We are back with our finale episode of Season 5 of VIP ACCESS. On part 2 of or conversation spotlighting the role of DJs, we bring back Schwaz Isaboke (DJ, Producer & Music Lead at Capital FM), Coco Em (Multidisciplinary Artist & DJ) and Njerae (Performing Artist & Singer).

This conversation explores what it takes to build a career that is both creatively fulfilling and commercially viable in today's rapidly evolving music industry. We are going deeper into the economics, ownership and long-term sustainability of the DJ ecosystem.

From bookings, contracts and fees to branding, digital presence, partnerships and ownership, this is what you need to know if you're trying to navigate a career as a DJ.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. DJs are cultural curators and business builders. Today's DJs influence culture, break records, shape consumer experiences and create value for brands, venues and festivals.

2. Professionalism creates longevity. Sustainable careers are built on strong relationships, clear contracts, consistency, reliability and understanding your value within the marketplace.

3. Branding is just as important as talent. A strong personal brand, digital presence and clear identity can open doors to partnerships, endorsements, bookings and international opportunities.

4. Collaboration will shape the future of nightlife. The most successful ecosystems are built when artists, DJs, venues, promoters, brands and media work together to grow audiences and create meaningful experiences.

While this marks the end of Season 5, VIP ACCESS isn't slowing down. We continue with podcast recordings, live conversations, events and workshops across the continent and beyond. Season 6 will arrive sooner than you think.

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 22

Nairobi’s nightlife is evolving and so is the business behind it. This week on the podcast, we present the first of a 2-part Season 5 finale, featuring Schwaz Isaboke (DJ, Producer & Music Lead at Capital FM), Coco Em (Multidisciplinary Artist & DJ) and Njerae (Performing Artist & Singer).

From the evolution of DJ culture and music discovery to the growing influence of nightlife on the wider music ecosystem, our conversation will this week explore how DJs have become cultural curators, tastemakers and key drivers of both culture and commerce.

We are discussing the changing role of DJs, the art of curation, crowd psychology, building communities through music and the opportunities emerging within the growing nightlife economy.

As African music continues to command global attention, what role do DJs, artists and nightlife spaces play in shaping the future?

NEXT UP: The Business of Nightlife, Ownership, Branding & Building Sustainable Careers Part 2

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 21

Africa is moving forward, and so are we. This week on the podcast, we have Grammy Award-nominated global superstar Yemi Alade reflecting on her journey as one of Africa’s biggest music exports, Kenyan artist Coster Ojwang sharing his experiences navigating the industry as both a musician and visual artist and Moses Nyabanda, Managing Director at Equity Group, speaking on finance and opportunities available for creators.

This week we are spotlighting the second edition of the Equity Creator Masterclass in Nairobi — an impactful session bringing together some of the brightest minds shaping Africa’s Creator Economy.

Hosted by Arrival Africa alongside Equity Group in conjunction with the Africa Forward Summit, the conversation focused on creativity, business, finance, branding and building sustainable careers across the continent’s evolving creative industries.

I joined the panel to speak on PR, media and branding — a conversation connected to both my professional journey and personal mission of helping creatives position themselves for opportunities, build visibility and create long-term value through their work.

Our moderator Lotan made sure to explore how African creatives can move beyond visibility to build lasting careers, impactful brands and global influence.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Creativity Must Be Treated as a Business because ultimate success in the creative industry requires more than just talent. Register your business and get your financial literacy on check.

2. Building a Strong Personal Brand Creates Opportunities. Creators need to intentionally shape their personal brands, manage their public image and use media and PR strategically to attract partnerships, audiences and long-term career growth.

3. African Talent Can Compete Globally. Global success comes from consistency, excellence and a clear understanding of one's unique value proposition.

4. The Future of Africa's Creator Economy Is Collaborative. There's high value of integrating ecosystems where creators, financial institutions, brands and industry stakeholders work together. African creatives must think beyond exposure and focus on building sustainable careers, impactful brands and lasting influence.

NEXT UP: The Future of Nairobi Nightlife — A Spotlight on The DJ Ecosystem Part 1

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 20

I hosted a special edition of the British Council's Creative Hustle in Nairobi featuring Jeremiah Asiamah, internationally acclaimed DJ, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra broadcaster.

This week on the podcast, we spotlight a conversation on the global rise of Kenyan electronic music and how creatives across Nairobi and London are building collaborations and opportunities that extend beyond music into culture, identity and social impact.

From Afro-house, deep house and EDM to the global festival circuit, Jeremiah shares insights from a career that has taken him from South London to stages including Glastonbury, Wireless, Notting Hill Carnival and Soundstorm.

This episode was supported by the British Council as part of the UK/Kenya Season 2025.

NEXT UP: A conversation from the second Equity Creator Masterclass!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 19

This week, we continue the conversation with super star actress Kenyan actress Mumbi Maina, writer and director Arnold Mwanjila and Susan Mbogo from DocuBox as we unpack the realities of sustaining Kenya’s film and TV ecosystem beyond the creative process.

The episode explores the tension between art and business: how filmmakers navigate funding gaps, ownership, monetisation models and platform demands while still protecting the authenticity of African storytelling. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes realities of production, collaboration and building structures that allow creatives to thrive long term.

