In this episode, we sit down with Ben Caesar, a creator who has spent his life navigating the intersection of hip-hop culture and corporate music direction . From battle raps and nightclubs in South Africa to directing music for Warner Brothers World in the UAE, Ben shares his evolution from being "in the music industry" to being in the "IP business". We explore the psychological toll of the artist’s journey, the vital importance of "separating the self" from the public persona, and how moving to Dubai served as a humbling lesson in business and networking . Ben also discusses his latest venture, Tigxa, an ecosystem blending music, anime, and product design, and his mission to build tech pipelines that give artists true ownership of their work. Key Takeaways The Shift in Perspective: Ben realized that as an artist, your greatest asset isn't just the song, but the intellectual property (IP) and world-building around it. Creative Problem Solving: Growing up as an artist teaches unique creative problem-solving skills that are highly valuable in a business context. The Vulnerability Tax: Putting your name on a product means you shoulder all the risk and must navigate high levels of vulnerability to connect with an audience . Separating Self from Persona: Ben discusses the danger of internalizing the "idea" people have of you, citing wild experiences with hen parties to illustrate that fans often love the "idea" of the artist, not the actual person . Spiritual Tools: Growing up around activists and having a shaman stay with his family gave Ben early spiritual guidance on "masks" and identity . Meditation as a Superpower: Ben views meditation not as a spiritual trend, but as a practical tool for "mastering the mind," which can be a "terrible master" if left unchecked. Emotional Detachment: Daily meditation allows him to observe his thoughts without being emotionally tied to them, which is essential for surviving the ups and downs of a creative career. Failed Infrastructure: Ben expresses embarrassment over the current state of the music industry, noting that artists often promote platforms like Spotify that they don't own. Investment Ecosystems: He is working with a tech company in Nigeria to build models where fans can invest directly in artists and share in their financial growth. Multicultural Collaboration: His project, Tigxa, focuses on collaboration, recently blending South African Amapiano production with traditional Arabic instruments like the Oud. Dubai's Music Gap: While Dubai has a market that can afford to go out, Ben notes it lacks the homegrown music infrastructure and platforms found in South Africa. Hand-to-Hand Networking: In Dubai, business is often "hand-to-hand combat"—you get booked based on the handshakes you make rather than the emails you send. Ben Caesar https://www.ben-caesar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bencaesar https://www.youtube.com/bencaesarvideos Social Links https://www.tiktok.com/@provocateurspodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmCQvMWLaLTayKshPyGOEg Host Bio Sarah Moxom is the ultimate powerhouse—an accomplished serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and master of navigating the human connection. At just nineteen, she founded her first company, a thriving temporary staffing agency, which she has successfully led for over two decades. With a remarkable ability to blend business acumen with emotional intelligence, Sarah is passionate about exploring the intricate interplay of entrepreneurship, relationship dynamics, people skills, and leadership. Her wealth of experience and sharp insights into human behaviour make her a compelling guide through the challenges of life and business. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your communication skills, build stronger relationships, or take your ventures to the next level, Sarah is here to inspire and empower you every step of the way. https://sarahmoxom.co.uk/
