2023: What A Year - of Change, Challenges, and Fun
A Reflection on the Transformative Journey of 2023
Hello, fantastic friends!
As we step into the freshness of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year! 🎉 Your support has been the heartbeat of my journey, especially in the incredible whirlwind that was 2023.
Here we stand, embraced by the enchanting embrace of the initial week in a brand-new year. I must admit, this week holds a special place in my heart. It's a period of renewal, a chance to embark on new beginnings granted by the structure of the calendar.
Yet, it's also a moment close enough to the conclusion of the past year, allowing us to cast a final glance at the chapters that unfolded. We gather the wisdom from those experiences, carrying it alongside us as we step into the uncharted territory of 2024. During this time, I have a set of personal rituals – wiping the slate clean by erasing every meeting from my calendar and reconstructing it, seeking out the most noteworthy lists summarizing 2023 to ignite my imagination and guide my plans for the upcoming year.
Before we dive into reflections and plans, I would love to hear from you. How was your year? What were the highs, the challenges, the unexpected joys? Share your stories with me in the comments below. I'm genuinely curious to know more about each of you and the adventures you've embarked upon.
Sending good vibes your way 💙 🎶🙏🏻
My 2023 in Review
So, as we wrap up 2023, I wanted to take a moment to share what went down in the past year. It was a special one for me – Raisini Records hit the big 20! We decided to spice things up by giving the brand a fresh look. It wasn't just about making music; it was about making our mark again. We took some time off to make our old tunes sound even better, cooked up new artworks, and teamed up with cool folks. The result? Our label is not just surviving but rocking, thanks to you awesome fans.
Music Vibes: The Revamped RAISINI Records
RAISINI Brand Makeover: This year was all about jazzing up my brand starting with Raisini Records. We didn't just celebrate our history; we wanted to make the future pop. We gave our whole collection a facelift, hooked up with new buddies, and pumped life back into the label. The support from you all turned it into something amazing.
New Music: After a break, I hit the studio. Exciting news – my latest track, "Diamonds Dancing," is out! It's not just a comeback; it's a party on the dance floor. Let loose and feel the joy through the music. You can listen/download on Spotify, Apple, Tidal, Seezer, Anghami, Beatport, Traxxource.
Writing Journey: As part of the shake-up, I cleaned house. We tossed out the old to make room for the new. I have always wanted to write more, so this year, I started sharing short stories on Substack. It's a warm-up for my upcoming books. I have dropped some eBooks, and more are on the way when my first book launches.
PS: Paid members can get my eBooks for Free.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth
Business Resurgence:
These past few years were a rollercoaster for my businesses, especially with the pandemic hitting hard my entertainment and events business. But guess what? We bounced back this year! The rebranding gave us a boost, and we made some cool new partnerships. After relaunching Raisini Records, it's been a blast re-releasing our music and signing new talent. Lots more coming in 2024. The RAISINI entertainment agency is also in full swing with global events lined up.
Facing Setbacks:
Of course, life throws curveballs. Aftershocks of Covid was tough for many businesses including ours. A pesky tennis elbow messed with my fitness plans, but I still managed to drop 7 kilos with long walks and swims– a win in my book. Some projects, like my personal website and my studio album, faced delays. It's all part of the game. Financially, i won a little and lost a little but thats part of the game. Taking risks is what i am accustomed to and without risks, there are little to no rewards.
Buying Twitter & Annoying Elon Musk
Yes! I almost purchased Twitter. I made several attempts and offers to Elon Musk to sell Twitter, but they were rejected. Elon closed the investor-backed deal at $44 billion in April 2022 and has since lost 71% of its value. Elon Musk never cared about the social media platform or free speech, as his plan was always to kill Twitter and make it into a payment processing business since his ousting from his startup X.com in 2000, he wanted to prove a point. My investors and I raised close to $14.26 billion, and later in 2023, we dropped our offer to $1.46 billion when Twitter was killed as X did not have the same value.
My backers are still interested in acquiring the Twitter brand from Elon Musk, as it seems he no longer requires it. I have submitted a new offer to him, and I'm eager to see how he responds to this updated proposal.
Community Engagement & Support
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of my life’s journey, reflecting a commitment to making a positive impact beyond my professional endeavors. Throughout the year, I've actively supported various causes, contributing to the Leo Messi Foundation and advocating against slavery through Anti-Slavery.
These efforts extend beyond financial contributions; they include direct support to communities facing the most pressing needs. Engaging with the community not only aligns with my values but also serves as a reminder of the collective strength we possess to bring about meaningful change. It's a privilege to be part of initiatives that contribute to the welfare of others and create a ripple effect of positive influence.
