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FOUNDER

Derrick Ashong is the Founder & CEO of Take Back the Mic Studios (AMP Global). Derrick, also known as “DNA”, is a pioneer in producing multi-platform interactive content for global audiences. A three-time Emmy nominee and Billboard-recognized hip hop songwriter, Derrick has hosted and produced his own shows including a radio show for Oprah and TV show for ABC/Disney. Derrick attended Harvard University for both his degrees, and he was a founding member of the Harvard Black Alumni Society.

Derrick Ashong

Derrick Ashong

Take Back the Mic (TBTM) Studios is a blockchain-based online community and video entertainment platform intended to help content producers build a direct relationship with their audience. The TBTM app features original content including Telly-award-winning series “The Mic: Africa,” and the platform provides a one stop for media companies, telcos, banks, and other content marketers reach, reward and understand diverse youth audiences.

COMPANY

MILESTONES

  • Completed Season 3 of “The Mic: Africa” (December 2022)

  • Closed $5.6M Series Seed raise at $15M post-money valuation (April 2022)

  • Secured six-figure sponsorship with Africa’s biggest telecommunications company MTN for “The Mic: Africa”

  • Founded in 2015

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Murex D'Or Award for International Innovative Media at the "Oscars of the Middle East" (March 2022)

  • 825M+ media impressions worldwide

  • Two Telly Awards (gold & silver) for “The Mic: Africa” opposite Netflix, Disney+, HBO (2021)

  • Established offices at in5 Media in Dubai’s Production City

  • Expansion of The Mic franchise to begin with “The Mic: MENA” (Middle East and North Africa) 

  • Investors include Black Star Fund, MaC Venture Capital, Launch Africa Ventures, and Chanzo Capital, and Marc Byers (Former GM of Motown Records)

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