My career within the Music industry started in 1988, at two groundbreaking record stores, VINYL LAB & BLACKMARKET RECORD In Soho, this led to working at Champion Record as Club Promotion & A&R.

Champion Records brought iconic House/Dance tracks like RAZE “Break For Love”  ROBIN S “Show Me Love” & SYBIL ’Don’t Make Me Over”. I also had the privilege of working with Paul Oakenfold across all the artist

To expand my knowledge further I joined Rush Management and Def Jam {Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen) as Artist Manager, working for many years in the European arm of the company. I worked with acts like Public Enemy, De La Soul, LL Cool J, Tribe Called Quest and DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Etc.

I’ve covered various sectors within the industry, including Publishing/Club Promotion Distribution and Management. Worked on a consultancy basis with Lucian Grange at Universal Music, where within this role I acquired new artist and songwriters. One of the highlights from this period was signing the hit single ’Dirty Cash – (STEVIE V)

I went on to start my own Management Company, Bermuda Management working with acts such as Hil St Soul/Terri Walker, Jaimeson, McLean and The Architechs whose first single “BODY GROOVE” went to number 3 and sold over 500k records, this led me into compilations where I collaborated on two of the most sort after comp series ‘REMIND SELECTA’ (with David Rodigan) & ’ONE IN THE JUNGLE’ (with Radio 1)

Managed Conor Maynard – online sensation with over 11 million subscribers on YouTube to becoming a Recording Artist achieving 5 top 10”s in the UK Charts and a No.1 Album, 3 singles achieving SILVER status and a Gold Album in the UK with similar success around Europe and US.

Also starring in the lead role of the award-winning Broadway Show “KINKY BOOTS” The winner of six Tony Awards.

“If You Want to know what the future of music looks like take a peek at Conor Maynard” – The Telegraph

Other Artist include Art Collective LNIP (Last Night In Paris)

Whilst working in the music industry I decided to work as a Football Agent bringing my skills from Music Management into the world of football. I passed my Agent exam and registered with the English FA as an Agent / Intermediary and went on to work with professional Football Clubs around the globe representing players in the premiership & championship, also securing over 30 professional playing contracts.

Currently Managing Singer-Songwriter IYAMAH / Patrick Hutchinson & prolific Songwriter Dantae Johnson. Also started my own artist development hub and label Homemade Records with upcoming releases from Dylan Williams, Steve Octave & Akheim Allen.

Testimonials:

Ali Tennant – Ivor Novella Nominated writer, Xfactor, BGT, The Voice advisor & lead Vocal Coach.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing A.H. for over 25yrs as a good friend and great music industry professional even managing myself and Wayne Hector in the early/Formative part of our careers during our Boyband deal at Sony Epic, where he helped to shape us into the men we are today! 

Aaron is well known and highly respected in every part of the music business as a calming but sharp manager who has grown/evolved and stayed relevant where many have not in an ever changing landscape. A successful Husband, Father, manager and Friend, Aaron is truly one of the beautiful souls in this world. Continued Health/Wealth and Success.”

Andre Mcdonald – Head of Digital UK & Europe Nettwerk Records, Head of Digital/Label Manager CRC Records, Head Of Digital Crown Management, Artist Manager/General Manager HME MDE

“Aaron Hercules is curious of mind and counterintuitive by nature,

In an industry which is often divisive and destructive, he leads with integrity, warmth and a continued enthusiasm from the music industry in which he has been at the forefront of for over 20 years. 

I’ve had the absolute pleasure and honour of Aaron being a trusted mentor and friend, who has never wavered in his faith in me and my abilities, and has not only been a pillar of support, but has been an advocate and champion of mine; who has been integral to my continued growth and success within the industry I love, and in shaping the man I have become today. 

He is an individual whose astute mind and ability to reimagine himself professionally is only matched by his sense of style. He is tireless, forthright, leads with love and the industry is a better place for having him in it. We must protect this man at all costs.”

