Entertainment

Music Driven by Life Experiences – Di Higrade’s Unique Style and Vibe

Published

5 years ago

July 5, 2020

Parents, a word synonymous to protectors and guardians, are people who go to the greatest extent to provide their children with a stable ad beautiful life. Imagining a life without the guidance of parents seems impossible. However, not everyone is as lucky and are deprived of this form of love and compassion.

Parents serve as the light during the dark days and guide their children towards the right direction in life. They teach their little ones the ways of differentiating between things that are good for them and things that might lead them to destruction. Di Higrade was one of those kids who had to spend a life without having someone to guide him. When it was time to make big life decisions, he had to take the risk and decide for himself.

Adding to his problems was the pressure of the society, to work and establish a stable future. Being surrounded by all these problems forced him to search for an escape, which he did. He found his comfort and his escape in the form of music.

GETTING PAST A TOUGH CHILDHOOD

Roger Akutcha, better known as Di Higrade, was born on August 26, 1989, in Tema, Ghana. His childhood wasn’t like what one usually dreams of, and life was hard on him from the start. The child lost his parents at a very young age and had to look after himself from the very beginning. Growing up alone in a developing country was not easy on the boy. Di Higrade had to face every single problem, from health to shelter, all on his own, as he had no one to offer him a helping hand. Before the child could even dream about good days, he found himself crushed under the brutal burdens presented by his life.

FINDING COMFORT IN MUSIC

Even when life was harsh and all Di Higrade could see was darkness, the ray of hope for the boy was music. Clinging on to his silver lining, Di Higrade lost all his worries and troubles whenever he stepped into his music world. He spent elaborate hours all by himself just listening to music, singing along, and humming to the beautiful tunes. His fondest memories include listening to Bob Marley, Vybz Kartel, Movado, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and many others. Di Higrade was more than often alone in times of need, and he found that it was only music that helped him move forward.

Soon, he turned to writing and composing his own music. After dedicating a great deal of time coming up with something extraordinary, Di Higrade finally created a masterpiece. At the time, he was just ten years old! The boy performed his song for his friends, who helped him realize that music to him was much more than just comfort; it was his passion. Di Higrade came back home, feeling victorious and accomplished for then he knew music was a part of him and he wanted to keep that piece alive by sharing it with the rest of the world.

STEPPING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Now that he had a clear vision as to what he wanted to do, the rest just flowed. Di Higrade decided to craft music pieces by fusing the Afrobeat and Dancehall genre. Drawing inspiration from the artists he listened to and his life experiences, the artist began working on his craft. The artist believes that music might be something personal, but it is also something that the whole world can relate to, which is why he uses his tunes and lyrics to bring his experiences and emotion under music in a big way. His songs are like a tribute to his life but are something everyone can relate to.

His singles gained immense recognition throughout the world and were loved and admired by thousands that helped him earning significant traction. 2015, gave the world Di Higrade’s first single, Hello To My Lover, that was acronym HTML. The song is a narration of emotion and heartache, for everyone who years of seeing their lover.

The Christmas of 2016 brought two party rocker singles, named, ‘Obsession,’ and ‘Party Time.’ Three other tracks, 90’s, Prove Dem Wrong, and Enemies, were released the same year. His unique voice and the moving music helped him earn a stream of admirers.

A TECH JUNKIE

Apart from being so exceptionally well at creating music, Di Higrade realized that he needed a second option as well. From the age of 17, Di Higrade had been repairing computers at a shop. He instantly decided not to let the skill go to waste and instead use it for the better.

Soon after he had released his first single, Di Higrade joined the Business Information Technology Undergraduate Program at NCC Education UK. Upon finishing the program, he got admitted to acquiring top IT Certifications three years later, in 2018. Di Higrade finished several IT Certifications, which included; Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), CompTIA A+, and CompTIA security+. He worked hard in polishing his skills and soon earned a reputable name in the IT sector.

AN ARTIST, HUMANITARIAN, AND AN INSPIRATION

Having to face the cruelties of life made Di Higrade a humble human. Knowing the difficulties a person has to face in poverty, his heart grieves for the poor. He says, ‘Can you imagine what it’s like not to have enough food to eat and go to bed hungry at night? Poverty is not a joke.’

After spending so much time in shaping himself, today, Di Higrade is a fitness model, musical artist, a technician and, serving the US Military. But most of all, he is an inspiration for all those who need a little push and courage to move forward with their lives and take their passions to greater heights!

Entertainment

Getting to Know Adeia’s Fingerprints on Entertainment Evolution

Published

3 weeks ago

December 18, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Adeia

By Joy Reyes

Behind every streaming recommendation, smart TV search, and seamless device switch lies hidden technology powering your modern entertainment experience. Although people might not know Adeia, they have likely used its technology many times. The company’s inventions are embedded in the modern entertainment experience, from sophisticated content recommendation systems to seamless multi-device streaming capabilities.

“Our basic inventions shape the way millions of people explore and experience entertainment and improve billions of devices in an increasingly connected world,” says Serhad Doken, chief technology officer (CTO) at Adeia.

Building upon this foundation, “we create tools that make watching shows easier and more fun. These tools work on televisions (TVs), phones, and other devices, no matter where or how you watch. They help organize your entertainment in a way that feels just right for you,” Serhad Doken adds.

