity are valid and there are no limits to where they can take their brand.
Who and what inspires you?
My biggest inspirations are my mum, my aunty, Grace Ladoja and Virgil Abloh. The one thing they all have in common is their worth ethic. Also, my friends around me inspire me, everyone that is hustling and grinding to do better inspires me.
Would you say art/music/fashion has been a source of liberation for you? If so, how?
100% art, music and fashion have been a source of liberation for me, they have allowed me to express myself and create friendships and communities over shared interests around them.
How would you describe your personal style? Is there a meaning or message behind it?
The best way to describe my personal style is STEEZ. The way I dress is an extension of my personality. I love being cosy, comfortable but still big steppin’.
What’s an intentional, staple part of your look? E.g. sunglasses? A hairstyle?
My sunglasses and my phone. My sunglasses and my shoes will always stand out, recently my denim game is going crazy too.
What barriers have you faced in your industry as a young Nigerian? Are these circumstances or ideologies changing? If so, why or how? Who are the people or organisations pushing for change/ representation/ accessibility?
You’ve bagged a few collaborations under your belt, including one with Virgil Abloh. What does collaboration mean to you? Why is it important?
My collaboration with Virgil will forever remain the most important one to me. As I mentioned earlier Virgil is someone I have looked up to for as long as I can remember so being able to share something celebrating young Nigerian women is so special to me. There is more than meets the eye with the t-shirt, the choice of colour, the words, all very important.
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as we are now all becoming more aware of issues such as climate change?
100%, being more aware of climate change has made me more interested in a sustainable fashion.
What does the future of Street Souk look like? What’s the end goal? What can we expect from you in the near future?
The future of Street Souk is to be the driving force and the hub of the African Streetwear community. To be able to keep bringing thousands of people together in our motherland to celebrate the streetwear culture. The goal is to have street souks in different countries across Africa and eventually the world. Also to continue to be that bridge between the African streetwear community and the rest of the world. There is no reason why Nigerian and Africa Streetwear brands should not be stocked in streetwear shops across the world.
Sheniece
Full Look: Kai Collective, Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Name: Sheniece Charway
Occupation: Artist Relations Manager @ YouTube
Instagram: @sheniececharway
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
Movers and shakers to me are people who are constantly pushing boundaries and making positive changes within their industry or field.
Let’s go through your career timeline, tell me about how you started out and how you came to be where you are now?
My first job in music was a marketing internship at Sony Music. That was five years ago now, and that definitely changed my life. I was there for two years and helped on campaigns for Rick Ross, Harry Styles, 21 Savage and more. I learnt so much about the music industry but also about myself. I was put forward to be an Artist Relations Manager at Google in 2019 and was made a full-time employee last July.
Who or what inspires you and motivates you to do what you do?
So many peers inspire and motivate me. I love seeing so many people doing well and thriving in their jobs. I wouldn’t be in my position right now without God and the amazing people that I get to work with everyday. Artists also inspire me as they continue to create amazing music. Without artists, I wouldn’t be in my dream job.
This project is a collaboration, what does collaboration mean to you and what is the importance of it? Have you worked on any notable collaborations? Tell me about the one you’re most proud of.
What barriers do you or did you face in your career that you think have changed? Do you think there’s more accessibility to your industry?
I think there is a lot more access when it comes to getting into the industry these days. At YouTube, we’re involved in lots of initiatives that support emerging talent. From the Power Up initiative challenging racism in the industry and providing mentorship for Black music execs, to the Music Manager Forum Accelerator programme which provides training and financial support for managers, we’re doing our part to break down barriers to entry where we can. From the artists’ perspective, the beauty of YouTube is that it’s one of the few, truly democratic platforms out there. Anyone with talent can upload a video of themselves, be discovered by millions of people and end up launching their career that way. We’ve seen it with Stormzy, Dave, Aitch and so many more.
How would you describe your personal style? Is there a meaning or message behind it?
I would describe it as quite colourful but put together. I love experimenting with different items but also making sure it suits my personality. I’m an Aquarius and we express ourselves a lot through our clothes and I definitely think I do that.
What items could you not live without?
Oooooo I couldn’t live without my blazers or my over the knee boots!
What’s an intentional, staple part of your look? E.g. sunglasses? A hairstyle?
This is a great question. Any of my friends will let you know how much I love my Blazers. I wouldn’t be able to live without them. Also, my signature hairstyle is a middle parting with long hair.
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as a result of your awareness of issues such as climate change?
I’ve started to buy more items that are more sustainable and I’m able to switch up with other items of clothing. I’ve definitely educated myself on fast fashion as I wasn’t too aware of it.
Scilla
Dress: Mazelle Studios x Not Just Another Store, Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Name: Scilla Owusu
Occupation: Director & Founder of youngtrepeneurs
Instagram: @scillaowusu
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
I got into the industry by identifying what I wanted to do and making a plan to achieve it.
Explain what your path was like up until your current role and why did you choose to venture into this space
My path was a little confusing and full of a lot of rejections. I initially started off writing scripts, then producing short films. Eventually started producing music videos then directing music videos. I actually didn’t choose any of these, but once I identified I was good at it I was encouraged to pursue it. Directing was the only career I fell into spontaneously. I took a leap of faith in 2018. I eventually chose this because coming from a narrative background I felt I could contribute something different to music videos I wasn’t already seeing.
With the position you’re in, what do you aim to achieve?
My motivation is to aspire to inspire before I expire. Using my skills, platform and knowledge to inspire the next generation of like-minded creatives who want to follow a similar footpath I did.
In the next 5 years, what kind of impact do you hope to have on said space that you’re in.
