Wow, can you believe it’s already 43 days into 2024? Time is flying faster than ever! I can hardly believe we’re already in February. So, diving straight into the action, I thought what better way to reconnect with you all than through my first blog post of the year. It’s been a minute!
SOUNDS & MUSIC
As always, I’m constantly on the lookout for new music, and lately, I’ve been drawn towards AfroTech and its various sub-genres. After spending 8 incredible months traveling across Africa, from the South to the East, I’ve been soaking in the rich sounds of Amapiano and immersing myself in the vibrant music scene. Upon returning to the UK, I found myself gravitating towards a fusion of Afro and Tech sounds. Artists like Caiiro, Enoonapa, Black Motion, Argento Dust, Da Capo, and many more have been dominating my playlists, and I’m loving every beat. However, that doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my roots. Dub and Roots Reggae still hold a special place in my heart.
CAYA AUDIO
The journey of building CAYA AUDIO has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Over the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve learned so much, and yet, there’s still so much more to discover. When I first embarked on this venture back in 2021, I had grand plans to launch the X3E and watch the sales soar. But reality had other plans. From unexpected increases in part costs to global shortages and team changes, it’s been a challenging ride. But despite the setbacks, we’re pushing forward. Instead of promising deadlines, I’m simply saying April marks the official start of our New Year. Stay tuned for updates then.
WHAT THALI DID NEXT?
The start of the year has been filled with exciting new experiences. I’ve had the pleasure of attending events at two new venues: Project E8 in Dalston Kingsland and Earth in Hackney. Celebrating my birthday at Housupa in E8 was an unforgettable experience, with an eclectic mix of House, Tribe, Afro, and Ama music setting the tone for a fantastic evening. And Earth, located closer to Stoke Newington, provided a unique vibe with performances from Caiiro, Enoonapa, Awen, and Nick Castle. I’ll definitely be returning to both venues for more unforgettable nights.
FESTIVALS
I’m thrilled to announce that City Splash remains my all-time favorite festival, and this year’s lineup looks incredible with headliners like Capleton, Busy Signal, Shensea, and Beanie Man on May 27th. And let’s not forget about Big Smoke, launching this year with a star-studded lineup including Skepta, Mas Tempo, The Streets, Uncle Waffles, and Jammer on July 6th. Save the dates!
RADIO SHOW
After much contemplation, I’ve decided to launch a monthly radio show starting in April. I can’t wait to share more details with you all, so be sure to follow my socials @audio.bythalilotus and @cayaaudio for updates.
That’s all for now, folks. Stay tuned for the Spring update coming your way in April.