Afripreneur
Shaun Duvet on The Unit Group and the Impact of COVID-19
Shaun Duvet, Founder and CEO at The Unit Group (Source: Unit Group website)
The impact of Covid-19 is changing the way organisations operate and do business about the world. The entertainment industry is not exempted as it’s adjudged the second affected industry after the aviation, travel and hospitality industry. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola, Shaun Duvet the Founder and CEO of The Unit Group shares his brand story and the Impact of Covid-19. Excerpt.
Alaba: Could you tell us about the Unit Group and the gap it’s filling since you launched?
Shaun: The Unit Group was established in 2017 as the holding company for my various business interests which include: COCO, GoldBar and Souk (my venues), Ultra South Africa, Corona Sunsets Festivals, Anything Goes, AG Virtual, Bella Bookings, Salute, Jet Black & Paradise Springs. These businesses cover all functions of entertainment marketing, management, hospitality, sponsorship and eventing from design, to staffing and artist booking, to production and everything in between.
The gap we launched The Unit Group to fill was that of a true understanding of marketing in the entertainment space. So many brands want to play in this space because the audiences are so receptive and the engagement so high, yet so few of them truly understand it. We felt that we had the marketing know-how, and a deep love and knowledge of not only this space, but the global players within it.
Alaba: What services does your company offer?
Shaun: The services offered range from throwing small corporate events to festivals for 50, 000 pax; to sponsorship strategies, virtual events; to full spectrum design, photography, videography; artist, model and staff bookings; marketing, and PR strategies and much, much more.
Alaba: How has the market responded to your offerings?
Shaun: We have seen a huge uptake in clients that previously came to us just to make the party happen, now asking for marketing, creative and strategic advice. AG Virtual, which launched this year, has also seen the likes of AFI (African Fashion Week) approach us to do their full virtual production.
Alaba: The steady rise of South Africa’s entertainment industry has increased competition in the country. What’s your company’s advantage?
Shaun: My 20+ years of experience and my years behind the decks. I live and breathe music and entertainment which enables me to understand what the market wants and keep abreast of global trends. I also have incredible teams in place that keep our work fresh and relevant, and the machine in constant motion.
Alaba: Kindly share some of the challenges faced, especially in this dire time and how you overcoming them?
Shaun: The challenge of this year is obvious – no events, no DJ’s, no dancing! That’s our life blood. We have managed though to stay busy by diversifying what we offer and working more strategically. Helping brands activate within the highly connected urban youth market in an authentic and resonant manner. Some of our venues are also still operational, and the festivals and events teams are taking some much-needed down time before the parties start again, which we know they will do with a renewed energy when we’re out of the current COVID crisis.
Alaba: Technology is disrupting the entertainment industry across the globe. How’s your company adapting to the use of technology?
Shaun: As mentioned, we have launched AG Virtual which is doing well. But we have always been at the forefront of event and entertainment technology in our work. Our audience demands it.
Alaba: How does your company contribute and set new standards in the South African entertainment industry?
Shaun: I regularly write and speak on industry channels and give back to the industry that way. We also ensure that we are constantly raising the bar with the work that we do, meaning that more people around the world sit up and take notice which will ultimately benefit the whole industry.
Alaba: What’s the future for the Unit Group and are you post COVID-19 ready?
Shaun: We cannot wait for life to return to “normal”. Down time was nice, but we’re rested now and it’s time to work!
Alaba: How do you relax and what keeps you going?
Shaun: I have 3 young kids so relaxation is scarce, but they certainly keep me going
Alaba: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs and investors coming to South Africa?
Shaun: Come! Don’t be afraid. There is risk, yes, but the rewards are also so great. We live in such a special place and I really believe in the future of this country.
B I O G R A P H Y
Shaun Duvet, CEO and Founder of The Unit, South Africa’s leading entertainment-based holding company, a combination of enterprises, individually built to make brands better. Shaun is also the CEO and Founder of Anything Goes, the branded entertainment agency, aligning campaigns, properties and music tours with international brands and artists across the continent.
He is the co-Founder and Director of ULTRA South Africa, which brings 50,000 dance-music revellers together every year to see some biggest names in eEectronic Music. He is the partner and producer for Corona Sunsets Festival South Africa, which over the last 5 years has seen over 40,000 fans join together across three cities to celebrate the sunset.
He is a co-owner and operator for COCO, one of SA’s premiere nightclubs, think celebrities, Ibiza-style go-go dancers, Hip Hop MCs, and a parade of sparkler-topped bottles, this alongside it’s sister GoldBar, an elegant bar annex to COCO.
Shaun Duvet is a board member and proud supporter of Bridges For Music, a non-profit organization that utilises the power of music to uplift communities through creative education. Recently, partnering with Defected Records on a new imprint Sondela Records all of whose profits will channel back directly into the charity.
