So first of all, happy new year. You did it, you got through 2020. Now I could sit here and write about how shit 2020's been, but like me, you're probably bored of hearing and talking about that, so here's some of the nice things that have happened and the things I’m grateful for this year.

I was very grateful to have spent the first 2 months of lockdown in the beautiful scenery of the Cotswolds at my sisters with her family. We made memories in that time that I will never forget, and my sister even made us a beautiful, personalised photo book full of the amazing photos we took, including photos of the post-it notes we wrote on every week reminding us of the things we are grateful for. In those 2 months I had the pleasure of watching my wonderful niece and nephew learn, develop and grow. Their smiles and cuddles kept us all happy and sane. With that, I’m also incredibly grateful for my other sister and her boyfriend, who I live with, for getting me through lockdown. The hours spent watching taskmaster, doing puzzles and singing noughties classics on karaoke till 4am really helped me get through this year. My dad wrote a book, and despite the interesting sexual scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I’m excited to read his next book. My mum is also writing a book which I’m very excited to read. Another piece of lovely news to finish 2020 was my dad being honoured a CBE for his services to biochemistry. I’m so happy for him and very proud. Despite the difficulties of not being able to see the family much this year, we all kept in touch via zoom, including calls with my brothers and their families.

I watched my friends release some incredible music this year. A special shout out to Blossom, Olivia, Rosie and Zola for your amazing hard work, creativity and musical talent. I genuinely can’t wait to hear the things you’re going to share with the world this year. I watched my friend Theo take major steps in his photography career, working on a number of record artworks and working with some very cool people. His creativity and mindset inspires me daily. He also started a great platform for DJs to share great music and mixes this year, Ironing Bored Sessions. This year I also watched some friends finish uni with flying colours. I was especially inspired by my friend Nick, finishing with a 1st in music from the University of Surrey. I read his dissertation on harmony, and per usual, it didn’t fail to amaze me. I have also watched friends start uni, which in times like this must be very difficult, yet my friend Eleanor who has recently started studying theatre, always keeps a lovely, big smile which always warms my heart. I played a lot of football this year, playing 5 a side most weeks we were allowed to. It’s been great to get out and get some exercise, but most of all it’s been an absolute pleasure to meet and develop friendships with new, lovely people. A special shout out goes to Finn and Morgan for their regular flawless playing, and in my eyes, achieving them man of the match in most games.

Although we haven’t been able to see each other as much as we would like, we have stayed close, even if it is through zoom quizzes, which I always seem to lose. I’m so grateful for the people around me, and they all inspire me to become a better person. Even though we’re physically further away from each other, over the past year I have grown so much closer to the people I love.

A big personal achievement this year for me was finishing my degree in Music Production and Sound Engineering with a 1st from Point blank. I really enjoyed my 3 years there, and I’m really excited to use the skills and knowledge I developed there throughout my career. After uni, I started a new artist project, lose, producing and DJing drum and bass with the purpose to fuel my love for the genre and become more a part of the scene in the UK. I had the pleasure of hosting a weekly dnb show, the Lose Music Show, on a friend's new radio show. Arthur started the Gardenshed Radio during lockdown, and it’s been a real pleasure to be involved in it. I have also started work on a feature film, writing music as a composer which I’m very excited to get back to in the coming months. I have very much enjoyed starting work with the team at The Black Monologues, writing music for the thought provoking and beautiful monologues from black people all around the world. I'd like to thank Funmi, the producer of the Black Monologues, for this amazing opportunity to work on such an inspiring, amazing project. In the heart of lockdown, I started this blog which I have really enjoyed developing. Not only has it given me a platform to share my thoughts, but it encourages me to gather and organise my thoughts which can be a tough thing to do. I have also read a lot this year, 23 books including some on mindfulness, philosophy, self help, music, business and more, but still my unread pile is getting bigger faster than it’s getting smaller.

2020 has been a very important year. It’s been a year for reflection and realization, on a personal level for everyone as well as on a societal level. It has taught us to focus on the important things in life that have been highlighted through our limitations and restrictions this year. Friends, family, art, nature, gratitude, love and so much more. We have hurt a lot, but there are always things to be grateful for. What are you grateful for in 2020?