Derek Ojo – Founder of Black Diamond Music / Music Manager

“During my time working in the U.K. music industry, I have been fortunate enough to have received great advice and help from an important mentor of mine, Aaron Hercules. As a person of colour and the BAME community, and an up and coming manager with minimal experience within the industry, Aaron was able & continues to support me immensely, with important insights and direction, ranging from recommendations on reputable solicitors to effective strategy on music release campaigns.

These pieces of invaluable massive and guidance, were crucial to me for making key decisions to progress in my managerial career and guide the careers of my clients in the right direction. As a result, I believe the role which A.D.D. plays and continues to play will be integral as a key resource for the future generations of up and coming, as well as established, music executives within the industry.”

Brenda is a long-established Broadcaster and Journalist, best known as an Arts, Culture and Entertainment Correspondent at the BBC; former presenter of the BBC’s flagship fashion programme, The Clothes Show,’ ‘The Midweek National Lottery.’ as well as ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and a host of documentaries including: ‘Tate Modern: Switched On,’ ‘The Brits Who Designed the Modern World,’ ‘Who Ever Heard of A Black Artist?’ and ‘Charles I: Treasures ReUnited.’

Brenda is renowned as a champion of Diversity in the Arts and is a Founder Member and Vice Chair of the Creative Industries Alliance and Vice Chair of Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Dance Company.

Testimonials:

The Art Fund
‘Brenda is a true champion of the arts – whether seeking out the stories that matter most to communities or asking the questions we all want to know the answers to – as a broadcaster, she brings a refreshing breadth of culture to life for the widest possible audiences. Brenda worked closely with Art Fund on Museum of the Year, first in expertly activating the media partnership across the BBC for two years, and then as a judge for the prestigious prize. In both roles her dedication to opening up museums and galleries and inspiring everyone to engage shone through. Her passion for equality, diversity and inclusion is a deeply embedded constant throughout her career and lived experiences, which she was generous enough to share with all the Art Fund team at a recent inspiration talk. Her positivity, energy and practical applications motivated everyone listening to take steps – as a collective organisation funding the arts, and as individuals.’

Danny Poku (Danny D) – Danny D is a music industry professional with close to four decades of experience. It’s a career that has seen him working across all areas of the business – starting as a DJ, then transitioning to club promotions before working in A&R, and then onto being an artist, remixer, producer and now currently one half of a publishing company that has transformed the music business.

Danny’s journey started at All Ears Records where Andy Sojka was the first of two major influences in his career. As a keen DJ, Danny was soon working in one of the West End’s premier venues, Gulliver’s, alongside three hugely influential DJ’s in Graham Canter, Graham Gold and journalist James Hamilton, who was the voice of club culture in the UK. It was here that he met the person that he cites as the most important person in helping shape his career, the legendary, Erskine Thompson. Under Erskine’s guidance, Danny found himself not only promoting the music of acts like Loose Ends and Total Contrast, but also remixing them as well.

In 1984 he got his first break into the world of the record company at the legendary Chrysalis Records, working alongside Peter Edge and Simon Fuller. Starting in club promotion, he quickly made the move into A&R signing big hits from Monie Love and Kenny Thomas to name a few. It was at this time that DSM was born. Danny allied his talents with Shaun and Mambo (’S’ and ‘M’ respectively), two highly respected DJ’s from Birmingham to create ‘Warrior Groove’. DSM became D-Mob and Danny scored a massive hit with the genre-defining record “We Call It Acieeed”. Banned by the BBC, the single reached a peak of No.3 in the UK charts and was a No.1 Billboard Dance chart -topper. D-Mob then transformed to include singer-songwriter Cathy Dennis and together they enjoyed success with numerous hits.

In the late nineties with his label Delirious Records up and running, Danny began working with fellow artist/producer and friend, Tim Blacksmith, who had begun managing two talented songwriters and producers from Norway called Stargate. Fresh from success with Tina Moore’s “Never Gonna Let You Go” dancefloor classic, they joined forces to develop Stargate into world-class songwriters and producers, consistently winning Grammys, BRIT Awards and songwriting awards for the next two decades. Their huge success story is embodied in an international publishing company, Stellar Songs, with a multitude of songwriters, including Sam Smith, Emeli Sande and Charlie XCX.

