PRS Foundation POWER UP has officially announced the music creators, industry professionals and executives who will make up Year 1 of the Participant Programme, launched in February this year.
The long-term initiative aimed at addressing anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector attracted 512 applications from 363 music creators and 149 industry professionals at crucial career stages.
The Participant Programme elevates and represents exciting Black talent across the UK, with 38% of participants based outside London, including 2 in Scotland, 1 in Wales and 1 in Northern Ireland. 52% of participants are women or gender minorities and over a quarter are LGBTQ+. And selected participants work across a broad range of genres – from Black Music genres including R&B and Rap genres to Electronic & Dance, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Country and everything in between – and in many different roles and sectors of music.
POWER UP Music Creator Participant and pioneering UK recording artist, and Donae’O said “Power Up has given me the opportunity to be supported by other people in the industry who will better understand the issues have faced as a Black man in the music business. This has inspired and empowered me to lend my support to the next wave of artists coming through. I also hope, with the help of the Power Up Mentoring scheme, I can make a meaningful impact of the careers of others..”
Specifically designed to fit the needs of the participants, the scheme will assist in the development of their careers and practice to break through glass ceilings and accelerate change. This includes grant support of up to £15,000 alongside capacity building masterclasses, mentoring, coaching, mental health and wellbeing support and access to added value support from POWER UP Partners and the peer network which is integral to breaking down barriers.
Year 1 participants are as follows:
20 Music Creators:
● Abel Selaocoe (Classical)
● Amahla (R&B/Soul)
● Anaiis (Alternative/Indie)
● GRAMN. (R&B/Soul)
● Daniel Kidane (Classical)
● Dapz On The Map (Grime)
● Donae’O (Afro Beats)
● Ego Ella May (R&B/Soul)
● GAIKA (Grime)
● Kasien (Hip-Hop/Rap)
● KG (Dance)
● Kyan (Singer-Songwriter)
● Lady Sanity (Hip-Hop/Rap)
● MckNasty (Jazz/Hip -Hop)
● Nova Twins (Rock)
● Rebecca Garton (R&B / Soul)
● Simeon Hammond Dallas (Country)
● Sola (Alternative/Indie)
● TAAHLIAH (Electronic)
● Yizzy (Grime)
20 Music Industry Professionals:● Adam Holness, Music Curator, Horniman
Museum / Relationship Manager, Arts
Council England
● Christine Osazuwa, Director of Data &
Insights – Global Marketing, Warner Music
Group / Founder, Measure of Music
● Des Agyekumhene, Artist Manager & NFT
Consultant
● Despa Robinson, Founder, BE83 Ltd.
● Eric Hunter, Music Publishing
Coordinator, Sky
● Errol Anderson, Founder, Touching Base
● Eunice Obianagha, Independent Event
and Project Management Director,
ENSPIRE Management
● Hannah Shogbola, Senior Agent, Echo
Location Talent / Founder, Daju
● Heather Nelson, CEO, Black Music
Festival & The Legacy Awards
● Jennifer John, Creative director,
Composer, Music Manager, Vocal Coach
and Music Mentor, Key Note Speaker,
Jennifer John Music
● Kwame Daniels, Founder & CEO, Bounce
Culture
