Next Generation of Leaders in Music
We spotlight 10 of our past and present participants doing amazing things across the UK nations and regions
Year 2 Group Shot (2022-07-12) by Sure Thing MediaPOWER UP
At POWER UP we pride ourselves on supporting and elevating exciting Black creators and industry professionals through our Participant Programme. Since 2021 we have worked with 120 individuals to help them break through the glass ceilings they are facing in the UK music industry.
Dapz JustJones (2022-06-21) by JustJones - @JonesJustJonesPOWER UP
Arguably this is more vital for those based outside London
For various reasons, powering up talent across the UK nations and regions is more important than ever. Therefore, we feel it is only right that we spotlight 10 individuals that we feel are leading the industry to a brighter and more equitable future.
Charles (2022-03-01) by August CharlesPOWER UP
We wanted to start with the exceptional and important work they are doing in their own regions or devolved nations, and it's clear that this work is positively impacting the whole of the UK.
Abel Selaocoe - Manchester
Abel Selaocoe blurs the lines of genre and style between African music, jazz and classical music as he has taken his original blend of African rhythm, Throat singing and cello playing to venues such as Royal Festival Hall, Kings Place, Bridgewater Hall and Royal Albert Hall.
Watch Abel Selaocoe's BBC Later with Jools Holland performance of 'Ka Bohaleng / On The Sharp Side'
Despa Robinson - Birmingham
Despa is an entertainment mogul and a pioneer in the UK Black Music scene. Through his multi-faceted company, BE83, he guides the careers of Jaykae, Dapz On The Map and so many more and is a driving force behind Birmingham’s prominence in the British Rap industry.
TAAHLIAH - Glasgow
TAAHLIAH is an award-winning DJ and producer at the centre of a new generation revitalising electronic music. Championed by Mixmag, DJ Mag and BBC Radio 1, she is the first Black trans artist nominated for and to win Scottish Alternative Music Awards and an AIM Award.
Watch TAAHLIAH's Boiler Room Manchester: 'Teletech' set
Jennifer John - Liverpool
Jennifer is an award-winning composer, vocal coach and creative director. She has worked and with Damon Albarn, Seal, Bon Jovi, David Gilmore, Paloma Faith, Yoko Ono, Massive Attack and Cream Classical.
Jennifer actively advocates for social change in Liverpool and beyond.
Sami Omar - Glasgow
In 2018 Sami launched UP2STNDRD, a vital platform for underrepresented youths and Black Music in Scotland - offering recording, filming and live event support as a one-stop shop for creatives! Sami works tirelessly to ensure true diversity is at the forefront of the scene.
Mace the Great - Cardiff
Having won a Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize and garnered ardent support from BBC Wales, BBC 1Xtra, ITV, S4C and Focus Wales, Mace carries Cardiff on his shoulders with pride. In 2022 he was the first Welsh Black Music artist to showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Check out the music promo video for Mace The Great single 'Welcome to SplottWorld.'
Malaki Patterson - Gloucester
Malaki is Creative Director at The Music Works, helping to shape the strategy for their new £1.8 million inclusive music hub and managing their artist development programme. He is the founder of annual Black music festival Kings Jam and has recently launched Onatora Records.
James Ayo - Belfast
James is the CEO of the ground-breaking HotBox Entertainment - a label, studio and hub to support, showcase and export emerging artists from Ireland.
James was named Belfast 30 Under 30 2023 and Belfast Entrepreneur of the Month as well as winning a Social Entrepreneur Award.
Laura Lewis-Paul - Bristol
Laura is founder of Saffron Records, a change-making initiative taking an intersectional approach to addressing the gender imbalance in the music tech industry. She works alongside companies including Spitfire Audio and Abbey Road to create an industry that is equitable for all.
AGAAMA - Midlands
Singer-songwriter, composer and producer AGAAMA blends electronic instrumentalism with haunting pop melodies. Supporters include The Guardian, Metro, 6Music and 1Xtra, and national and international shows have included a televised performance with BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Watch this amazing AGAAMA 'Sarehole Mill' video
Written by Yaw Owusu, Senior Manager of POWER UP
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