UD's flagship event, Industry Takeover, reveals full September line-up featuring first time collaborations with BBC Music and V&A East

18 September 2024 - Press release

The four-day programme includes an In Conversation with Mercury Prize nominee BERWYN and the first ever live recording of Ben Wynter’s “Be Unstoppable” podcast

The National Youth Music Organisation (NYMO), UD, which brings communities together around Black music and Black music culture, has today revealed the full line-up for the 2024 edition of its flagship event, Industry Takeover, which will take place next week from 25-28 September 2024.

The inspirational four-day event, co-curated by UD’s community of aspiring artists and creatives, will take place at the Talent House in Sugar House Island in Stratford, equipping the next generation of music and professional talent with the tools they need to navigate and build alliances within the music business. Since its launch in September 2011, UD has welcomed more than 3000 young people to its annual Industry Takeover conference and helped to develop the careers of executives now working at Apple, TikTok, Sheridans and Universal Music as well as artists including Little Simz and Ghetts through its showcases.

UD welcomes BBC Music and V&A East as collaborators

2024 sees BBC Music and V&A East come on board as new collaborators. As it prepares to move to Stratford, the BBC will bring its Radio 1Xtra and Asian network brands to educate young delegates on how to get their music heard by the world’s biggest broadcaster, whilst music and culture journalist Yemi Abiade will interview the Head of BBC Asian Network, Ahmed Hussain, on his journey from pirate and community radio to running the award-winning station with half a million weekly listeners.

Jacqueline Springer, Curator, Africa and Diaspora: Performance at V&A and curator of V&A East Museum’s inaugural exhibition The Music Is Black: A British Story, will take to the stage for a deep-dive into the life of two-time Mercury Prize nominee, BERWYN, from being born in Trinidad and raised in Romford to securing that all important album accolade. Springer will also lead a conversation between the best-selling Black British female writer, Candice Carty Williams, and one of the UK’s most prolific hip hop producers, Swindle. The duo, who have collaborated on Champion and Queenie, will delve into the sound of contemporary memory to explore how writers, dramatists, producers and musicians put modern memory to song.

POWER UP! and Be Unstoppable fuel the focus on industry diversity

In another first for the flagship event, AIM and POWER UP!’s Ben Wynter will host the first ever live recording of his new podcast, Be Unstoppable. The inaugural episode will feature industry icon, Darcus Beese, on his career and new, no holds barred memoir, Rebel With a Cause: Roots, Records and Revolution. The episode will air in October and will be followed up by conversations with Jin Jin, Sons of Sonix, Riki Bleau and more.

UD will once again bring the industry together for its B2B forum, this year hosted by Power UP! ‘Get Up Stand Up’, is open to anyone in the industry with an interest in equity, diversity and inclusion and will see executives come together to explore the progress – or the lack of – on race accountability in the music industry since the 2020 Black Lives Matter protest, as well understanding what it means to be ethical and why it’s crucial to stand up for what you believe in.

Four days of knowledge sharing and expertise from the industry’s finest

Talent House “Open Days” will be held throughout the event, featuring taster workshops, free studio time, and an introduction to UD’s Level 4 music performance, production and technology courses powered by the University of East London. Careers advice will continue with a series of talks, including:

A U-Talk powered by Universal Music introducing executives from Polydor, Decca and Island Records;
A session on Unlocking Revenue Streams powered by PRS for Music with BAFTA Breakthrough composer Jamal Green, UK R&B rising star Nippa, British singer and rapper Jords, Pink Floyd-influenced producer / artist Richard Carter and European Entertainment Marketing lead at Puma, Vaniece J;
A panel on How to Steal My Job with industry players from BBC Introducing London, PRS for Music, Soundcloud and UK Music;
Meet The Experts, masterclasses and speed networking sessions with BBC Music, CC Young & Co, Handle Recruitment, London Legacy Development Good Growth Hub, PPL, Small Green Shoots, Un:hurd and Y Royalties.

Live music will feature prominently across the four days, with UD’s very own Incubator talent on display at UD’s Live Music Showcase, hosted by TRENCH; earlier this year, ten talented artists making music of Black origin were selected to take part in Incubator, UD’s intensive talent and professional development programme. A No Signal takeover will also see live DJs SAVSSOUNDS and RBC, as well as a pop-up radio station raise the roof of the Talent House, with Open Mic, live music masterclasses from JB Made It and JoJo Sonubi, co-founder of High Roller taking place over the weekend.

UD founder and CEO Pamela McCormick said: “As we approach our 25th year, we can proudly reflect on the impact this event has had on the lives of so many young people. Through collaborations that have paved the way for career development and invaluable insights and industry connections, we are equipping young Black creative talent for working in this competitive business. This year’s programme is one of the boldest yet, providing a platform for frank discussions that will educate, engage and empower the next generation of executives and artists, whilst connecting them with today’s business leaders to ensure their voices and ideas are heard. A heartfelt thank you to all our funders, industry partners, and, most importantly, UD’s incredible young talent, who continue to drive this event from strength to strength.”

Head of BBC Asian Network, Ahmed Hussain noted: "As a proud East Londoner, I'm incredibly excited to be part of the UD Music panel and share my industry journey. This area has always been a hotbed for creativity and talent, and it's a privilege to give back and support emerging creative talent from the same community that shaped me. Hard work and passion can help you go far, and I'm looking forward to sharing my experience, and some of my career highlights, to inspire the next generation of East London talent."

Ben Wynter, Founder and CEO Unstoppable Music Group, Co-Founder POWER UP! Initiative and Director of Business Development and Partnerships at AIM, commented: “I am excited to be launching the Be Unstoppable podcast at such a significant event in the Black music calendar and to have the opportunity to foster a #BeUnstoppable mindset engage with UD’s thriving creative community of young Black talent. Additionally bringing POWER UP to young people gives us the opportunity to let young Black talent know they’re not alone. As they progress through their careers, they can tap into a network pipeline of support—from UD then on to POWER UP, we are here for them every step of the way. UD has been pivotal in shaping the future talent pipeline, consistently inspiring young individuals to advance in their careers—whether as artists, executives, or otherwise. The diverse range of industry voices they bring together at these events is invaluable.”

The Talent House, a £4.1 million state-of-the-art creative hub, was opened in 2022 to equip young, diverse talent in east London to become the next generation of music and dance professionals by providing accessible and affordable access to world-class facilities. The goal is to serve as a launchpad for reaching new audiences and facilitating collaboration between young people, early-career creatives, and producers.

To check out the full Industry Takeover programme and sign up for the free sessions, visit Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/industry-takeover-it2024-3470389

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