Jordan Adetunji

How has the impact of Covid-19 affected you and your career?
It has impacted me both positively and negatively. It’s allowed me to be more creative and dive deeper into my sound. It has also allowed me to spend more time with close ones. Many don’t get the same opportunity, which I’m now more appreciative of. A negative side is being inside with your thoughts. It can be a struggle when you’re overthinking a lot.

What is the worst aspect of it all?
Not being able to have close interaction with people at a live show. Also in general not being able to go out and seeing friends.

People with high rent or with large borrowings have been worst hit. How have you been, has it been hard to survive?
Personally, I have been able to adapt which has helped me and helped push my career and expand into different avenues. The Arts Council NI have offered some support for Northern Irish artists, which has enabled us to continue with activities that we had planned

Music is a people business – how has the loss of contact with artists, colleagues or with others in the business affected
It has affected me in many ways, I’m sure as it has affected a lot of other artists too. Close interactions with people during studio sessions can make a track go to the next level. In those times you create big and unforgettable moments.

Were you in a position to try anything new or different?
As I was saying previously, it has enabled me to create and be a lot more diverse. I made my track ‘WOKEUP!’ in lockdown and Covid was a big factor for me. It made me dive deeper into my sound and go back to my roots and remind me of what I first listened to.

Mental health has been a huge issue for a lot of people involved in music. How has your experience been in that regard?
I’ve been able to adapt but it’s made me think of other people and what they’re going through.

Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future?
I’m optimistic, because I feel people will appreciate things more and be able to really love to the fullest. One thing I’m all about is true love and showing appreciation for things and people. Hopefully things like a hug won’t be so strange anymore.

• Belfast’s Jordan Adetunji is a rising hip-hop artist and songwriter.

'Music Industry in Ireland: Where To Next?' is a special feature in the current issue of Hot Press, running to over 20 pages, featuring music industry professionals as well as artists including Moya Brennan, Jess Kav, Luka Bloom, Fia Moon, Kneecap, Gavin Glass, Mick Flannery, King Kong Company, Mary Coughlan, Rosie Carney and many more.