Ella
Welcome, Adiniji, and Naala, to this special interview. It's an honor to have you all here today. For those who may not be familiar, AQUI is a musical duo that is part of The Global World Love Group (TGWLG), an amazing movement dedicated to uniting cultures and fostering compassion through music and media. Tell us a bit about your journey and how AQUI came to be.
Ella
That's wonderful to hear. You're set to launch your double album/mixtape and book this summer. Can you tell us more about these projects and what inspired them?
Adiniji
Absolutely. The double album/mixtape is a reflection of our journey so far and our vision for the future. It's a blend of different musical styles and themes that resonate with us. The book, on the other hand, delves deeper into the stories behind the music and the messages we want to share. Both projects are about connection, healing, and personal growth.
Ella
That sounds incredibly powerful. How do you see these projects impacting your audience and the world at large?
Naala
We hope that our music and stories will inspire people to connect with their own journeys and find strength in vulnerability. We also aim to bridge gaps and bring people together through shared experiences. Music has the power to heal and motivate, and we want to use that power to create a more compassionate and connected world.
Ella
Speaking of music's power, there's a growing interest in how music can heal and motivate, especially in the world of sports. How do you see music playing a role in athletes' lives?
Ella
That's a fascinating perspective. Can you give us an example of how AQUI's music has been used in this way?
Adiniji
Certainly. One of our tracks, 'Rise Above,' has been particularly popular among athletes. It's a song about overcoming adversity and staying strong, which resonates with many athletes. We've received feedback from athletes who use it to get pumped up before competitions and to stay motivated during training. It's incredibly rewarding to know that our music can have such a positive impact.
Ella
Another exciting aspect of AQUI is the fresh vibe coming from your record label, HMM. Can you tell us more about what sets HMM apart and what listeners can expect from the artists under its banner?
Naala
HMM, or Heart Music Movement, is all about authentic and purposeful music. We're committed to supporting artists who have a message to share and a desire to make a positive impact. The artists under HMM are diverse in their styles, but they all share a common goal of using their platform to inspire and uplift. Listeners can expect music that is both innovative and meaningful, with a focus on storytelling and emotional depth.
Ella
That sounds like a fantastic mission. How do you see HMM contributing to the broader music industry?
Ella
Let's talk about TGWLG. What is the vision behind this movement, and how do you see it influencing the entertainment industry and beyond?
Adiniji
TGWLG is more than just a record label or a media company; it's a movement. Our vision is to use creativity and media to bridge divides and foster a sense of global unity. We believe that by telling stories that highlight shared human experiences, we can inspire empathy and understanding. TGWLG encompasses a publishing house, a creative branding and marketing strategy agency, live entertainment, and major philanthropic efforts. Our goal is to create a holistic ecosystem that supports artists and communities alike.
Ella
That's a comprehensive and ambitious vision. How do you ensure that all these different arms of TGWLG work together cohesively?
Naala
It starts with a shared purpose. Every project and initiative under TGWLG is aligned with our core values of love, connection, and impact. We have a strong team that communicates regularly and collaborates across departments. We also prioritize transparency and open dialogue, which helps us stay on the same page and move forward together. It's a journey, and we're committed to continuous growth and improvement.
Ella
The impact of purposeful media is a recurring theme in your work. Can you elaborate on how you see media and content being used to drive positive change and inspire others?
Ella
That's a beautiful philosophy. Can you share some specific examples of how TGWLG has used media to drive positive change?
Adiniji
Certainly. One example is our 'Unite' series, which features stories of individuals and communities coming together to overcome challenges. We've also launched a series of workshops and events that bring people from different backgrounds together to collaborate and create. Additionally, our philanthropic efforts, such as our 'Give Back' program, directly support causes that align with our values. We believe that every small action can make a big difference.
Ella
Your charitable initiatives are truly inspiring. How do you choose which causes to support, and what kind of impact have you seen from these efforts?
Naala
We choose causes that align with our mission of fostering connection and compassion. We look for organizations that are making a tangible difference in their communities and that share our values. Some of the areas we focus on include education, mental health, and social justice. The impact has been significant. We've seen communities come together, and we've received countless stories of how our support has changed lives. It's incredibly fulfilling to be a part of that.
Ella
That's amazing to hear. How can people get involved and support these initiatives?
Ella
One of the core themes of your work is uniting cultures through artistry. How do you see music and media playing a role in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding?
Adiniji
Music and media have the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together. By sharing stories and experiences from different cultures, we can foster empathy and understanding. Our projects often feature collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, and we believe that when people see themselves represented and heard, it creates a sense of belonging and connection. It's about celebrating our differences while recognizing our shared humanity.
Ella
That's a powerful message. Can you give us an example of a project that particularly embodies this idea of uniting cultures?
Naala
One of our recent projects, 'Global Melodies,' is a perfect example. It's a series of musical collaborations that bring together artists from different parts of the world. Each track is a fusion of different musical styles and cultures, and the result is a beautiful and harmonious celebration of diversity. We've received incredible feedback from listeners who say that the music has broadened their perspectives and deepened their appreciation for other cultures.
Ella
Closing gaps with melody is a beautiful concept. How do you see music and media continuing to play a role in closing these gaps and fostering a more connected world?
Ella
That's a wonderful vision. As you look to the future, what are some of the long-term goals and plans for AQUI and TGWLG?
Adiniji
Our long-term goal is to continue growing and evolving while staying true to our core mission. For AQUI, we plan to release more music and expand our reach globally. We also want to explore new forms of media and collaboration to keep our message fresh and impactful. For TGWLG, we aim to expand our initiatives and reach more communities. We have several major philanthropic efforts planned, and we are excited to take this journey with our supporters and fans. The best is yet to come, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
Ella
Thank you so much, Leo, Adiniji, and Naala, for sharing your insights and vision with us today. Your dedication to creating a more connected and compassionate world through music and media is truly inspiring. We look forward to following your journey and seeing all the amazing things you will achieve. Thank you for joining us.
Naala
Thank you, Ella. It's been a pleasure, and we appreciate your support. Music and media will always be powerful tools for connection and understanding. As we continue to create and share stories that highlight the common threads that bind us, we can inspire more people to see the world through a lens of empathy and compassion. Whether it's through our music, our media content, or our community initiatives, we are committed to using our platforms to bridge divides and build a more unified and harmonious world. We're excited to continue this journey and to share more with you and our audience. Here's to a future filled with love, connection, and creativity. Thank you.
Ella
Journalist and Cultural Critic
Adiniji
CEO & 1/2 of duo AQUI, musical duo
Naala
CMO & 1/2 of duo AQUI, musical duo