UD reveals 2025 incubator class in partnership with PPL

The nine acts represent a broad spectrum of genres including grime, pop, rap, R&B, drill, hip hop and jazz:

• Alternative electronic artist, producer & guitarist Anya Jasmine 
• Neo-Soul vocalist and story-telling rapper Dia Day
• Soul and alt R&B artist and actor Diya Sohi 
• Progressive R&B/ Neo Soul artist and producer Isabelle Mettle 
• Emerging dark R&B/ pop singer, songwriter and producer Jacob Storey 
• Multi-genre rapper Jedz
• Soul and alt R&B artist and multi instrumentalist Rio Sterling 
• Multi-genre singer, songwriter and sometimes rapper Shelbee Tee 
• Alternative dark pop artist Teodora 

UD launches new Emerging Artist Residency
Adding to its educational and professional development initiatives, UD has also launched a new Emerging Artist Residency. Hosted at the Talent House, the residency provides emerging artists with a rare opportunity to professionally record and mix a single, working closely with UD’s in-house engineers and industry mentors.

Participants will leave with a release-ready track, a tangible outcome that builds both confidence and industry momentum. The residency reinforces UD’s mission to provide early-stage artists with access to professional facilities, expert advice and the creative freedom to take their music to the next level.

Complementing the Incubator programme, the Residency reflects UD’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Black music and empowering emerging artists across genres with access, opportunity and expert development.

Pamela McCormick, CEO of UD, said: “Now in its third year, the Incubator Programme continues to address a clear need in the industry - supporting young artists creating music of Black origin as they move from education or training into the professional world. The success of last year’s cohort, with several artists securing management, bookings and first releases, has reinforced the importance of this work. By nurturing both creative talent and business knowledge, we’re helping to build sustainable careers and ensuring these artists are truly industry-ready. We remain grateful to PPL for their continued support; together, with the support of all of the Incubator partners, we’re committed to driving meaningful change and opening doors for the next generation of UK talent.”

Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL said: “It is fantastic to see UD’s Incubator programme return for a third year, continuing to provide a vital platform for young artists to develop creatively and professionally. At PPL, we’re proud to support initiatives that invest in the future of music by opening doors and building tangible pathways into the industry. Through our ongoing partnership with UD, we’re helping to equip the next generation of talent with the tools, knowledge and opportunities they need to succeed, while also strengthening the diversity and richness of the UK music scene.”

Izzy Withers, who participated in the 2024 Incubator programme added: “UD’s Incubator programme came at a pivotal point in my journey and gave me the structure, support and confidence I needed to take the next step in my career. I had a clear creative vision, but the programme helped me understand the business side of music and how to make that vision a reality. The funding allowed me to create my first music video, something I’d been working towards for a long time, and the speed networking opened my eyes to areas of the industry I didn’t even know existed. The programme gave me real momentum - since completing it, I’ve released my debut single and video, booked a BBC Introducing session and started laying the groundwork for my EP. I feel more prepared than ever to grow as an artist.”

In recent times, UD’s talent has appeared on some of the UK’s most recognisable stages. Its flagship vocal group, Flames Collective, joined RAYE at The BRIT Awards at The O2 in early 2024, and returned to the venue shortly afterwards to take part in her sold-out headline show. These performances followed earlier appearances with the Mercury Prize-winning artist in 2023, including at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall.

This weekend (14 June), Flames Collective will take part in Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre, performing as part of a set with soul artist Sasha Keable. The event forms part of UD’s ongoing work to support emerging talent and create routes into professional performance across the UK’s creative industries.