Virgin Islands Featured Management Company: Gonglight Management co.
As I look across the landscape of the entertainment industry in the Virgin Islands, it brings a smile to my face. Seeing its exponential growth over the last several years from artists, to bloggers, online radio shows and podcast, to social media personalities - the Booka Comedies and the Adam O’s (to name a few) has kept us engaged and abreast with Virgin Islands entertainment in countless ways. In the midst of all this growth, a new brand of management has found its way on to the entertainment scene. From their relentless marketing strategies and various talented acts, Gong Light Management Co has raised some eyebrows and turned some heads in the industry.
Though fairly new to the trade, the owners and operators of the budding “Roc Nation” like entity are not new to the entertainment world at all. Jun Romney, owner of Rebel Gong Movements - a decade old successful events and promotions entity based in Atlanta, GA is responsible for some well-known branded events such as “EPIC”, “Bliss”, “Gold”, “Caution” and many more go-to socialite experiences. Jun collaborated with Dwayne “Redman” Hodge and Ineke “Neekes” Hodge, both of which are the co-owners of RLD Entertainment & Promotions – formally Redlight Distrikt. Like Jun, Dwayne is no stranger to the local entertainment scene as he so eloquently burst into Virgin Islanders lives via social media with a fiery style of social commentary. Both on and off the cuff of humor, he successfully created a platform for social change and marketing opportunities for local businesses and budding artists alike. The two who were already friends also share a close relationship with International reggae star Pressure BussPipe. They gained a surplus of knowledge and understanding of the business through their exposure in working with the touted Reggae artist. Their knowledge and know how birthed the idea that creating a strong support system for VI artists may open doors for the territory and create a lane for talents to be granted the same opportunities of success as their counterparts in the mainland. As a result of this, Gong Light Management Co was born. Intentionally molded in the image of its inspiration - Roc Nation, Gong Light set out to change the landscape of how Virgin Islanders are introduced to artist and how talents present themselves in this modern top-heavy internet era.
With a roster of 3 talented artist and a Rockstar producer at the helm, Gong Light shot out of a cannon fast with no signs of slowing down. In speaking with Dwayne about the day to day management duties of Gong Light, it was clear that it’s a task that requires a lot of time and attention. “Managing one artist is tough, so imagine 4 separate acts as well as others who are still developing their craft and working towards joining the roster officially!” “It’s difficult but very necessary, which is why we work as a team to ensure all angles are managed properly. Neekes as the “glue” to the operation, adds a feminine touch and a creative element of organization and administrative strength to the team. Collectively, we work together like a well-oiled engine, using our differing strengths and talents to build each platform according to who the artist is organically.” The roster consists of Mic Love who dominated social media timelines with “Rona” and “Me & You Alone”, King Lion Defuture - creating 3 much loved hits in 3 different genres with “Mango”, “I Like It” and delivering a much needed plea to the streets with his latest single “Every Day Is A Shootout”, and Priceless a BVI star who was officially introduced to the USVI’s market with his hit song “Butterflies” featuring Pressure BussPipe. In the midst of these artists, also managing the meteoric rise of St Croix born Producer Masai Harris which is a key factor in the development of the quality and sound of each talent.
Dwayne “Redman” Hodge who is locally known and is the more public personality of the trio, often speaks of his counterpart “Jun” as a humble character who shies away from the limelight and is very result driven in nature. “He’s always very attentive to detail and finds most of his joy in watching the artist receive the recognition that they deserve” says Redman. When asking Redman what roles they all play his response was simple, " interchangeable!”. He states, “If Neekes comes to the table with an idea for the artist and we all see it, the rest of us fall into support roles while she leads and vice versa. There are no bosses at Gong Light, just 3 passionate individuals focus on putting out the best possible work in hopes that the public will enjoy the product” .
Aside from entertainment, the trio are each somewhat social activist within the community themselves. With Neekes leading marches on WAPA recently , Dwayne with his Social media commentary on social issues and Jun with his often-subtle approach working with local businesses such as “My Brothers Workshop” and his mindful positive posts urging his followers to #payattention in their day to day engagements. Due to their personalities and drive, Gong Light is deeply rooted in the community and committed to positive overall change in the Virgin Islands. The organization believes strongly in giving back to its community and encourages the same with each of the talents they manage. Redman touts, “It’s important that as artists they have something that they advocate for – its not only about the music- If you are not using your craft to create change and impact the people around you then its really just a hobby”. Recently the organization, along with their artists King Lion and Mic Love donated a check to “My Brothers Workshop” in order to assist with their vision of giving youths a second chance at life by teaching them trades and skills they can rely on. “Gong Light is always looking for opportunities to work with local charities and organizations to propel the community forward”. Dwayne stated, “Every day we ask the community for support, it would be irresponsible to get and not pay it forward”.
One would think a company born in the heart of the Covid-19 global pandemic would find it difficult to find their footing, but its owners suggested that it only helped to expand their creativity and add more tools to their arsenal. Though humble about their quick start and progressive growth, they remain excited and eager for the world to open up to showcase the Virgin Islands on the highest levels afforded to them. “These artists deserve it! They constantly remind me of their eagerness with their work ethic and their desire to succeed. They are all easy to work with and have upbeat attitudes and get-it-done” drive” says Dwayne of their current talents. After being asked what to look out for next, the Colorful co-owner said "Kaieem Deh Dream" another BussPipe artist that's signed to Gong Light who has a world of potential and is just waiting for the right time to engage him with the public – timing is everything. “And there is always more, even aside from the artists on our roster, we still work with countless talents to assist with marketing strategies, content creation, creative direction and press to name a few”.
Dwayne never shies away from giving the BussPipe record label a lot of love and honor for their continued support and belief in the trio’s vision. He indicates his hopes of others feeding off of their energy and being inspired to take the same technical approach the fans deserve, with the effort and commitment needed to deliver quality production and engaging marketing. He states lastly that “It takes a village – collaborations create the village necessary to foster the realistic idea of success, not just as separate entities, but as a community on a whole. The more we collaborate using our strengths, the stronger we become – VI Strong!”
Mic Love
Modifica immagini
http://hyperurl.co/MicLove-Rona
King Lion De Future
Modifica immagini
http://hyperurl.co/kinglion-everyday
Priceless
Modifica immagini
http://hyperurl.co/Price-Butterflies
Masai "The Legion" Harris
Modifica immagini
Modifica immagini
Gong Light Management co. at My Brother's WorkShop
For Inquires Contact Gong Light Management co.
Contact: 404-449-8366
605-376-3173
https://instagram.com/gonglightmanagementco?igshid=1j64hb2ftsmm8Gong Light Management Co. (@gonglightmanagementco) • Instagram photos and videosinstagram.com
https://www.facebook.com/gonglightmanagementco/
Gong Light Management Team:
Jun Romney
Neeka Neeks Hodge
Red Man Hodge
Modifica immagini
Modifica immagini
Written By: Minoca A.
Pc: Gong Light Management co.
Information provided for this article by: Gong Light Management co.
