In late 2025, SILVASTONE travelled to Shanghai, China to take part in the IMX Music Expo, one of Asia’s leading platforms for international music dialogue. He was invited as part of the UK Export Mission organised by BPI and the Department for Business and Trade, and featured as a guest speaker on the panel The Evolution of Global Traditional Music.
The trip offered a rare chance to explore China’s growing music scene first-hand. Speaking after the event, SILVASTONE described the experience as a huge eye opener. It wasn’t just the scale of the city or the skyline. What really stood out was the mindset. The use of technology, the pace of development, and the willingness to collaborate gave him a fresh perspective.
“Of course, the lights and skyline were wild,” he shared. “But what really stuck with me was the openness to collaborate and the way people are using tech to push ideas forward. It made me look at things differently.”
As the only Black speaker on the expo line up, SILVASTONE brought his lived experience into the conversation. He shared how his music blends Afrobeats, highlife, and UK genres, and how he has always worked across cultures and genres through collaboration and production.
During the trip, he also met with Matt Burney, CMG, His Majesty’s Consul-General in Shanghai. They spoke about the importance of music in helping young people develop life skills, confidence, and access to opportunity. This reflects the ongoing work SILVASTONE is doing through White Hut Studios in Education, both in the UK and Ghana.
Looking ahead to 2026, SILVASTONE is exploring opportunities to return to China. This time to perform, DJ, and collaborate with C-pop artists, opening up space for Afrobeats to reach new audiences and for cultural exchange between regions.
“This trip planted seeds,” he said. “I’d love to create new music, mentor across borders, and find ways for young people in both regions to connect through creativity.”
SILVASTONE continues to build a global career rooted in collaboration, culture, and community. His work speaks to the power of music to open doors and bring people together in new ways.