Funded through the The Arts Council, the website serves Croydon’s local talent via interviews with rising rappers Jords and Marc Jones, live sessions and educational information about the business, funding and financial aspects of the music industry.

Founded by Makeda Bennett-Amparbeng and Jade Reid in 2018, the crux of SDS Entertainment’s work is focused on creating safe spaces for young local talent to express themselves through the mediums of rapping, singing, poetry and comedy.

The company was birthed following Makeda’s involvement in the 2017 abolishment of Form 696. A racist and controversial risk assessment document that caused hugely negative impacts on Croydon’s art scene.

Working alongside Makeda and Jade is Mykaell Riley. A former artist and music producer, he got his start in the music industry as a member of roots reggae band Steel Pulse. Today he is director of the Black Music Research Unit at the University of Westminster. They also work in partnership with Wozzy Brewster OBE who was recently inducted into the Music Week’s Women in Music Roll of Honour.

Over the course of their two year existence, SDS Entertainment have secured funding from The Arts Council England and Croydon’s Cultural Partnership Fund. Additionally they’ve been featured on BBC Radio London and BBC Radio 5.

They played a pivotal role during The ENDS Festival last year. Connecting the organisers with a collective of artists to be considered on their ‘Future’ stage. Dedicated to homegrown talent in the Croydon borough. This led to the appointment of Marc Jones being added to the festival bill.

Since his appearance at the festival, Marc Jones’s trajectory has rapidly progressed. Amassing over 3 million streams on Spotify and garnering support from BBC 1xtra, GRM Daily, Link Up TV and Mixtape Madness.