From Conversation to Community: Inside Aprtment Life

Back in March, New Wave sat down with Dean M.F. Johnson, founder of Aprtment Life, to talk about the community he was building.

Since then, the conversation has moved beyond the interview.

Having now attended two Aprtment Life events in London, it’s been interesting to see first-hand what happens when an idea built around community moves from conversation into a room full of people.

What stood out most wasn’t simply the events themselves, but the sense of connection around them. Different people, backgrounds and perspectives coming together in one space, with the kind of conversations that are difficult to replicate online.

https://youtu.be/00s4Z7nnl7w?si=P26_9Y52JSjyJdUF

The March interview offered an insight into Johnson’s vision for Aprtment Life. Being at the events offered something different: a chance to see how that vision translates into an actual community.

And perhaps that’s what makes Aprtment Life interesting. The story isn’t just about the person who founded it, or the events that appear on the calendar. It’s about what happens when people are given a space to meet, exchange ideas and build relationships beyond the usual industry circles.

For me, the journey from interviewing Dean in March to attending two London events has been a reminder that sometimes the most interesting stories don’t end when the interview does. Sometimes, that’s where they begin.

https://youtu.be/ixMojrswkkQ?is=v0zk8w3SKzcjMsRR

Each night featured an amazing variety of DJs, including Damn Shaq, Miamor, Parismatiq and Haruna, among others.

Keep a look out for Aprtment Life’s upcoming events. The next being in Johannesburg (3rd October) and the final London event of the year, coming this December. 

Tickets for the events can be found here: https://aprtment.life/events