Connecting Traditional and Modern Media

At the heart of today’s entertainment landscape lies a crucial challenge: bridging the gap between traditional television and modern streaming platforms. One of Adeia’s key strengths is its ability to connect traditional linear television with the new age of streaming services. The company licenses its patented media inventions for traditional linear television in North America and internationally through its extensive portfolio of patents.

This comprehensive approach ensures seamless integration with over-the-top media service (OTT), direct-to-consumer, and social media services that provide access to entertainment inside and outside the home on a broad array of devices. The result is a unified entertainment experience catering to traditional viewers and digital-first consumers.

“We believe the continued growth of video consumption, the changes in how consumers explore and experience video, and the need for content storage and high-performance computing present new opportunities for us to continue to develop patentable inventions,” Serhad Doken explains.

Improving Content Discovery

In an age where the average viewer can access thousands of shows and movies across multiple platforms, finding what to watch can be as challenging as creating the content itself. To address this content overload, Adeia has been solving this problem by developing new solutions for content discovery that make the viewing experience more intuitive and personalized.

At the forefront of these innovations is Adeia’s universal search capability, which allows for unified discovery across live, recorded, on-demand, and streaming content sources. This groundbreaking solution means viewers no longer need to jump between different apps or platforms to find what they want to watch — Adeia’s universal search brings it all together in one place.

Moreover, the company improves content discovery further with its personalized discovery experiences. Using sophisticated algorithms and machine learning, this includes personalized recommendations, predictive results, and popular and trending content suggestions. By analyzing viewing patterns and preferences, Adeia presents viewers with content that matches their interests and viewing habits.

Recognizing the growing prominence of voice-controlled smart home devices, Adeia has also developed a conversational interface to interpret voice commands and requests. This technology supports natural, conversational dialogue and interaction with smart responses, making it easier for viewers to find and control their entertainment.

Improving the Viewing Experience

Modern viewers expect a seamless entertainment experience across all their devices, and Adeia’s technologies make this possible. Their multi-device experience technology allows viewers to start watching a show on one device and smoothly transition to another without missing a beat.

To enhance the binge-watching experience that has become synonymous with modern streaming, Adeia has developed technologies that connect viewers with entertainment on their terms. These include features that automatically play the next episode or remember where viewers left off across different devices.

Perhaps most exciting is Adeia’s work in immersive content. “We are creating unrestricted entertainment experiences that are more engaging and gratifying than ever before,” Serhad Doken says. “This includes dynamic advertising, gaming, wagering, and even shoppable video integrated into content.”

Impact on Semiconductors

While Adeia’s influence on the entertainment industry is substantial, its inventions are not limited to this sector. According to Serhad Doken, the company also leads in semiconductor technology, developing solutions that expand the possibilities in electronic devices.

“With the rising cost of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, the sector is looking beyond Moore’s Law toward advanced packaging and three-dimensional (3D) integration technologies,” Serhad Doken explains, adding that its skilled team and labs in California and North Carolina create advanced 3D integration methods. These methods, like hybrid bonding, help make future electronics work better, faster, and smaller.

The Future of Entertainment Technology

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Adeia will continue to play an important role in shaping it. With its extensive research and development capabilities and broad portfolio of patented technologies, the company is well-positioned to address the needs of both content providers and consumers.

This positioning has recently been reinforced by a significant development in Adeia’s business. The company has entered into a multi-year agreement with Amazon, covering Adeia’s media intellectual property portfolio. This partnership with one of the world’s largest and most innovative companies underscores the value and relevance of Adeia’s technologies in the digital entertainment space.

Paul E. Davis, Adeia’s chief executive officer, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “Amazon plays a massive role in today’s innovation society. This collaboration validates Adeia’s technological prowess and promises to expand our developments’ reach and impact.”

“We are excited about the future of entertainment technology,” Serhad Doken concludes. “As video consumption continues to grow and change, and as new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) become more common, we will be there, developing new inventions that improve the way people explore, experience, and enjoy entertainment.”

In addition to the significant agreement with Amazon, Adeia has also recently renewed its long-standing partnership with Sharp Corporation. This renewal extends a relationship that has lasted for over 25 years.

Mark Kokes, Adeia’s chief licensing officer and general manager of media, commented on the renewal, highlighting Sharp’s reputation as a global leader in entertainment technology and its expertise in display technologies.

The renewed agreement covers Sharp’s smart TVs and consumer electronics, further solidifying Adeia’s position in the media technology sector.

These recent developments underscore the momentum in Adeia’s business, showcasing its ability to retain long-term partners like Sharp and attract new, influential clients like Amazon.

With its growing list of high-profile partnerships and ongoing innovations, Adeia is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of digital entertainment. The company’s advanced R&D efforts consistently result in fundamental innovations that power next-generation products, delivering breakthroughs in digital experiences for both consumer and enterprise applications.

Through its innovative solutions and forward-thinking approach, Adeia’s influence can be felt throughout the development of the entertainment industry, from the fundamental technologies that power our devices to the intuitive interfaces that help us discover and enjoy content. As we move into an increasingly connected future, Adeia’s technologies continue to shape how we interact with and experience digital entertainment.