Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2022 member
7th Century Music
7th Century Music is a platform built to help independent music artists distribute, market and monetise their music using our custom built software and integrations.
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
To access a wider network of professionals and organisations with the intention of receiving mentorship and training and for potential access to funding opportunities.
Why did you want to start your business?
Growing up I saw the freedom that running a business afforded my parents and our family. But as an artist, I saw how little freedom artists had due to the structure and nature of the current music industry. My goal was to use my creative abilities and my natural desire for business to build something that would help artists achieve the same type of freedom that my parents were able to afford our family by creating a platform that enabled artists to gain the same freedom everyone yearns for.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
- To build a strong network of business partners and ultimately friendships
- To acquire mentorship and access further training.
- To explore the potential for funding our business.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Difficult to name just one as I am inspired by so many but if I was to pick I would say the two Sean's, Sean Combs (P Diddy AKA Love) & Sean Carter (AKA Jay Z). These two have similar stories (and similar initials) I can relate to in that they are both black, came from very humble beginnings, figured out the best path to success and maximised their opportunities. They also evolved from artists, to entrepreneurs, maintaining their allegiance and loyalty to the culture that shaped them into being the men they are. Like them, I too strive to maximise my opportunities to the very end of my capacity as god & the universe allows. I am both inspired and excited to see what this journey entails. This is just the beginning.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
I don't believe I have had one yet but if I was to name something I am proud of, it is the fact that I have not quit and continued to improve, despite the many challenges, on the many versions of what we have built to offer something that is truly unique and something we believe will impact the music industry in a positive way.
What has been your biggest challenge?
A lack of resources; Primarily capital & mentorship.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
Reaching out to people, primarily through my network of family and friends as well as potential business partners. Many people have stepped in at different times to offer their support and mentorship at various stages. This has been extremely valuable in guiding me through the process. I would not have come as far as I have today without these people to whom I am extremely grateful.
What drives you to make your business a success?
Ultimately creating freedom for music artists. However this is just the start. Our goal is to enrich the lives of creatives from all fields of the creative industry so we will not be restricted to just music. I envisage our company being something like the Amazon (company) but on the creative and educational side. Hence why I named it 7th Century MEDIA GROUP with this vision in mind.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
DO IT! Even if you don't succeed, you will learn so much about yourself. It is the hardest thing you will ever do, but it is also the most LIFE CHANGING thing you will ever do...