It was at this time that DSM was born. Danny allied his talents with Shaun and Mambo (’S’ and ‘M’ respectively), two highly respected DJ’s from Birmingham to create ‘Warrior Groove’. Critically acclaimed, his recording career had started. From there it was a constant cycle of hits. DSM became D-Mob and Danny first on his own, scored a massive hit with the genre-defining record “We Call It Acieeed”.  Banned by the BBC, the single reached a peak of No.3 in the UK charts and was a No.1 Billboard Dance chart-topper. D-Mob then transformed to include songwriter Cathy Dennis and together they enjoyed success with numerous hits.

In the late nineties with his label Delirious Records up and running, he approached fellow artist and friend, Tim Blacksmith to remix a track that he felt was a hit. Tina Moore’s Never Gonna Let You Go’ became a dance floor classic and radio hit. However, what came next in their relationship was far more significant. Tim, a successful producer and artist himself had taken to managing and was working with two talented songwriters and producers from Norway called Stargate. Fresh from success with Tina Moore, Tim asked Danny if he would like to join him on this journey.

Stargate under Tim and Danny’s guidance became world-class songwriters and producers, being a part of million-selling acts and consistently winning Grammy, BRIT,’s and songwriting awards a relationship that survives and thrives to this day. The big success story is Stellar Songs, founded on the collective talents of Danny and Tim that has seen enormous success with a multitude of songwriters – success that doesn’t look like letting up. Not bad for a boy from North West London…

Testimonials:

Ashley Sykes Co-founder Lost Ones Recordings / Lost Ones Management

“I’ve known Danny for many years and throughout my career, he has always been on hand as a mentor and father figure to guide me through the various ups and downs that the music business has thrown at me. His advice and support extends far beyond the music industry but all facets of life itself. For someone who is so incredibly busy, he’s always there when you need him.

Danny has paved the way and lead by example for many years as a person and a businessman and its an honour to call him a mentor.”

Dean Ricketts built upon his successful background in fashion, music, and image management and founded The Watch-Men Agency in 1989, a strategic marketing and creative agency specializing in ‘how people live in cities’, or if you prefer ‘urban culture’. The agency has a strong reputation for reaching specialist audiences and opinion leaders, and boasts an impressive array of clients which currently include; AFROPUNK Festival, an international theatre consultancy with Terra Kulture, and the sneaker talk series “A Sneaker Society”.

Throughout his career, Dean has executed multiple strategic marketing campaigns at both local and global level which have included UK Transplant, Royal Navy, Electoral Commission, Home Office and Royal Air Force as well as creative work for Caterpillar, BFI, Sony PlayStation, Levi Strauss World Tour – working with The Fugees, OutKast & Jamiroquai, G-Star – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble tour and a compilation album for their global stores, denim brand ROGAN and the launch of an ethical clothing label EDUN.

Dean has also worked closely with a number of artists on their marketing and PR including; Des’ree, Jamiroquai, and Brand New Heavies. He has consulted for The Fader, The Wire, i-D, and Frieze magazines and written and styled for The Sunday Times Magazine, i-D, and The Face. He has also worked for the BBC on Dance Energy and Rough Guide to the World, plus participated in TV productions like The Windrush Gala, MTV Europe Awards, and The Word. He is also on the board of Jazz Re:freshed, Jamaican Music Industry Association JaRIA, and The World Reimagined.

Testimonials:

Wale Adeyemi – Designer

“Dean Ricketts / The Watch-Men Agency has played a key role in positioning not only my career, but also my personal development, in the fashion industry and through styling into the music industry. I first met Dean in the 90’s whilst still at college, it was at this point I realised my ambitions were only a stone throws away, if I followed the process of business, fashion and life skills which were shown to me by Dean and his colleagues. As a young black graduate it was important to have a place where you felt welcomed and encouraged to discuss ideas feelings and (dreams) so on. I think what struck me most about The Watch-Men Agency was the professionalism in business, their presentation and how they always did things with integrity. The agency for many young creatives provided guidance and comfort, and has shaped the journey for myself and many others.”

