Introduction
From 2005 to 2017, my journey in music was marked by discovery, discipline, and transformation. What began with singing in a choral choir, learning notations, and earning my first voice certification in 2009 grew into a diploma, a BA, and eventually a Master’s degree in Music. Along the way, I discovered something profound: music theory, ear training, composition, and musicianship are not just academic exercises , they are the building blocks of leadership.
These rudiments shaped me. They gave me the confidence to walk into rooms with depth of knowledge and presence, to be seen as an authority. They taught me structure, discipline, and creativity — lessons that extended far beyond the classroom into the boardroom, and from rehearsal spaces into the larger cultural ecosystem.
The Power of Rudiments
Too often, creatives want to skip the basics and rush to the spotlight. But I learned early that the fundamentals of musicianship provide depth, sustainability, and influence. They train the mind to listen, the heart to interpret, and the spirit to persist. These very skills translate directly into leadership — the ability to guide, to build, and to inspire.
This is why I strongly recommend that every creative, regardless of discipline, invests in mastering the basics. Rudiments are not limitations; they are the launchpad for innovation.
A Journey of Self-Development
What I do today in the music industry, cultural space, and creative economy is rooted in continuous learning. Beyond my degrees, I pursued certifications spanning:
- Business and people management
- Process mapping and strategic leadership
- International marketing and entertainment business
- Project management and innovation
- Strategic Organization Leadership
- Creative entrepreneurship and today’s music industry dynamics
Each certification, each new learning curve, was never just about another credential. It was about evolution — transitioning into new roles, expanding my capacity, and aligning knowledge with impact.
This mindset taught me an invaluable lesson: nothing is guaranteed in the creative economy, but self-improvement is never wasted. It builds resilience, opens opportunities, and prepares you for the moments when knowledge, experience, and timing align to make a real difference.
The Making of Drtonez
“Drtonez” is not just a name — it is an identity forged from knowledge, experiences, lessons, wins, and failures. It represents a journey that crosses borders, industries, and disciplines.
- As a Nomadic Music Executive, I navigate both local and global contexts, bridging Africa’s creative music economy with global opportunities.
- As a Cultural Architect, I design systems, programs, and platforms that give artists and institutions the structure to thrive.
- As a champion of Digital Culture, I explore and lead the ways in which technology transforms how music is made, shared, and experienced. From streaming platforms and social media to NFTs, virtual performances, and algorithmic curation, I work with artists and organizations to navigate and shape this evolving landscape. It’s about more than just digital tools—it’s about understanding the behaviors, trends, and values that define culture in the digital age.
- As a Creative Strategist, I advise, mentor, and build processes that connect creativity to sustainability.
- And now, as a published author of Psychologies of Art Consumption, I contribute thought leadership to the global conversation on art, culture, and consumption.
Lessons for Creatives
My story is not one of perfection. It is a story of persistence — of wins and failures, of choosing growth when shortcuts looked easier, of showing up to build when others only consumed.
To every creative reading this, I say:
Work on your craft relentlessly.
Improve yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Show up even when the odds are stacked against you.
Own it — your story, your struggles, your victories. That is the philosophy I carry. That is what makes me Drtonez.
Becoming Drtonez is not a final arrival but a continual unfolding. A reminder that rudiments matter, growth is non-negotiable, and leadership in music, culture, and creativity begins with learning, evolves through persistence, and endures through impact.