Today we’d like to introduce you to Yung Koded.
Hi Yung, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Kenya, Africa to a family of 6. From a young age, I knew art was something I loved and would want to do. At first, it was drawing, then painting, and over the time I got into videography, photography, and music. However, I didn’t get to record my first song until 2014.
My family by this time, had set roots in the US, so I kind of let go of the music and focused more on videography and photography. During my junior year in High School (Harrison High School, Colorado Springs), I got back to it and started learning music production… I’d attend studio sessions and watch how they did it, and I’d afterwards google and check on what I saw. Most of the time, there was a YouTube video about it.
I went on to record most of my friends from school that wanted to make music; this help me improve on the craft. If I wasn’t recording or making beats, I was filming somewhere. Of course, by this time, I was also big into Deejaying, and I was getting booked for events. I had fully committed to music and arts, which later developed into my business.
Overall, I went on to train other people I met with similar interests, and a few even became business partners as well. In 2016 I started my first business as a music producer, videographer, and photographer. I’d record artists, film their videos, and at times book photoshoots with them.
After relocating from Colorado to Texas in 2018, I kept building on specific niches. I split the businesses into individual classes and got partners, employees, and a clientele as well. UpNation became the film and Photography company, Chinatown Music Group became the music label (We have expanded as far as Africa and focusing on Europe this year). Within the US, we film for artists, commercial businesses, fashion models, brands, and more.
As a music artist myself, I have been focusing on growing my brand In Africa and Europe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It depends on what aspect. Most of my journey has been challenging, but no one said it’d be easy. The most challenging would-be health… Being an entrepreneur can take a toll on oneself, and the human body has a lot of resilience to keep one going, but there’s a breaking point. When health is bad, so is business. I tackle each challenge as it comes and always keep a positive mentality.
As long as I’m healthy, I put my all to keep going and growing, and when I’m not… that’s what business partners are for. Their help and support has kept the business up even in those challenging situations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a musician and a creative artist, I’m always juggling things that capture my interest.
When it comes to specializing, music has always been my first love. I have always had a connection to music that I don’t get with my other ventures. I started recording in 2014 and immediately switched gears to music production. The ability to create music (compose and write) became a new norm.
These days I’m known for my contribution to the East African Music Industry (Mostly in Kenya), the Colorado Springs underground, and a few other places.
I’m most proud of my success as a music artist. Since 2020, I have been releasing music targeting the Kenyan market, and so far, it’s been successful and still growing.
What sets me apart is the ability to do it all. Being an all-round artist doesn’t happen every day, and I thank God for blessing me with such abilities for the arts.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The art in DFW is amazing. Ever since I moved here, I have live in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and the far countryside (Saginaw, Decatur, etc.), and I always meet talented people of all sorts. I’m always open to collaborating, working, and growing as well. This has made my stay in Texas worth every penny.
I believe DFW is the home of art. I have learned so much here. The culture is also something important to me, there’s a lot of culture out here, and the people are just amazing.
Contact Info:
- Website: chinatownmusicgroup.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kodedtoolit
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Kodedtoolit
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/YungKoded
- Other: https://yungkoded.com
Image Credits
Nomad Vizion
UpNation Creative CMG