I am also supporting the Palestinian crisis through Medical Aid for Palestinians, which is in urgent need of donations to address the crisis where over 30,000+ civilians have been killed in the Gaza strip and 2 million displaced, mostly women and children. History will judge all of us who remain silent in the face of this genocide committed by illegal occupiers for 56 years since 1967.
Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
The Healing Power of Time:
Every year, I am reminded of the same lesson – time heals. When things got tough, I learned to chill and let time do its thing. Amidst life's challenges and tribulations, I have come to appreciate the therapeutic essence embedded in the passage of time. As I faced difficult moments, I learned to adopt a perspective of patience and resilience, allowing time to heal wounds. In those instances where the road seemed insurmountable, I discovered the wisdom in taking a step back, embracing the natural cadence of time, and letting it unfold at its own pace. Through this ongoing journey, I have found solace in the understanding that, in time, wounds heal, challenges dissipate, and new beginnings emerge.
A Quest for Knowledge:
Learning is a continuous process and I love to learn everyday. Learning more about Law & Diplomacy opened up new perspectives for me. The world is vast, and there's always room to discover. I dedicated myself to growing personally by delving into Law & Diplomacy and a little bit more about history. Gaining knowledge became a key part of paving the way for exciting possibilities. The pursuit of understanding went beyond the usual, adding richness to the fabric of my experiences. Also, technology is evolving and i always keep up with the latest tech, specially as a Music Producer and a DJ, I must learn new skills to entertain my fans. Its been quite an adventure.
Exploring the World:
I am a sucker for travel. In 2023, I hit up 247 trips in 103 cities across 5 continents. Each journey became a narrative, a story etched in the passport of experiences. The year became a celebration of diversity—of cultures, cuisines, and the timeless stories whispered by the winds across new horizons.
What's Cooking for 2024: Big Plans!
New Website:
This month I will be introducing my brand-new professional website, a digital space meticulously crafted to narrate my story and showcase my professional journey. Designed to encapsulate who I am and what I do, the website serves as a hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and anyone aspiring to triumph in life. For the first time, I am thrilled to offer a range of services tailored for collaboration with entrepreneurs, musicians and startups, extending a helping hand to those navigating the dynamic business landscape. Additionally, the website features a dedicated store, providing a convenient platform to acquire my music, books, and an array of merchandise and products. This marks the commencement of an exciting chapter, and I can't wait to embark on this new journey and share it exclusively with you all. Get an exclusive sneak peek of the website here – the first look is right at your fingertips!
New Music:
Get ready, folks! 2024 is the year to release my studio album. Five years in the making, 15 songs, and collabs with artists worldwide. A global tour is on the cards – let's party together! I cant wait to get back on the road and connect with my fans.
New Stories & Books:
Beyond music, I will be writing more on Substack, sharing new stories and eBooks from which you all can benefit. These stories will be part of my upcoming book that I am hoping to publish this year—I hope it happens. Stories that hit you in the feels and stay with you – that's the plan.
Touring:
Since COVID, I took a step back from touring. Once I drop more music this year, the plan is to tour more starting from summer 2024. All tour dates will be available on my website and I look forward to connecting with y’all.
Podcast:
Also exciting news on the horizon as I gear up for the launch of my podcast! This project has been in the works for a while, with dedicated efforts to assemble a team, set up a studio, and create a well-thought-out schedule. Despite the challenges posed by my busy schedule with work and travels, I have been pouring my energy into bringing this podcast to life. Stay tuned for an immersive auditory experience that reflects the passion and dedication put into every episode!
New Startups:
I have got two cool startup projects in the works. Excited to see them take off. Both are in the tech industry and i will announce more details closer to the launch.
Investment Fund:
This year, my focus extends to strategic investments through my investment fund. With a deliberate approach, I aim to invest in individuals and businesses, leveraging my extensive experience, vast network, and exceptional sales skills to unleash their transformative potential. At the heart of my investment philosophy is the quest for individuals who embody the behaviors, attitudes, and unwavering determination to ambitiously grow and thrive. It's an exciting venture, and I'm eager to contribute to the success stories that will undoubtedly unfold in the coming months.
On Health:
On a personal note, health is a priority. Gotta shed 15-20 kilos and stay active. Desk, car, and planes aren't helping my fitness game but it is a challenge I set for myself. My tennis elbow is healing and i hope to get in Rafa Nadal mode again. 🎾
Thats it from me for now. Here's to a year filled with more music, more stories, and more shared experiences. Let's make 2024 a chapter we write together!
Yours in rhythm and resonance,
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Good read. Your plans with Twitter are captivating. Very interesting.
🎉🍾💯👏🏻