Beyond the Wall: Wall of Entertainment on Resilience, Community, and Black British Representation

In an industry that often overlooks Black British artistry, two young visionaries have carved out a space where creativity thrives, representation is rife, and the happily ever after for the underdog isn’t just an old wives’ tale - it’s a reality. Founded with the mission to amplify diverse genius, Wall of Entertainment has rapidly become one of the UK’s most influential digital entertainment platforms. But this journey has never been without its challenges, and at the heart of their success lies a deep sense of resilience and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

From the beginning, founders Joivan Wade and Percelle Ascott have seen their work as more than just entertainment. It’s a vehicle for empowerment, born from their own experiences of rejection, underestimation, and hard-fought progress in a space where opportunities were scarce. As we delve into their remarkable rise, the hurdles they’ve overcome in an industry still riddled with inequality, and the inner workings of creating a platform that champions Black British creatives, it becomes clear that their journey is as much about lifting others as it is about personal ambition.

The journey of Wall of Entertainment began with a spark - an ambition to transform viral digital content into a full-blown cultural movement. “Comedy was just our entry point,” Joivan muses, “but even then we knew there was more to explore, more stories to tell.” Percelle interjects with a laugh, recalling the days when every meeting felt like an electrifying brainstorming session: “I remember us debating ideas until the early hours of the morning, driven by nothing but sheer passion and the belief that we could change the narrative.”

The founders reminisce about a time when the team worked from a cramped office that gradually morphed into a second home. “We spent nights there, laughing, arguing, and planning our next big move,” Joivan recalls, his eyes lighting up at the memory. Even as they navigated the early financial challenges and uncertainties of launching a start-up in an unforgiving industry, they remained determined. That period, marked by late nights and limited resources, built a resilience that would become central to their ethos. Behind the scenes, critical input gleaned from all corners of the initial discussions helped shape their decisive move into the world of digital drama and beyond.

Originally known as Wall of Comedy, the platform quickly outgrew its name and limitations. Joivan explains, “We bought the domain back in 2016 with a simple idea, but soon realised we were destined for so much more than just comedy.” Their ambition was clear: evolve into a media powerhouse that embraced all facets of entertainment. Percelle adds, “We always wanted to venture into drama, documentaries, and even original series. It was about capturing the full spectrum of our experiences and the talent we saw around us.”

Throughout their journey, the duo has had to learn and adapt, taking every challenge as a lesson. “Every project is an investment in our community,” Percelle states firmly, underscoring the high stakes of each decision made. They see their platform not just as a business, but as a bridge; one that connects emerging voices with the opportunity and visibility they might otherwise be denied. Their meticulous approach and refusal to settle for anything less than excellence are evident in every facet of Wall of Entertainment. It is this uncompromising commitment that has earned them respect not only from audiences but also within an industry eager for fresh, authentic voices.

Representation is more than a buzzword for Joivan and Percelle, it’s the lifeblood of their mission. “We exist because mainstream spaces weren’t giving us a chance,” says Joivan, his tone a mix of defiance and hope. “Digital platforms have shifted culture, and that’s where the real power lies.” Percelle nods in agreement, passionately recalling a heated online debate from a few years ago. “I wanted to make it clear that this is only the beginning. It’s a journey for all of us, and every opportunity we create opens up another door for new talent.” For them, each success story emerging from their platform is a testament to why they started: to ensure others wouldn’t have to fight quite as hard to be seen.

Their conversation is peppered with moments of humour and reminiscence. I can’t help but note the spark in Joivan’s eyes as he recalls a particular incident; a breakthrough moment in the early days of Wall of Entertainment. He says with a grin, “I took a moment to gather my thoughts, and that pause said it all: we were onto something big.” Percelle’s interjections are equally vivid, each remark laced with the earnest desire to see a cultural shift that extends far beyond their own success.

While the early days were marked by a flurry of activity and a fair share of challenges (including some behind-the-scenes insights we now know only served to fuel their determination), both founders have emerged more resolute. Their ability to transform setbacks into stepping stones is perhaps best summed up when Joivan reflects, “If we make one mistake, we don’t get another shot. We don’t have that luxury of failure; everything we do has to be excellent.” Their resilience, tested time and time again, has become both armour and inspiration.

Innovation is the watchword at Wall of Entertainment. By embracing digital autonomy and steering clear of the conventional media gatekeepers, Joivan and Percelle have created a space where creativity reigns. “We’re not waiting for anyone to commission our work,” Joivan asserts. “We set our own targets, and we’re in control of our destiny.” This control has not only allowed them to pivot quickly in a fast-changing digital landscape, but also to invest in emerging talent with a vision that’s as bold as it is inclusive.

Percelle’s vision for the future is unyielding. “The journey isn’t easy, but every challenge is an opportunity to raise the bar. We’re building more than a company; we’re creating a legacy.” His words resonate deeply, reflecting both the pressure of their mission and the boundless optimism that has carried them this far. Their idea of legacy goes beyond catalogue or clout. It is about making space, lifting others, and paying forward the platform they built for

themselves.

As our conversation draws to a close, the energy in the room is palpable. Joivan and Percelle are not just content creators, they’re architects of change. Their story, filled with laughter, late nights, and moments of sheer brilliance, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets perseverance. “We are always working from a place of pressure,” Percelle confesses, “because we’re representing not only ourselves but an entire

community.”

Their journey is a celebration of talent, a rallying cry for innovation, and above all, a powerful reminder that true representation begins when voices take charge of their own narratives. As Wall of Entertainment continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of Black British media is in very capable hands and it’s a future rooted in resilience, driven by community, and open to all.

Interview & Words by: Kyra Latinwo