Michael Obodozie is an Awardee of the Media & Film Category in Ayoo Africa’s 2020 Top Ten D.C Awards.
“In a way it’s been a breath of fresh air because we have gotten a few weeks, and we may get more weeks to plan.” – Michael Obodozie
COVID-19 hasn’t all been horrible for some small businesses. We recently had an insightful conversation with Michael Obodozie the Founder, and CEO of Truflow Hub, a talent booking and events small business company.
Like many small businesses in the D.C Metropolitan area, business came to a screeching halt for Truflow Hub when the pandemic hit. Their niche is linking International Christian Artists; mainly from Africa to an American audience. Some of the Artists they manage include Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Joe Mettle and CalledOut Music who are all quite accomplished. No international flights, no events of more than ten people, and no end in sight of the pandemic, equals no business for this company.
What is he doing now to pivot?
“We are doing all we can to ensure that we stay relevant, and we are prepping for when COVID is over.”
How?
-Building relationships
-Designing an advertising strategy to increase the customer base
-Making new community connections
-Increasing an online presence by linking the artists with the U.S.A audience
Water and Grain: “Do you think the pandemic will affect the entertainment industry?”
Michael: “I think that the entertainment industry will be one of the least affected when all this is said and done, because people really want to get out. People love live entertainment, and live music. I don’t think we have gotten to the point where technology can really substitute that all immersive experience.”
Water and Grain: How are you balancing and juggling all you have to do?
Michael: “I think that one of the biggest keys is having an awesome partner. My wife is amazing, and if she wasn’t as supportive as she is, I wouldn’t be able to do half the things that I do. I think it’s about vision, believing what you want to do, and having the right support.”
Water and Grain: “You and I are of African descent and this country has been home for many years. What is your opinion on what the role should be of those of us in the diaspora at this particular point?”
Michael: “Our role is to take pride in who we are. The world is taking to what we are doing, and I think that we should be at the forefront of that. We should patronize our African artists as much as possible. We should break away from that “get free” mentality, especially when it is our people. On an individual level, that is what we should be doing at this point.”
