African music pros selected for first Power Up Participant Programme in the UK

The Participant Programme was launched in February by the PRS Foundation in partnership with YouTube Music, Beggars Group, the Black Music Coalition and Creative Scotland to elevate black talent in the UK. An open call attracted more than 500 applications, with participants selected across hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, dance, pop, classical, jazz, rock and country.

Osazuwa is the founder of Measure of Music and the director of data and insights – global marketing at Warner Music Group. Agyekumhene is an artist manager and NFT consultant, while Obianagha is the founder and director of Enspire Management, and the co-founder and director of the Echo Music Foundation. Daniels is the founder and CEO at Bounce Culture.

The initiative forms part of a long-term initiative to address racism and racial disparities in music. Some 38% of participants are based outside London, including two in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. Fifty-two percent of the participants are women or gender minorities, with more than a quarter from the LGBT community.

“The holistically shaped programme, specifically designed to fit the needs of the participants, will assist in the development of their careers and practice to break through glass ceilings and accelerate change,” a statement reads. “This includes grant support of up to £15 000 [$21 000] 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.”

Power Up co-founder Ben Wynter said: “With the launch of the participant programme, we can help support talent to break through the glass ceiling, but it also allows us to focus on the next phase of the Power Up movement ensuring that we work with like-minded organisations to help the industry to become a fairer and more equitable place for all.”

Power Up senior manager Yaw Owusu said: “I’m extremely excited to start working alongside the amazing and inspiring individuals who make up the inaugural network and will be the first Power Up Programme participants. We have worked really hard on the design and content of the Participant Programme so, alongside our partners and various external delivery organisations, we can ensure it reflects and meets the holistic needs of the participants.”

PRS Foundation CEO Joe Frankland added: “With so many applicants highlighting the severity of anti-black racism in music in 2021, the whole sector must come together to make meaningful change at all levels. With wide-reaching action, I truly believe our participants will be at the forefront of a fairer, more equitable music industry.”

“Power Up is testament to what can be achieved when we all come together to stand for what we believe in,” YouTube Music artist relations manager Sheniece Charway said. “That there were over 500 applications speaks volumes about the abundance of creative talent we have in the UK, and it’s a pleasure and privilege for YouTube Music to help break down barriers and bring about real change in the industry.”

Below is the full list of Year 1 participants:

Music creators

• Abel Selaocoe
• Amahla
• Anaiis
• Gramn
• Daniel Kidane
• Dapz On The Map
• Donae’O
• Ego Ella May
• GAIKA
• Kasien
• KG
• Kyan
• Lady Sanity
• MckNasty
• Nova Twins
• Rebecca Garton
• Simeon Hammond Dallas
• Sola
• Taahliah
• Yizzy

Music industry professionals

• Adem Holness
• Christine Osazuwa
• Des Agyekumhene
• Despa Robinson
• Eric Hunter
• Errol Anderson
• Eunice Obianagha
• Hannah Shogbola
• Heather Nelson
• Jennifer John
• Kwame Daniels
• Laura Lewis-Paul
• Lekan Latinwo
• Loretta Andrews
• Mohamed Ogleh
• Nick Eziefula
• Ree Sewell
• Sami Omar
• Sarah Shodipe
• Selina Wedderburn