Aiesha Bailey is the Founder of OCIR, an app developed and designed to help special needs children in schools. OCIR is a shared APP for special needs children 4 + some adults, their primary carers and educators. This APP has been designed to help users navigate their life learning and education in a safe way that fits around the skills they have, rather than forcing them to interact in ways that do not suit them.
Her reason for developing this app was because her child was non-verbal in a mainstream school and his only communication was grinding his teeth. So, as a mother, she got anxious and decided to have coffee mornings with other families to feel if this is an app worth having and that they would pay for. To her surprise they loved it and Aisha has a few of them featured on her podcasts.
Aiesha also does workshops to encourage parents with their well-being so that they do not feel isolated. The lasting testimony of this app is her son who has gone from non-verbal to a confident, contented and clever child and student who excels in lessons and enjoys socialising with all ages. Essentially, OCIR is a communication tool to improve the emotional well-being and psychological mental health of youngsters with special needs. Aiesha believes a purchase of this app is a donation that goes back towards the school.
Users
The app supports children with autism, Aspergers, anxiety, ADHD and speech delay. It has therapists for parents and carers as they have anxiety, maybe mental health issues and/or need someone to talk to who faces similar challenges.
Requirements
When special needs youngsters, children and young adults are affected by their condition, it is not always easy for them to communicate what they are feeling. Equally the time, occasion or person may not approach nor make it safe for them to express their feelings. These are the people OCIR was created to support.
Functions
Visualisation is an important aspect of how special needs people communicate. OCIR’s strength is that it is visual and allows users to interact and express emotions and how they feel in the moment through pictures, symbols, images and different emojis.
Equipment
The OCIR app can be used on various electronic devices, desktop computers, tablets, smart mobile phones or smartwatches.
Statistics
The information gathered is personalised for individuals. The data can be collected for reports, for monitoring, identifying trends and evidential purposes. All data is kept confidential and presented clearly in a pie chart to help support the child.
Working together
When users engage with the OCIR app to express themselves, it is linked to the same platform as parents, teachers, guardians and carers, which allows communication in real time. Any issues can be observed and addressed immediately. Anyone responsible for users’ welfare can view any triggers and respond accordingly.
Shared experience
The real time interaction is one of OCIR’s best features because it can minimise the worry when children are outside the home and takes the pressure away from users having to remember the incident at a later time. The OCIR app also provides and maintains a bonded experience between users, educators and the responsible adult as required.
Features
The OCIR app has many features and links to pre-recorded therapy sessions, weather forecasts, sleep and activities for children/users and parents.
To find out more, can you please contact me at info@ocir.co.uk
Female Techpreneur today announced the second edition of the Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos, an evening of in-depth discussions and networking taking place on Thursday 30th May 2024 at the GAIA House, V.I Lagos. Nigeria. Designed specifically for female Tech founders, experts, and ecosystem partners, this event is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or a rising star in the tech industry, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration at this event.
Since its inception in 2018, Female Techpreneur has been building a community of women with the goal to funnel more women into the tech ecosystem by creating opportunities for mentorship and networking. The all female evening event on the entrepreneurial scene is set to be the cornerstone of inspiration, empowerment, and connection for over 100 women-led business owners. Hosted by Tech entrepreneur and founder of Female Techpreneur Bukky Babajide, this one-day event will focus on the theme: “Navigating the evolving ecosystem to thrive”.
The event will feature an engaging keynote address from Mope Abudu, Managing Partner at AfriGloCal VC with over two decades of experience at the intersection of law, governance, and corporate leadership. The panel session and fireside chat will feature leading female founders and investors like Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Lexi Novitske, Bisi Akintayo, Chizor Malize, Oz-Omazino Eguh, Kemi Oyesola who will share their own entrepreneurial journeys. You will be motivated by how their hard work and resilience have helped them to push through the barriers and challenges of running a successful business.
Commenting Bukky Babajide Founder of Female Techpreneur said: “I am delighted that the Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos is back and that we will be hosting another incredible lineup of speakers and entrepreneurs in the room. Female Techpreneur want to encourage female tech entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses, to challenge themselves and connect with others and are looking forward to welcoming female founders, and innovators to the lounge this May.”
The full event agenda promises a diverse range of topics catered to the evolving needs of female entrepreneurs. From innovative strategies to sustainable growth practices, attendees can expect a comprehensive programme aimed at enhancing their business acumen and personal growth.
To find out more about the event and to book your tickets visit Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos.
Afripreneur
Africa’s Business Heroes takes 40 Entrepreneurs to China, extends 2024 Application Deadline
Africa’s Business Heroes (Image: Supplied).
Between April 20-27, the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa in Hangzhou, China. Participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou and have returned to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
During their visit, the ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders. US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French HERE.
Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues HERE.
