Sofiri Stewart

Brainstormer, Business adviser, Business leader, Business mentor, Change Agent, Christian, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Global soul, Idea generator, Inventor, Investor, Life mentor, Marketer, Musician, Performer, Philanthropist, Policy maker, Potential employer, Producer, Project manager, Promoter, Scientist, Social entrepreneur, Startup, Technologist

Sofiri Stewart is an award-nominated creative entrepreneur, music director, and visionary founder whose work bridges the worlds of business, technology, music, and community development. Over the last decade, he has built a reputation as an innovative problem solver in the events and creative industries, blending artistry with enterprise to create platforms that empower individuals and transform communities. He is the co-founder and COO of Yeve, a revolutionary event management platform designed to connect event organizers with reliable personnel and equipment - streamlining planning, organisation, and management with transparency. Yeve’s mission extends beyond logistics: it levels the playing field for event vendors, MCs, caterers, musicians, and entertainers, ensuring fair pay, open competition, and access to industry opportunities. Under Sofiri’s leadership, Yeve has grown to over 1300+ community members across the UK, while launching initiatives such as the Me&Usicians Initiative, which supports creatives with career development, welfare and mental well-being. Alongside his business ventures, Sofiri has carved an exceptional career as a pianist, music director, and producer. With over ten years of professional experience, he has worked with notable UK gospel artists and prestigious venues (Excel London, O2 Indigo and Manchester Arena), composed and produced music for live events, stage dramas, and broadcast media, and collaborated on high-profile projects. He has contributed to music for Netflix UK’s Sex Education, participated in Spitfire Audio’s annual film scoring competitions for series like Westworld, Stargirl, and Bridgerton, and worked on productions for BBC and ITV Studios. Through his role as Music Director of Royal Connections, he has directed music for the Ancient Landmark Drama & Music Group at the annual Festival of Life events across Europe under the leadership of Pastor E.A. Adeboye. His passion for mentoring young talent also sees him collaborating with schools and youth charities, delivering summer workshops and instrumental training that keep young people engaged and equipped. As a film and stage drama score composer, Sofiri has an instinct for storytelling both visually and sonically, writing and directing original music that amplifies narrative impact. His work embodies the TED values of curiosity, innovation, and cultural connection, aligning with the principles of Life: never stop learning, seek to invent, lead fearlessly, and act like an entrepreneur.

I’m passionate about turning raw talent into real opportunity. Growing up, I saw gifted musicians, storytellers, and creatives struggle, not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked access. That reality shaped my mission. Today, through Yeve, the Me&Usicians initiative, and my work as a music director and mentor, I create platforms where creativity meets possibility. I’ve watched young people who once doubted their worth step onto global stages, earn a living from their art, and find their voice in a world that often silences them. I believe talent should never be wasted for lack of opportunity, and I’m driven to bridge that gap, one story, one stage, and one connection at a time.

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Around the world, countless musicians, storytellers, and creatives possess extraordinary skill, yet remain unseen because they lack the connections, resources, or platforms to showcase their work. My idea is to transform the creative economy by building ecosystems, like Yeve, that don’t just discover talent, but actively nurture it, equip it, and connect it to real opportunities. When we democratize access to the event, music, and creative industries, we create a ripple effect: communities thrive, young people find purpose, and creativity fuels economic growth. My vision is a world where every creative, no matter where they come from, has the tools, network, and confidence to turn their gift into impact.

Brand Strategy & Storytelling, Community Building & Mentorship, Creative Direction, Cross-Cultural Collaboration, Digital Platform Development, Entrepreneurship & Business Development, Event Management & Logistics, Fast-Paced Project Management, Film & Stage Drama Scoring, Leadership in Faith-Based Projects, Music Direction & Performance, Social Impact & Advocacy

I grew up in a household where business and science were deeply intertwined. My father, a pharmacist in the pharmaceutical sales industry, exposed me early to the worlds of healthcare, business management, and customer relations. Volunteering in his business as a child was my first real lesson in how disciplined, strategic work can serve people and communities. But my journey soon revealed that creativity was more than art; it was a tool for transformation. Inspired initially by my father’s medical work, I earned a first-class degree in Biomedical Science at the University of East London. Yet, as I progressed, my passion shifted toward entrepreneurship and using business as a tool to empower others. That shift led me to co-lead a team to the finals of the 2016 UEL E-Factor competition with our initiative mygigsolutions.com, and later to found SwArt Records, a creative agency focused on music and performance. These projects laid the foundation for my biggest community impact: co-launching Yeve, an event management platform designed to connect clients with trusted, verified event professionals and equipment. Yeve, along with its Me&Usician Initiative, has made a significant positive impact on the music community by creating a transparent and reliable platform that connects musicians, event vendors, and organizers. It ensures fair access to gigs and opportunities while promoting professional respect and fair pay. More than a business, this initiative actively supports the welfare of creatives by providing legal aid, immigration assistance, mental health resources, and career development, especially benefiting those from minority and marginalized backgrounds. By fostering a supportive and safe community, Yeve empowers musicians to collaborate, advocate for their rights, and overcome challenges such as financial hardship and visa issues. This support has been crucial in helping the music and events industry recover and thrive in the post-pandemic environment. Yeve’s impact earned us a place in the 2023 Barclays Black Founders Accelerator Programme, culminating in a Pitch/Demo Day at Barclays’ Canary Wharf head office that attracted investor interest. More than that, it validated that by empowering creatives, we can uplift entire communities and reshape an industry. My role as Director of Music for Lighthouse Gospel Festivals also reflects this community focus. Managing and leading teams to deliver unforgettable music experiences for thousands, I’ve witnessed how live events bring people together, building social cohesion, joy, and cultural pride. I’ve had the privilege of directing performances in iconic venues and contributing to many productions that celebrates diverse talent and broadens cultural representation. Beyond business and events, I am committed to continuous learning, having completed online courses at Harvard, Wharton, Edinburgh, and MIT Sloan. This fuels my vision of harnessing creativity and technology to build inclusive ecosystems where talent is recognised, communities thrive, and opportunities are accessible to all. On the TED stage, I want to share how entrepreneurship in the creative and event industries can be a catalyst for community empowerment and societal change. Creativity is more than art, it’s a currency of dignity, connection, and transformation. When we invest in it, we create a stronger and more vibrant communities.

I have an eidetic memory, which means I can recall visual and auditory information in vivid detail, something that often surprises people when they see it in action. It has helped me in music, where I can retain complex arrangements after hearing them once, and in entrepreneurship, where I can connect ideas, conversations, and strategies over long periods without missing a beat. I’m also a trained Biomedical Scientist, which gives me a scientific, analytical edge that complements my creativity, allowing me to combine precision with imagination in every project I take on.