WHO’S BUILDING THE FUTURE FUNCTION?
Culture is often most visible when the doors open, the music starts, a campaign goes live or a room fills with people. Less visible is the work that makes those moments possible. Who builds the spaces, relationships and networks that allow culture to thrive, and what does it take to keep them going?
Who’s Building the Future Function? explores four founders shaping London’s cultural and social life in different ways. From Sika’s approach to nightlife and community, to Tito Mogagji’s work connecting underrepresented audiences with arts and culture through Nourishment, Janay Marie’s commitment to more thoughtful representation at TALLAWAH Agency, and Dubi and Esther’s vision for One House Social Club as a second home, this series looks beyond the finished experience. These are stories about the people behind the scenes, the ideas that drive them and the practical work of turning a vision into something that lasts.
PART ONE | SIKA
For Sika, a great party is only part of the vision. Beyond the music, packed dance floors and familiar faces, the ambition is to build a sustainable platform for community, creativity and connection. What matters is creating a space where people can express themselves, discover new experiences and feel welcome, while giving DJs, artists and creatives opportunities to reach new audiences.
The story of Sika begins with something familiar: a birthday celebration that sparked the idea of building something bigger. What started as organising parties gradually developed into a platform where people could come together through music and shared experiences.
At its heart, Sika is about making nightlife more than just a night out. It’s about building something that can grow with its community and remain meaningful for generations to come.
What the vibe really takes
Ask what defines Sika, and the answer is simple: the vibe. For the founder, however, that feeling is the result of deliberate work. It comes from creating an environment where people can let their guard down, enjoy the music and feel comfortable just being themselves.
|“At the end of the day, we work hard to actually create all of these things that we do, and we play hard.”
“Work hard, play hard” is a philosophy that runs through the brand of Sika. Behind every event is a team working to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from production and music to communication and guest experience. Getting everyone on the same page, understanding individual strengths and putting the right people in the right roles are essential to making the night work.
For Sika’s founder, the reward is increasingly found in the planning itself. Seeing people reconnect with friends, meet new people and come together for a much-needed catch-up amid the busyness of everyday life makes the work worthwhile. Sika aims to be more than just another event, but something people look forward to, save the date for and make time for in their calendars. A few hours on the dance floor can create memories, strengthen friendships and give people a reason to come together despite their busy lives.
| “I know people that go to Sika by themselves… even if you’re coming from a different community, you still feel welcomed.”
Community has been central to Sika’s growth. Before social media began bringing wider attention, word of mouth helped establish its reputation. That support remains important, with the aim of creating an environment where people feel they belong, whether they arrive with friends or come alone. As the audience grows, Sika wants to preserve that sense of familiarity while welcoming people from different backgrounds.
The vision also extends beyond the party itself. Through collaborations with other organisations and community-led initiatives, Sika sees an opportunity to share knowledge, introduce new perspectives and use its platform to bring attention to issues that matter.
Music that brings people together
| “A fundamental to a great party is always going to be the music. The way we create our events, we want it to be like a journey.”
Music is fundamental to the Sika experience. Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, R&B and nostalgic sounds from the 2010s are not simply genres to include in a playlist. They are part of a carefully considered journey, with the right DJ, track selection and timing helping to shape the atmosphere.
For Sika, music can break the ice between strangers. A familiar song might bring people together in a singalong, while an unexpected track could encourage someone to explore a sound they have never considered before. These moments create connections naturally, without anyone needing an introduction.
The intention is to balance familiar favourites with opportunities for discovery. By treating music as an essential part of the experience, Sika creates a platform for DJs and creatives to showcase their talents while giving audiences something new to enjoy. As the brand develops, finding ways to elevate its musical offering will remain a priority.
Building a business with purpose
In Twi, sika means money, a name that reflects the practical realities of building something sustainable. For the founder, money is not everything, but he honestly reflects on how it is necessary to turn a vision into something lasting. Better venues, stronger DJ line-ups, production, merchandise and new experiences all require investment.
| “Margins matter. That’s just the reality of doing these types of events. At the end of the day, everything costs.”
“Margins matter,” Sika explains, acknowledging the risks involved in organising events. Every decision, from choosing a venue capacity to deciding when to host an event, requires an understanding of costs, audience habits and demand. Financial sustainability means knowing when to grow and how to make those decisions without losing the qualities that brought people to Sika in the first place.
That balance is central to the long-term vision. Growth is not simply about selling more tickets or filling bigger venues. It is about bringing the community along, staying connected to its interests and continuing to offer experiences that feel authentic. As Sika reaches new audiences, the intention is to remain culturally engaged while creating room for collaboration and fresh ideas.
For Sika, a successful night goes beyond a packed dance floor. It means guests enjoying themselves and getting home safely. It also means creating an experience where artists and team members feel supported and valued, and where everything runs as smoothly as possible. Ultimately, success is knowing that people have had a good night, felt looked after and can leave with positive memories.
A vision beyond the night
| “Keep pushing. Just keep pushing. Believe in your vision. We’re not there yet, but we’ll get there.”
Looking ahead, Sika wants to become a household name and a lasting presence in London’s nightlife. The ambition is to build a platform that can adapt to changing trends, create opportunities for emerging talent and continue serving its community over time. That vision continues with Sika’s next event, Sika x Trendy, taking place on the 7th of November. The collaboration promises a major line up and a chance to bring people together for one last dance before the year ends. Another opportunity to put Sika’s approach into practice, bringing music, community and shared experience together for a night designed to end the year on a high.
For the founder, the advice to an earlier version of Sika would be straightforward: keep pushing and believe in the vision. There is still more to learn, but the goal remains clear.
Sika is building more than a party. Through music, community, collaboration and careful planning, it’s working towards a space where people can connect, creatives can thrive and nightlife can have a lasting impact beyond the hours spent on the dance floor.
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