From Hollywood and Nollywood comparisons to the practical realities of working within Kenya’s growing screen industry, the 2-part episode looks at what it takes to create Kenyan aND African stories that travel globally.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1.⁠ ⁠Great storytelling alone is not enough — sustainable ecosystems, funding structures and collaboration are equally important.

2.⁠ ⁠Writers, producers, actors and financiers must work in alignment from development to distribution.

3.⁠ ⁠Authentic African stories have global value when supported by strong craft and intentional strategy.

4.⁠ ⁠Ownership and monetisation matter: creatives must think beyond production into long-term sustainability.

5.⁠ ⁠The future of Kenya’s film and TV industry depends on building systems that support both creativity and commerce.

NEXT UP: A spotlight on Jeremiah Asiamah from the UK!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 18

This week on the podcast, we are joined by International Kenyan actor Mumbi Maina, Director and Scriptwriter Arnold Mwanjila and Susan Mbogo from DocuBox for a conversation exploring the delicate balance between creative integrity and commercial success in Kenya’s evolving screen industry.

Kenyan film and TV is entering a powerful new era. From streaming platforms to international festivals and regional collaborations, our stories, actors, filmmakers and writers are gaining unprecedented visibility across the globe. But as the industry grows, one question remains: how do we turn great stories into sustainable, bankable productions?

From writers’ rooms, financing and casting to production, distribution, ownership and platform dynamics, this episode dives into the realities of building stories that resonate culturally while succeeding commercially. What makes projects compelling to audiences, broadcasters, streamers and investors?

NEXT UP: Part two of Making Kenyan Stories Bankable: Craft vs Commerce drops next week!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 17

As we wrap up our production and events series this season on VIP ACCESS, today’s episode focuses on safety planning for more inclusive and secure event spaces.

We’re joined by Chris Kirwa, a renowned event organizer and producer with extensive industry experience; Njeri Gitungo, a multi-skilled creative working as a producer, program manager, DJ and member of Nairobi’s Nest Collective and Marianne Wamuyu, Programmes and Events Manager at Book Bunk Trust (the producers of Nairobi Litfest).

From rethinking policies and practices to building a stronger culture of accountability across public spaces, nightlife, and events, our podcast today dives into what needs to change and what’s already working.

I am also bringing back Diane Ywaya of Blankets & Wine, Frankie The Brand of Good Vibes Only and Gathoni Kimuyu, a renowned theatre producer and scriptwriter, to share their tips and final remarks on the issue of event production and promotion.

Hope to see you at one of these cool events soon! :)

NEXT UP: Making Kenyan Stories Bankable - drops next week!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 16

On Part two of Curating Festivals, we are once again joined by Wanjeri Gakuru, Sheba Hirst and Ayrosh, who bring their own perspective, skills and experience on building festivals that resonate beyond lineups. We will go into building community, how to rally support, funding, and how to navigate behind the scenes crisis like cancellations or a no-show from a guest or artist.

From music, literature to film and multidisciplinary arts, this 2-part eps explores how cultural festivals amplify voices, strengthen creative industries and create spaces for exchange. Our conversation also articulated a curator’s role.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Key Takeaways

1. Curation is storytelling, it’s about shaping experiences, not just booking acts.

2. Balance matters, blending mainstream, emerging voices, culture and history keeps festivals fresh and exciting!

3. Festivals build ecosystems: workshops, pop ups and talks are as vital as performances.

4. Scale with intention: growth shouldn’t dilute the festival’s core identity.

5. Impact goes beyond the event: it's great to make money but lasting value is in community and connections.

NEXT UP: Safety planning for more inclusive and safer spaces in the industry, drops next week!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 15

We love Festivals! All sorts of festivals, from music, film to literature. This week on the podcast we are hosting curators behind some of your fave festivals: Wanjeri Gakuru (Nairobi Litfest, Rewind, Remix, Reclaim festival, Jalada Mobile Literary and Arts Festival ), Sheba Hirst (NBO Film Festival) and Ayrosh (Folk Fusion) - all which have announced dates to their upcoming editions.

Curating a festival is more than selecting a stage, theme or lineup, it’s about crafting an experience that lingers long after the lights go down. Behind the scenes lies meticulous work: weaving together genres, narratives, cultures and stories that intersect with current affairs, global issues and entertainment. And that's exactly what today's episode is about ....

NEXT UP: Part two of Curating Festivals drops next week!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 14

Event production, artist bookings and fan experience are not just about logistics, they are shaped by deeper relationships and unseen dynamics, and that’s the focus of Part 2 of our latest VIP ACCESS episode.

This episode features Queen Gathoni (a cultural force and creative producer) under Taji & Co. Production, Frankie Theuri (an accomplished event organizer and promoter) of Vibes Only and Diane Ywaya (Communications Expert /Manager at GoodTimes Africa).

On this episode, we continue to examine how behind-the-scenes decisions like security influence the experience on ground and your audience satisfaction.

Managing expectations can actually elevate or undermine your show, we are also explaining what this means and giving examples.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Successful events are built on strong coordination between all stakeholders.
2. Audience experience should be intentionally designed, not left to chance.
3. Clear communication is essential across production, talent and management.
4. Every decision counts — from booking to execution — impacts the overall event flow.
5. Great events go beyond performance to create memorable, lasting experiences.

NEXT UP: Part One of Curating Festivals drops next week!

FOR MORE:

YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://url-shortener.me/7GU7

#VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 13