Charlie Dark Musician/DJ/Entrepreneur/Run Dem Crew

“There are many things I could say about Dean Ricketts/The Watch-Men Agency but I guess I’ll start by saying this, there would be no Charlie Dark without Dean and his magical mentoring eye. When I look back on my career it all begins with the chance sighting of Dean in the doorway of a shop called Mary Quant in Covent Garden. I’m 18, in the midst of my A levels and slowly beginning to realise that the options open to me as a young black teenager in London are limited. Technological advances over the last twenty years have opened up the creative arts to a whole new demographic of people, meaning race, class and gender, although still a barrier are not as much of a monumental hurdle as they were in the late 80’s. Just seeing Dean standing loud and proud in a space where he was least expected to be provoked a catalyst in my heart that stirred me to strive for more than what my destiny had up until that point had in store for me. I saw Dean but more importantly Dean saw me and the slight head nod from the dread in the doorway meant more than a well done from my teachers or an A level mark. It was the acknowledgement from an elder that you could chase your dreams too. Something to cling onto when you were back in South London with the walls were closing in and your parents telling you that a career in the music industry wasn’t viable.

In effect Dean sees the potential in people often before they see it themselves but more importantly he paves the way, opens doors and provides a road map for you to follow. I’ve lost count of the amount of opportunities that have come my way because of a conversation, co sign or introduction from Dean and his extensive contacts book. He literally is one of the most bi lingual black men I’ve ever met and has friends all over the world, from all walks of life from hi to low brow culture and beyond. Just as comfortable in a suit as he is in a tracksuit, Dean has proven he can hold his own at any table and if you need someone on the team to ask the difficult questions you can count on him to never be shy to hold his hand in the air and ask about the elephant in the room. 

Dean really is a Watchman, a super hero of sorts who rarely gets his respects because the heat of the limelight is not important to him. More importantly, he understands is that some of us have to operate under the radar and work within the shadows to bring the real change in culture we want to see. He isn’t loud, isn’t flashy but the work always gets done and the legacy is always enormous. One thing I’ve learnt as a musician is to never have a manager or an A & R man who wants to be a star as it will lead to clouding of judgement when decisions need to be made. In an age when those with the loudest voices can’t seem to back up the chat it’s refreshing to work with someone who lets the work speak for itself. Mister ‘under promise and over deliver’ is definitely within his genes. 

I’m extremely proud of the work that Dean has created and been involved in over the years and you only have to look at the landscape of those dominating the current cultural and musical highlights to see the fruits of his legacy in full effect. There is no Virgil without Dean and when you look into the back story of those of us from the black community that the gatekeepers have allowed through you can see the fingerprints of Deans work all over their trajectories. 

From Blacktronica to the PlaysStation 110 Sessions, my time in Attica Blues and the subsequent birth of Run Dem Crew and beyond Dean has always been the one I check in with for the sign off mainly because his radar for quality is unparalleled. He’s not a yes man and every creative needs someone in the circle who will call you out when you are stepping out of line, someone who will challenge you to raise the level with every project that you do. He is my Yoda, father figure, my mentor and the older brother I never had and I look forward to seeing what magic he cooks up in the future.”

Déj has spent over thirty years in the entertainment business and is a founding director of All Our Business Ltd (AOB), a boutique legal and business consultancy operating in the music, media, leisure and related fields. He helmed Business Affairs at Sony Music for nearly a decade, during which he was also a visiting lecturer for the University of Westminster’s Commercial Music course. Dej later became a co-owner-producer of ground-breaking, global events, including the first-ever World Freerun Championships and a musical drama I Dream based on the life of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Amongst many varied AOB activities, Dej represented designer, Ozwald Boateng during his time as Creative Director for LVMH’s Givenchy Menswear, Paris; and devised and delivered a Business Affairs training course for non-legal executives at Sony Music Europe. Dej is also a Board member of the BRIT School for the Performing Arts and chairs its governance committee. In 2018, he was seconded to the Senior Management Team at Warner Chappell Music and in 2020, he was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of West One Music Group, the leading independent production music company supplying music to the TV and media industries worldwide.

