What is unique to the experience that you create?
Our unique experience is that we unapologetically blend cultures and various intellectual, physical and even political expressions, under one banner of entertainment and have remained consistent with that.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
We’ve been able to stay at the leading edge of our craft by staying on top of the latest technological innovations that assist the industry with moving forward and by moving into documentary films to educate the public of our importance and how to best appreciate what we’ve done for the city of Atlanta.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do?
I think a problematic misconception is that we are a concert as opposed to an arts and music festival. There are so many other artistic disciplines that we expose people to and if we wanted to be a concert promotion entity, we would announce the talent. One would think that after 47 events over the past 19 years and a documentary film about our evolution, that people would understand this but America has done a fine job of creating the ultimate consumers that have developed a “feed me” mentality overlooking what may be best for them in the long run to preserve quality and longevity.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
I think continued learning is important because the world is moving very fast with technological advancements so if you’re not staying abreast of what’s happening there you will be left behind. Outdated.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
My affirmations remind me of power within and keeps me motivated to experience things that I haven’t already experienced in life and in business like “Magic only happens to those who believe in it! If you can believe it, you can achieve it”. Simple but powerful.
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your life and/or career?
A lot of the basic music, film, video and graphic design software has made a big difference in my life because software like Logic Audio has allowed me to produce professional quality music with the likes of Omar, Dionne Farris, Caron Wheeler, N’Dea Davenport, Carl McIntosh as well as many others for Soul Of Earth, then Final Cut Pro has allowed me to edit the FunkJazz Kafé stock videos into a comprehensive, award-winning documentary film (FunkJazz Kafé: Diary Of A Decade [The Story Of A Movement].
What does it take to be iconic?
To be “iconic” I think you have to have made some kind of real impact upon the people who appreciate the service that you provide them.
For us at FunkJazz Kafé, we’ve been consistent with providing a vibrant and memorable arts and music experience that reflects the unique contributions of African Americans to the world that sometimes originate from people right here in Atlanta.
