2025, A Mixed Bag Year!

Dear friend,

It's been far too long since we last connected. How was your 2025? Looking back at my own journey, the past twelve months have been a beautiful, chaotic mix of milestones. From the joy of growing our family to the intense, rewarding work of building Vwaza, and even navigating a changing landscape at my day job, it's been a year of constant evolution.

New Member To The Family!

We kicked off the year on the highest note possible. During the first week of January, we were blessed with a new addition to the family. Watching him grow has been the highlight of my 2025. This "young man" is already walking and causing mischief, and we are currently gearing up to celebrate his very first birthday!

Vwaza Multimedia - The Home of Authentic African Entertainment!

We entered 2025 with 2,000 active users; we closed the year with over 8,000.

Scaling the platform wasn't just about the numbers, but about the people behind the mission. We started the year as a team of 7, peaked at 13, and ended with a solid crew of 12 dedicated individuals. Together, we made incredible strides in our mission to showcase African art through music.

Beyond the digital platform, 2025 was the year we established a physical presence through three key initiatives:

• Vwaza Showcase: We brought our digital community into the real world. We invited artists, both from within our community and beyond. They came to perform and undergo professional training.
• Vwaza x Salama Africa x Diamond Standard: In a deeply moving collaboration, we visited the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Our goal was to spotlight the immense talent residing there.
• Vwaza Music Business Series: We strengthened our online authority by hosting experts from across the continent.

Lawi Album Launch - My Fathers Land!

We began speaking with Lawi in late 2024 about the prospect of having his album exclusively on our platform. After numerous meetings, we finally reached an understanding and set a release date. This was easily one of the biggest highlights of 2025.

As they say, with great expectations comes great responsibility. In late 2024, my team of two other engineers and I were prepping for a total revamp of our entire platform. When Lawi came on board, we were still in the middle of development.

New Team At Day Job

In January, I joined a new team called Connect. It was an exciting move and I was really happy because I met new team members who were particularly helpful. It's so essential to join a team that can help you grow and get better.

2026…

As the year was coming to an end last year, my energy levels dropped significantly. I couldn't do much. As this year starts, it's my dream to ensure that the goals I have are done.

For some reason, it feels like 2018 again for me. It feels like I am in that space where I am preparing for one of my life's major events. I think it's about to happen.

Stay Hopeful

Lastly dear old friend, I want you to remain hopeful. Life can be challenging and bittersweet. All you can do is remain focused and keep going. I have this thing I always tell myself – "It's just a phase." It makes me realize that whatever is happening is a phase in a long journey.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

— I Peter 4:12–13

Stay Blessed!

This post was originally published on Medium.