Dej is a London-based, Gambian-born, Cambridge University law graduate and instructor-level martial arts practitioner, who maintains strong ties with West Africa and still harbours ambitions to contribute to the development of intellectual property, health and education in The Motherland.

Testimonials:

Kanya King, Founder and CEO of MOBO:

“A.D.D sounds like a great network, which can be of great service to creatives so I would be delighted to provide the below testimonial. Look forward to hearing more about all the great work you are doing.*

Dej was supportive of the MOBO project/vision and me personally – from way back in our earliest days, when he was a senior executive at Sony.

He always gave helpful advice and took time to explain the sometimes challenging perspective of the major label, whilst remaining positive and encouraging to me on the outside – even through the most difficult of times.”

Kwame  Kwei-Armah – Artistic Director of The Young Vic Theatre & CEO of House of Theresa

“I have known Dej Mahoney for over thirty years.  I first met Dej when he was legal counsel at Sony music and I was a budding artist signed to them through a development deal.  Although close in age, Dej immediately became a role model for me.  His wisdom, his professionalism, his manner became a magnet for young men like me who wanted (read: needed) a presence in our immediate professional environment that made sense of the world around us.   And he did just that! 

 I’m proud to say that since then, he has become a trusted friend (and still a bit of a role model).  Someone whose professional and personal advice I and many of my most successful colleagues rely upon. 

 I cannot think of a person I’d more passionately recommend than Dej to an organisation such as yours.  What he has to offer, in my humble opinion, cannot easily be found.”

Jazzie B O.B.E., Soul II Soul Founder & CEO

“It’s been great knowing Dej all this time: he first knew us as a Soul II Soul fan; then had his own, stellar corporate career and he’s now been a close advisor for several years.

It works well, because I can run all kinds of stuff by him, if I’m looking for a smart, objective or bigger picture view on a situation – it’s not just about paperwork or straight-up legal advice. Dej understands our long history and has a good feel for how we fit into the cultural landscape in these complex and difficult times.

Of course, I always want to have my back covered in my dealings, but it’s also key to work with somebody positive, who is looking to make things happen and not just telling me that they can’t happen.

The relationship of trust with Dej has grown nicely over the years in such a way that l also seek his angle on other business matters outside Soul II Soul – e.g. for family members,

Dej and my professional and personal relationship reinforces my confidence when dealing with the changing, complex world we live in.”

Having worked across the wide-ranging backbone of the music business over a couple of decades, Jackie Davidson MBE is a multifaceted entrepreneur. Her early beginnings saw Davidson interning at Bunny Wailer’s record company Solomonic. Following this, Davidson made a leap into marketing, where she founded the award-winning firm Hardzone Marketing & PR. Through Hardzone, Davidson consulted for reggae stars Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks and Patra, as well as labels including Columbia, Def Jam, Epic, BMG, Universal and Sony Music, across artist campaigns that were orientated within black music, for the likes of (but not limited to) Jay Z, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Destiny’s Child, Groove Theory and Brownstone. Despite these inimitable milestones, it is through her role as a manager that Davidson has made a perennial mark on the industry.

Through her company JD Management, she has managed songwriters Wayne Hector and Ali Tennant amongst a range of incredible talent. Davidson continues to represent Wayne Hector today, who remains one of the world’s most coveted songwriters, having amassed over 30 International Number One singles, and earning awards at the Grammys, BRITs and Ivor Novello Awards. Together, Davidson and Hector have formed publishing firm Art Music, where they develop and nurture young writers and composers. Beyond her day-to-day, Davidson has remained a constant in the development of young people within the business, serving as a mentor and lobbyist. Her passion and drive for a fairer, more diverse and transparent industry is evident in her position in the Custodians Council for Music Managers Forum (MMF), her addition to Music Week’s Women in Music Roll Of Honour 2020, being elected to the Music Publishers Association (MPA) board and the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) performer and main PPL board’s in 2020. As recognition for Davidson’s revered work, she has attained multiple awards, including Urban Music Seminar’s Respect Due Award, MMF’s 2015 Writer/Producer Manager Of The Year, and The Ivors Academy’s Gold Badge Award in 2018, and the Prestigious GOLD Badge Award in 2019. In 2019 she was also honoured with the prestigious MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) on the Queen’s Birthday List for her services to the music industry – an acknowledgement that Jackie Davidson undeniably deserves.

