First job within the industry - and how you got it?
I set up my own job by establishing my company, Kala Phool, many years ago. It came directly from the lack of opportunities for the kind of work I wanted to do. I established Kala Phool as a way of connecting all the artists and communities that don’t really get the chance to showcase their talents. From it being a lose collective we now work across the UK and really enjoy working with such varied people; it keeps us going. I’ve been doing the role of C.E.O. since it started and I’m enjoying every minute of it, despite it being so demanding.
How did you work your way up to where you are?
Through sleepless nights, sacrifice of any form of normal life, a focussed vision and by working with the right people along the way. I’ve been humbled by the level of help and support I and our projects receive from all corners of the art, business, cultural and community sectors nationwide.
What has been the highest point of your career?
There are so many it’s hard to choose. Ill have to go with three at this point:
- Working in South Africa with the British Council a few years ago has always stayed in my head for the fact that all the work we did out there came from everyone working together, pooling resources and making something happen.
- Each year Rising Styles throws some golden nugget of inspiration that blows me away. I’m always so inspired by the B-boys and B-girls in our Battlejam, but then I’m amazed at the huge numbers of people who attend our events totally lost in the moment of the music. Particular memories over the years are performances by Blak Twang, Million Dan, Kids In The Hall, The Infomatics , Emmanual Jal; pure genius moments.
- Seeing come to life our MI21 project. This is a live film rescore project that has taken a hugely iconic Indian film, re-edited it and rescored by DJ Tigerstyle. Tigerstyle is one of the worlds top Turntablists and has won the title 3 times. This project is going on tour across the UK later this year and has been a long held personal ambition to get the project to life. I’m very proud of this project.
People you have the fondest memories working with?
Again, so many but behind the scenes of Rising Styles there are the venues, stewards, security, the council reps and even the artist management. But most of all the artists who take part in our projects make it what it is. We’ve been so lucky to have artists get involved right from the start who get the ethos of what Rising Styles is about and go out of their way to really deliver and give something back.
The craziest people I’ve worked with who would leave me laughing my head off are Blade (King of Graf: USA), Hanifa ‘Bubbles’ Hudson (UK's first recognised B-girl), Prit Kalsi (Director of the film King of the Beats), and of course, the Rising Styles team, who, without the festival, would not exist.
Most stressful part of your job?
- Fundraising each year. There is a lot out there but as a small team we constantly need help to source and apply for it – anyone out there willing to help?
- Managing peoples expectations as there is still the thought were a huge commercial festival which we’re not – we’re not for profit and it’s developed by a core team of volunteers.
- Not having enough hours in the day.
Best part of your job?
Being creative from an events point of view. I’m also quite partial to some good old networking, meeting new people and getting them excited about our projects so they will get involved.
What would your advice be to people wanting to work within the industry?
In my world I cross over between arts, business, indutry, communities and that combination has worked for us as a company given the varied projects were involved in. My only advice to those working within their own industry is to be persistent; be yourself; always be honest. If you’re stuck, seek help and try to enjoy the trip.
How has the digital revolution changed your role?
Some things have got easier for us – such as communications. Other elements that impact on the festival, and the possible creative process of events, changes all the time. For example: You can have an idea that would work, but four months down the line when you’ve sorted things out, the equipment needed has changed. We try to work with the changes by working closely with people who are linked to the evolution of the digital age across the globe.
Is there anything about the work you’d like to change – and why?
I would love for a sponsor who is willing to work with us, our ideas and concepts, to come on board. Having a long term relationship with any funder/sponsor/venue is only workable or valuable for both; if there is a clear plan of what each is getting from the deal; we’re quite good at this: Any takers out there should get in touch.
What is the least fondest memory (albeit getting naked at a Christmas party [sic] etc…) throughout your career?
This one is easy: Losing all our funding three weeks before Rising Styles 2007. It was the biggest smack in the face to date and something I’ll never forget. As a team, we regrouped and spent two weeks living out of the office and working around the clock to fundraise, get support and seek donations. Unbelievably, we did it...just. We managed to continue delivering an incredible festival that saw 25,000 people attend across all our events. It’s a situation no one should go through!
If you weren’t currently doing what you do, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would have a much easier life for sure but then where's the fun in that? I have started to make strides to help and support other people though. Given the masses of experience I have, it’s all in my head and I’m so eager to share it with the right people who are willing to learn. It’s been going really well so far so you never know - in a few years I could be the old person sitting under a tree talking about Hip-Hop with utter passion, and, how you navigate the sector.
Have you ever dabbled in anything musically other than your job?
I’m in contact with music all the time. If I’m not developing and delivering an event, I attend other peoples' events, or, I’m managing artists. It’s not far from my side even growing up with it as a child when visiting my nearest Temple. For me, music keeps my senses alive.
