Forward Slash Founder Keturah Cummings Wins 'Music Entrepreneur of the Year' at 2025 Young Music Boss Awards

10 June 2025 - Press release

To be awarded in partnership with AIM on Thursday 12th June

Keturah Cummings, founder of social media agency and content production studio Forward Slash, will be named Music Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Young Music Boss (YMB) Awards, which take place on Thursday 12th June at the newly redeveloped Oval Space in London.

Awarded in partnership with the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the Music Entrepreneur of the Year category recognises those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in the music business. Keturah’s work through Forward Slash is transformative in how talent is discovered, nurtured and platformed — placing culture at the centre and creating meaningful opportunities for the next wave of creatives. Founded in 2018, Forward Slash has collaborated with Raye, Michael Dapaah, Jorja Smith, and Wretch 32, as well as BBC Radio 1Xtra, Amazon Music, Netflix, Google Arts and Culture and Red Bull UK. With a strong reputation for connecting artists, brands and audiences in new ways, Keturah’s work reflects strongly on independent music entrepreneurship.

Cummings commented:"I wasn't expecting this at all - I'm equal parts surprised and honoured! Being an entrepreneur in the current climate means constantly adapting and embracing the challenges to get to the breakthroughs. Forward Slash has grown through staying creative and committed whilst pivoting accordingly, so recognition of the impact we've made so far across the industry is greatly appreciated. Thank you Young Music Boss and AIM."

AIM’s partnership with YMB on the award over a number of years celebrates the entrepreneurship intrinsic to the independent music sector. It is this entrepreneurship which gives rise to innovative, nimble and truly independent music businesses and artists whose cultural impact often far exceeds their scale. AIM’s community is known for its reinvestment into the wider community, including through their support for YMB to foster and celebrate business leaders.

Now in its fifth year, the YMB Awards continue to celebrate the power behind the scenes — honouring the executives, creatives, and change-makers shaping today’s music business.
Ben Wynter, Director of Business Development & Partnerships at AIM, commented: “Keturah Cummings is a trailblazer whose work with Forward Slash exemplifies the innovation and resilience that define independent music entrepreneurship. She has not only created a platform that uplifts emerging talent but has also redefined how culture and community intersect within the industry. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and championing underrepresented voices sets a new standard for what it means to be a leader in today's music landscape. Keturah's achievements are a testament to the transformative power of true entrepreneurship in music. AIM is proud to support YMB’s choice to award Keturah Cummings Entrepreneur of the Year 2025”

“The Music Entrepreneur of the Year Award is about recognising those who are not only building businesses, but building bridges,” said Jusnah Gadi, Founder of Young Music Boss and the YMB Awards. “Keturah embodies that spirit—she’s a force within the industry who continues to pave a way forward for others to follow. We’re proud to honour her journey.”

The 2025 ceremony will once again bring together a diverse cross-section of the music industry, with professionals across labels, management, publishing, tech, legal, PR and media in attendance — further cementing the YMB Awards as a vital space for celebrating those behind the scenes who drive the culture forward.

The YMB Awards will take place on June 12th 2025 at Oval Space, London. Limited corporate ticket packages are available on request by emailing: ymbawards@youngmusicboss.com.

Sponsors and partners include AIM, PPL, The Music Managers Forum, The Black Music Coalition, Small Green Shoots, Punch Records and more.

More information on the categories, nominees and tickets for the Awards ceremony can be found at www.ymbawards.co.uk.