POWER UP: The Impact So Far
Learn about the initiative that has supported over 80 Black creatives and continuing support for years to come
Ella May (2021-03-01) by Ego Ella MayPOWER UP
POWER UP is an ambitious, long-term initiative which supports Black music creators and industry professionals and executives, as well as addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.
Take a look at some of the success stories through the years.
Nova Twins (2023-03-01) by Photo courtesy of Nova TwinsPOWER UP
Nova Twins signed to Marshall Records, before winning at the Heavy Music Awards and AIM Awards 2022, and picking up nominations for the BRITS and the Mercury Music Prize.
Watch Nova Twins 'Choose Your Fighter' live at Glastonbury 2023 now, courtesy of BBC Music.
Adem Holness (left) has been appointed Head of Contemporary Music at the Southbank Centre, Hannah Shogbola (middle) was inducted into the Music Week Women in Music Roll of Honour, and Christine Osazuwa (right) has been appointed as Chief Strategy Officery at Shoob while using support to further develop her Measure of Music conference events.
Abel Selaocoe took part in the Proms in 2021 and 2022, signed to Warner Classics, and presented the three-part BBC Radio 3 show Cello Retold. His debut album hit No. 4 in the Classical Album Chart and he performed on Later... with Jools Holland.
Mace the Great (left), Bemz and Cherym all signed to Marshall Live Agency, TAAHLIAH (middle) won an AIM Award, and Keturah Cummings was selected for the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator. And Bemz won Breakthrough MC/Vocalist of the Year at the DJ Mag Awards 2022.
Des Soga Talking (2022-07-01) by SureThing MediaPOWER UP
Ego Ella May won Vocalist of the Year at the Jazz FM Awards, Jennifer John (pictured) won an AIM Award, and Des Agyekumhene’s company Soga were behind the Close To Home NFT campaign for Aitch– the first NFT project to enter the UK Official Albums Chart.
Ree and Sanity (2021-10-25) by Sure Thing MediaPOWER UP
Several industry professionals have been promoted and many new companies have been launched already. New roles and appointments for participants included Ree Sewell (pictured) being appointed A&R Coordinator at Universal; Daniel Kidane being elected to the Ivors Academy Senate.
Despa Be83 (2021-03-01) by Despa RobinsonPOWER UP
Despa Robinson (pictured) being appointed to the AIM Board; Eric Hunter becoming Education & Membership Engagement Manager at The MMF.
Dapz JustJones (2022-06-21) by JustJones - @JonesJustJonesPOWER UP
Despa Robinson’s label BE83 won Best Label at the BMAs. Fellow industry professional Kwame Daniels presented his own Inna Rhythm series on BBC Ulster. And artist Dapz on the Map (pictured) secured a FIFA ‘23 Soundtrack feature.
Supported artists have been dominating playlists and festivals across the world and internationally. Drummer and creator MckNasty took up the role of MD for global sensation Wizkid’s 3-night sold out London residency at the O2. Rebecca Garton used support to complete her EP, shoot videos in Ghana and secure increased coverage. Loretta Andrews published her book Talking to Children About Race. Artist KG became a full-time Capital Dance radio presenter.
Beckford (2022-03-01) by Travis BeckfordPOWER UP
Travis Beckford’s (pictured) THEFUTUREIS collaborated with Nike and was appointed Associate Director at ASCAP, Whitney Asomani was featured in Music Week’s Women in Music x YouTube Legacy Series, and Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola and client YolanDa Brown are launching a new music venue.
IMPALA Change-Maker Award Banner (2022-05-18) by IMPALAPOWER UP
In May 2022, POWER UP was selected as the inaugural recipient of IMPALA’s new Changemaker Award which spotlights projects that promote change in the independent sector and inspire others in Europe to take action.
Yaw and Graft (2022-07-12) by Sure Thing MediaPOWER UP
What's Next for POWER UP?
The POWER UP team and partners look forward to supporting an ever-increasing network of Black excellence. We're working on bespoke support in specific parts of the UK where the combination of anti-Black racism and infrastructural support gaps mean strategic intervention is need.
Year 1 sharing (2022-07-12) by Sure Thing MediaPOWER UP
We require increased support from across the music sector. It is clear from the 1,200+ applications we have received, and from the amazing achievements of participants so far, that POWER UP is needed and is working to forge a fairer music sector for the benefit of all.
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