“My mind constantly has to be working because I have to think of “what’s next?”. How can I push my brand, my agenda, my creativity? How can I push these things a little further?” – Claude Di Martian
Claude Di Martian is the Trailblazer of the Nightlife & Entertainment Category in Ayoo Africa’s 2020 Top Ten D.C Awards.
We recently had an interview with Claude on our Water and Grain podcast. Below is a snippet of a relevant conversation in the era on COVID-19. The full podcast is on Spotify.
Claude Di Martian is a local Producer, DJ and Entertainer, and also a co-owner of Tagsoundz; a local small business company.
When whispers of COVID-19 started, Claude, who loves to watch International news, paid attention. As a Producer/DJ his job is one that involves a lot of human interaction in the Entertainment field. With a wife and a baby at home, he started to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and it paid off.
When the pandemic hit and all public entertainment was shut down, Claude focused on three main things:
1. Family: He is grateful that he is spending more time with his Wife and baby. It warmed my heart that it was the first thing he mentioned which showed the things he values the most.
2. Flexibility: Do not be afraid to change your business direction. Claude tweaked his contracts to prepare for the worst-case scenario before (key word) the pandemic hit.
3. Fact Check: “This is a great opportunity for you to really, really, see how far you can push the envelope. How much music do you really know, and how much research can you really do? You can be the DJ who comes in and plays literally a little bit of everything. Learn something new!”
Did Claude have any more words of advice?
Of course, he did! He warned against getting complacent and advised DJs (and any of us in the creative field), to find a way to rejuvenate their creativity. He also advised consistently staying ahead of the curve, that way when a crisis occurs, (because it will sooner or later), you will be prepared.