I’ve already started. Through my social youth impact organization Youngtrepreneurs. Helping to build more creative African entrepreneurs or driving more jobs for the youth in the creative space.
Lodina, Ghadir, & Huda c/o No Signal
Londina; Top & Skirt: Mazelle Studios x Not Just Another Store, Boots: Jimmy Choo’s
Huda; Coat: Tommy Hilfiger x Romeo Hunte, Shirt: A Cold Wall, Shorts: Kai Collective, Trainers: Nike
Ghadir; Full Look: Saul Nash, Vest: Bianca Saunders, Trainers: Nike
Name: Lodina, Ghadir, & Huda
Occupation: No Signal
Instagram: @lodina.jpg, @shaolinwavy & @_hudss
This series is based on highlighting movers and shakers – what does that mean to you?
Huda (General Manager): It’s always incredibly humbling when people recognise the efforts we make on our brand and the work we put in. We work hard to succeed but more importantly to also to contribute to culture so that people can have a small piece of joy whether people are locking into radio or coming to our live events/shows. There’s so much talent in the scene right now and to be recognised among them is a great feeling, everyone in this series is bringing in so much talent to the cultural sphere and it’s nice to be among them.
Let’s go through your career timeline, tell me about how you started out and how you came to be where you are now?
Huda: I’m currently a masters student on the Legal Practice Course, initially I never saw myself in the creative industry but found my way here after joining ventures with my friends. I now find myself looking at a career path that I never considered. It’s really rewarding because it shows me that there are so many roles out there in the world where you can really have fun and bring out your best self. I started working at No Signal through friendship, we’re a group of friends that work together! We all work together in an organisation called High Roller co-created by Jojo and David and under it, we operate Recess, Black in the day, 720 records and No Signal.
No signal practically exploded over the last year, talk to me about the journey so far – how you’ve witnessed it grow and progress.
Huda: It’s been a crazy journey that I am still in awe of when I think about it even though I’ve lived it. One of the best feelings in life is when you talk about doing something and then one day you finally put it together. Like before No Signal we never had an office space and we always said we were going to have one, so to have our own space feels great and that’s even one of the smaller joys we’ve had over this journey! Some of the things we have done are things that have been in the making for years, like the yearbook, this was always something that sat in David’s mind for years and then in 2020 we finally had the time and resources to actually put it together and now we’re working on the second one and it’s only going to get better as time goes on.
What inspires and motivates you?
Huda: I believe in what we do, we are trying to be a real moving piece in black entertainment and I am inspired by those whose target audience I am in, and I want to join them! I look at people like 50 cent building his own version of a marvel universe and seeing ‘G Unit Productions’ in rolling credits of things even outside his own programmes and I want HR to be this one day. As for motivation, really and truly, I just want to get out of the hood LOL. And just for that, I’m willing to put in the work and the hours to get there.
How important is it that we have black radio?
Ghadir (Member of the music team): It is important for us to offer black people a home to listen to the music they may not hear elsewhere like sounds from their culture and also the underappreciated genres in mainstream media. We want to provide a space where people feel like their music is being seen and appreciated. Where black people may fall into the cracks from the bigger platforms it is our job to offer them a home for their music and a place where they feel valued.
This project is a collaboration, what does collaboration mean to you and what is its importance of it? Have you worked on any notable collaborations? Tell me about the one you’re most proud of.
Ghadir: Collaboration is so important, that saying “it takes a village” is more real than ever for us, we built this station through a community that we built long before we had no signal so we definitely would not understate its importance. Personally for me, to work on a release party for Drake was a huge deal. He’s an artist that I’ve loved from my teens to now, and I’m still obsessed with his music to this day so to get that phone call was unbelievable and we had the most fun putting that together.
What barriers do you or did you face in your career that you think have changed? / do you think there’s more accessibility to your industry?
Ghadir: The barriers that I think have changed is probably the narrative that black entertainment is enjoyed by all but owned outside of the black community, there are some things that are yet to come but for now, I am amazed at how many groups and collectives are growing in personnel and resources and becoming real companies that we can look to, work, or book which is sick!
How would you describe your personal style? Is there a meaning or message behind it?
Ghadir: I would say my style is quite randomized, I don’t think there’s a real direction to it. I just like to go by my mood. But one thing I would say is consistent is the femininity in my clothes, even when I’m in a tracky I’ll still fleek up cause it’s an energy that I like to maintain.
What items could you not live without?
Lodina (Brand Partnerships Manager): Gold earrings and a nice chain. Also Air Force 1s – you can never go wrong with a fresh pair of AF1s.
What’s an intentional, staple part of your look? E.g. sunglasses? A hairstyle?
Has your behaviour towards fashion evolved as a result of your awareness of issues such as climate change or activism?
Lodina: It actually has. I try and stay away from fast fashion and just buy pieces I know I’m going to rewear and create multiple outfits that are of good quality. I watched a news story that a lot of unwanted clothes from the UK are shipped to countries like Ghana and dumped in the country. The majority of the clothes are not good quality so they are unable to be sold and it’s unfortunate that this happens. Also, since last year I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to research and buy from black retailers.
Talent’s thirsts were quenched with Black Owned Beverages; Adaka, Haze Gin, Saint Ogun, Cabby’s, Vusa Vodka, Bayab, & London Manya. Throughout the day talent was spoilt for choice nibbles from Olu Olu foods, the new limited edition plantain crisps flavour, lunch provided by Eighty’s Kitchen (think Vegan jerk tofu to smoky Jollof topped w jerk chicken) – washed down w Crabbys spiced rum!
Check out the bts shot by Kofi (@sbkworldwide) below:
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