Testimonials:

Preye Crooks – Senior A&R manager at Columbia 

“There are not enough words to explain how powerful a force, an educator, a mentor and a system of support Jackie Davidson has been in my five-year career in the music industry. Quite literally the entry point into my working life, Jackie was the first executive I met in the industry and was able to secure work experience for me at Columbia Records – a job I remain in today. Since then, Jackie has been ever-present in my life, going above and beyond in aiding me with my strategy, my education of the industry, and arguably most importantly the racial nuances and challenges that we may face as black people in the industry. I know I am not the only person she aides, and it’s no surprise that her name is mentioned so favourably by individuals and colleagues my age – we all owe a lot to her. ”

Jamila Scott – A&R Manager, Warner Records UK 

“Jackie Davidson has helped to propel me through several years of my A&R career and has worked with me to grow my knowledge in a range of areas of my working and personal life. From our very first meeting, Jackie encouraged me to set out a list of career goals, long term, and short term, and we have discussed at length the routes and hurdles on the way to achieving these goals. With regular check-ins, Jackie helps me monitor my career progress and we often talk over the changes happening across the industry. These check-ins have also been useful in helping me build my confidence and allowed me the space to ask important questions. She has also leaned on her extensive contact book to introduce me to several senior executives within the business to help me broaden my networking skills. Not only has she been gracious with her time and resources, Jackie has been a great example of how to operate at a high level of business which has been inspirational to me as a young woman of colour.”

Keith Harris OBE is a British music industry consultant and artist manager, who is the former chair of UK Music’s Diversity & Equality Taskforce. Harris has worked in the music industry on both sides of the Atlantic for more than four decades as a promotions manager, including for such major companies as Transatlantic Records, EMI and Motown, and he is one of the most high-profile black executives in the business, with artists he has represented including Stevie Wonder, Junior Giscombe, Omar, and Lynden David Hall. Harris serves in non-executive director and board positions across multiple music charities and companies, while regularly giving talks, seminars and workshops to aiming to change perceptions and help to give young people the tools to enter the industry

Paulette has worked in the music industry for over 30 years, championing music in a variety of settings, including music in education.

Her interests and skillset includes PR and communications, an in-depth understanding of the commercial music industry, and the promotion of diversity in arts and culture.

Since 2004 Paulette has been a board director of the MPA (Music Publishers Association) and from 2008 until 2017 was a board director of the PRS for Music (Performing Rights Society for Music).

In January 2011 Paulette was elected by the PRS for Music board of directors to serve as their Deputy Chair (Publisher), the first female and the first black candidate to occupy that position.

Paulette has almost 14 years of board-level experience, and in 2016 was awarded an OBE for her services to the music industry.

She was added to Music Week’s Women in Music Roll Of Honour in the same year, and in 2017 received a Gold Badge Award from BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors).

Having chaired a number of boards, board discussion groups and worked at a senior level within commercial entities and alongside public sector organisations, Paulette has strong experience across strategy creation and delivery, business growth, and engagement.

Tim Blacksmith is a trailblazer. He grew up in Brixton, South London, listened to a diverse range of music, and started out recording, pressing, and selling his records independently. This led to him landing his first record deal with Island Records at the age of 19 at a time when getting a major label deal as a Black Artist was more than a million-to-one shot in the UK. Tim was also part of the very successful Blacksmith production team who did mixes for Jamiroquai, Craig David, Another Level, D-Influence to name a few.

In 1998, he founded “Delirious Blacksmith Management LTD” with producer and business partner Danny D, after discovering the fledgling Norwegian production team Stargate. Tim & Danny quickly got on with the job of getting Stargate production commissions with UK Major Label acts. After producing many of the UK’s biggest acts, Tim decided it was time to go bigger, so they moved to the USA. Fast forward 21 years and they have been working with the duo for two decades and have gone on to receive 2 Grammy wins from a staggering 17 nominations.

