Going Analogue: What D’Angelo Teaches Us About Leadership, Creativity and the Long Game

Going Analogue: What D’Angelo Teaches Us About Leadership, Creativity and the Long Game

Last week, I switched off my phone, sat in silence, and listened to a full album—a “Long Play” session curated by Avinash Daryanani.

D’Angelo didn’t just record Voodoo—he built it. Every track was layered meticulously, crafted through analogue jam sessions without shortcuts or automation. His guitarist played two parts at once, and the album wove masculine and feminine energies seamlessly.

In a world obsessed with speed, influence, and virality, what can we learn from this approach?

Earning Attention, Not Demanding It

D’Angelo didn’t chase trends—he created something worthy of time. In an age of LinkedIn hot takes and short-form content, leaders and creators need to ask: Are we resonating deeply, or just adding to the noise?

The Power of Community in Creative Leadership

Voodoo wasn’t made in isolation. It emerged from Soulquarians, a collective including Erykah Badu and J Dilla, who challenged and elevated one another.

The best leaders and creators surround themselves with people who stretch their perspective, push their limits, and fuel their growth.

Bringing Back the Work

Low barriers to entry often mean low resilience. When everything comes easy, we stop taking risks.

Before instant gratification, effort was part of the process—video stores, typewriters, analogue recording. Creativity required commitment. What do we lose when everything is effortless?

AI and the Creative Dilemma

This post itself is part human, part machine. AI can help bridge ideas, but if we let it do all the work, what happens to originality?

Like instruments in the hands of musicians, tools should enhance creativity—not replace the effort that gives it value.

Kholo’s Perspective: Slow Leadership and the Long Game

At Kholo, we believe real leadership and innovation come from slowing down—being intentional, patient, and willing to do the work.

Organisations thrive when they focus on depth over noise, community over isolation, and resilience over instant results.

Conclusion: Building Worlds, Not Just Quick Wins

D’Angelo didn’t just make an album. He built a world, a legacy—by taking the long road.

The real question is: Are we building for speed, or for significance?

At Kholo, we help leaders design organisations that last—through patience, resilience, and the courage to play the long game. Book a call with Kholo.

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