Manager Spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers. This week in the spotlight is Steven Odufuye.

How long have you worked in Management? 

I’ve worked in management for 7 years now. I started off as a management assistant/junior manager and took on a few clients during that period but they were my practice hours! In 2018 that’s when things started to snowball.

Who do you manage now?

Jords, a talented musician from Croydon & Mike Brainchild an all-round genius of a producer.

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on?

I bumped into my first clients at Sarm Studio’s in West London they came with a mutual friend as we were having a listening session and I remember them being so hungry and confident. They pressed play on some of the material they’d been working on, told me their story, we connected and the rest was history. I took them on because I saw something different in them and what they were doing at the time was fresh but most of all I saw two extremely talented guys that deserved a chance.

What’s a good/bad day at work look like for you? 

No two days are ever the same. A good day would probably entail everyone (including myself) turning up to meetings on time, my roster sending me new music that I’m excited about and completing every task I’ve set out to do that day. I enjoy most days at work to be honest but if I had to choose what a not so good day would look like it would probably be if a video shoot is delayed due to a technical difficulty or people arriving so late it pushes everything back because it would have an impact on the crew and their fees.

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?

The highlight for me would have to be when my clients told me that after all the work we’ve put in they were able to quit their jobs and work on music full time.

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2021?

The lack of additional income due to the live circuit being cancelled because of Covid.

What music are you currently listening to?

I really enjoy bodies of work! This is what I have had on repeat;

Tory Lanez – Playboy Live
Dave – We’re All Alone In This Together
Yung Bleu – Moon Boy
Wizkid – Made In Lagos