Charismatic entertainment and sports agent Steve Sharpe is a fixture on the London nightlife scene. The deal-making entrepreneur can usually be found in Mayfair or the West End schmoozing with his high-profile friends and clients, including global hip hop artists, movie stars and professional footballers. But what are they really like?
Steve, how did you get involved in the entertainment industry?
“About 10 years ago I was working in technology and needed something to stimulate my mind as a side hustle. Back then, social media was in its infancy so I used that to my advantage and managed to get through to a few reality TV stars about doing video messages for fans, for a few hundred quid each. I remember meeting some of the guys from ‘The X Factor’ in a Caffè Nero with a big wad of notes for them between their pantomime rehearsals. So that was the beginning!”
You’ve participated in several TV shows yourself, haven’t you?
“Yes – ‘Eating With My Ex’ on BBC Three; ‘First Dates’ on Channel 4; ‘Text Dating’ for LADbible; and the docuseries ‘Million Pound Pawn’ on ITV.”
Tell us about your agency, 3 Kingdoms Group.
“3 Kingdoms Group is an entertainment and sports management company – we do talent management, live events and brand deals. A lot of our clientele are US hip hop artists, but we take on famous talent from any industry and help them turn their social capital into real monetary income.”
Who have you been working with?
“Just prior to the pandemic, we ran a high-profile couture fashion show headlined by influencers, models and entrepreneurs Daisey and Ellie O’Donnell (‘The O’Dolls’). Then for US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, we provided the content marketing for his European tour this year. We also supported performances for Tyga, Fat Joe, Lil Yachty and Meek Mill with on-stage and behind-the-scenes content marketing for their 2021 UK nightclub and festival appearances. While most US artists have cancelled their European tours due to the latest Covid outbreak, we are currently working with performance artists based in Europe, including DJ Ego from We The Best Music Group.”
What are your upcoming plans and projects?
“We’re about to launch a new venture with pop star and influencer Nicole O’Brien and our commercial partner digital media agency Xanda. My lips are sealed about the full details, but you can expect some very exciting movements in the retail space here. We’re also working on two commercial sponsorships and one NFT project for Premier League football clubs. 3 Kingdoms Group is co-owned by James Worthy, a three-times Grammy-nominated producer and artist, and we’re planning for his next tour, possibly with legendary hip hop group Goodie Mob.”
Who have you been rubbing shoulders with recently?
“We hosted an exclusive event recently and guests included Michael ‘Venom’ Page, the MMA fighter, ‘Love Island’ stars Tyler and Alexis, Steve Cardenas, Nicole O’Brien, and Brentford footballers. Speaking of football, the Akinfenwa brothers have hit the club with me a few times lately, and I took them to London Fashion Week for their new documentary – they’re really great lads, good vibes! Just before the first lockdown we were really lucky to have Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan in London and also hit the clubs a couple of times with the legendary DJ Thoro. I have huge respect for these hip hop icons, so I’m honoured to have opportunities like that in my life. I’ve also taken out Tai Lopez, the online business mogul, a few times in London this past year when he’s been in town, and I get more messages in my DMs about him than anyone. His fans must be some of the most committed in the world!”
Featured photo credit: Dom Martin
