John Shownmi, known by creative name Shojon is a sound engineer, producer, and entrepreneur hailing from South East London, and has created a legacy known and intertwined with many. His media company That SP Studios and its ethos to “stimulate the Avant-Garde whilst nurturing the ardent artisan” has reigned true throughout his career spanning over a decade. A man who displays a strong sense of community pride coupled with his affection for the arts and individual creativity, has demonstrated how to build a successful brand and business doing what you enjoy.
It was 2006 when John began talking with a school friend about building a home recording studio as he realised there was a demand for an accessible recording studio. He was aware of turf wars in the local area limiting access for musicians to studio facilities and sought to find a solution.
When John opened a recording space his marketing idea to include a vocal tag “SP on buttons” to recorded works. Allowed many to become aware of the studios presence, availability and popularity among all music artists in the borough and surrounding areas.
After studying Business and Religious theology at Christ The King Sixth Form College, He went on to study Computer Systems and Software Engineering (Bsc) at Greenwich University (Medway) whilst juggling his passion for engineering in his bedroom studio.
The engineer that saw a segregated borough and provided resources for creatives to thrive has been a cornerstone to many works and careers.
In 2011 SP Studios visual expansion began and saw the company undertake event coverage for a number organisations including Soccer Six with Carly Wilford’s Iam music TV in April and were early supporters of Musicalize filming and interviewing acts at several events. In June 2012, they covered the performance of Macy Gray at the Jazz Café camden with footage to be used in the artist’s forthcoming DVD.
SP Studios then went on to secure a contract with ClubKing parties covering west end clubs Aura Mayfair and Kings Club Chelsea which gave access to capture exclusive footage at the Geordie Shore opening party. All a prelude to the company’s future production plans, which saw the company gain the experience, insight and network which allowed the brand a strong foothold into the entertainment industry.
Shojon once saw a lack of access to platforms, so he built one, and helped others build theirs. Besides Aftersessions’ own web series; Aftersessions Interviews, Thumbs Up Today, and Behind the scenes ALL ACCESS which featured celebrities Ghetts, Lethal Bizzle, Maxsta, A Squeezy and more. SP Studios curated and produced content for Kix Magazine, Music is my Drug TV, Rough Copy’s Cover Sundays, BassBuds Live and Uncle Rafool providing the company with the credit of millions of views across the YouTube platform.
Through Shownmi’s AF18 and NXTUP series he helped the visibility of new talent and saw Namesbliss, Romzy and Chris Cash’s success on major music platforms and Ten Dixon’s endorsement for Lord Of The Mics
Other audio production credits: EMI, Sony, D12, Paigey Cakey, Cadet, Ashley Tragic, Shimzie, Darq E Freaker, Premz and more.
Video Production Credits: Canary Wharf Group, Universal Music Group, Knomo, GRMDaily, Wiley, Aggro Santos, Sarkodie, Ms Banks, Shaggy, Wretch 32, Shaybo and more.
John Shownmi has made his mark in the media and entertainment industries with accolades and accreditations as proof of his longevity in the competitive world of business. With an abundance of support from his borough and the many creatives he has helped along the way.