Tim has formed a global music group of companies, made up of Delirious Blacksmith Management (Stargate, Mojam), Stellar Songs – Publishing (Sam Smith, Charli XCX, Gorgon City, Emily Sandé, Labrinth), 45th & 3rd Music and Tim & Danny Music.

Their roster has collaborated with some of the world’s most prominent artists from Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Ne-Yo to Michael Jackson, Mary J Blige, Elton John, BTS, and many more.

Tim has worked tirelessly for over three decades in the music industry. He lives by his own saying “You Have To Eat, Sleep, Drink And Live Music. You Just Can’t Half Step It ”.

Trenton Harrison-Lewis recently took on the newly created role of SVP Artist and Label Development, at both Warner and their indie distribution operation ADA.

In his new role, Harrison-Lewis will focus on artist development at ADA, where he will develop marketing strategies and collaborate with managers to develop careers.

He will also collaborate with WMUK’s A&R and marketing teams on behalf of both established and in-development artists.

Veteran artist manager, Harrison-Lewis began his career in 1987 working with We Papa Girl Rappers before becoming MD of Rush Management Europe, the artist management wing of Def Jam Recordings. He oversaw the company’s artist activity outside of North America, working artists including Run DMC, LL Cool J, De La Soul, Beastie Boys, Eric B and Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest. He also brought Technotronic (Pump Up The Jam) into the Rush fold.

Leaving Rush in 1997, he went on to work with a string of drum and bass artist-producers, including Goldie, and Grooverider. In 2009, he joined Metropolis Music Management, working with Raye Cosbert, where he was part of the team behind Amy Winehouse, among others.

In addition to his new role at Warner, he will also continue to independently manage his current slate of artist clients, including Giggs, Ghetts, Sneakbo, Jesse James Solomon, DJ Target and others.

For the best part of 35 years Mervyn has been at the coal face of contemporary music, helping break some of the most iconic artists in the world.

He was born in Jamaica and came to England in 1967 with his three brothers, their parents left them in the capable hands of their grandmother while they set up home in Edmonton, London.

Like plenty of their black peers their parents worked hard for London Transport and encouraged them to do better. They all very much did.

Mervyn began DJ’ing in 1978 and was soon running his own events so it wasn’t long before he ‘entered the game’ working at Blues & Soul Magazine before going Virgin Records as Black Music Promotions Manager.

After a successful stint working artists like Soul II Soul, Loose Ends, Carrol Thompson among others he left to head the European arm of Sleeping Bag Records who had artists like Todd Terry, Mantronix, Joyce Simms and EPMD on their roster.

The big independent music crash of 1991 saw Sleeping Bag go under and many other independents followed or were swallowed up by the majors.

It wasn’t long before he returned to the business as Head of Marketing for Motown Records UK. Less than a year later he was appointed GM Motown Records International, responsible for its interests in all territories outside The US.

Mervyn was responsible for the international roll out of Boyz II Men, Shanice, the resurgence of The Temptations with their hit single “The Jones”, Stevie Wonder and the return of Lionel Richie with his long awaited Back II Front album.

After some four years with Motown, Mervyn moved to BMG to look after what soon became some of the biggest labels in black music. Working with Arista Records and RCA he steered marketing for Bad Boy Records, Loud, Rowdy and La Face.

He supervised the European launch of The Notorious B.I.G, Outkast, Usher and Alicia Keys. 

Mervyn was made VP Marketing & Promotion for SonyBMG following the merger and then taking the domestic role of VP Marketing Sony Music Entertainment.

His last role within the company was as VP Strategic Partnerships directing the partnerships of their artists with brands.

Mervyn set up his company in 2012 helping brands partner with talent in music, sport and entertainment to amplify their messages. His first clients were MasterCard and he completed successful partnerships around The BRITs, UCL Final, Rugby World Cup and Priceless Surprises comprising of their Priceless Gigs series. Since then, they have worked for and with Twitter, Velo/McLaren, Raymond Weil, The North Face, G Shock and Fuji amongst others.

As well as running his agency Mervyn is also a trustee of Nordoff Robbins, Arms Around the Child, chair of trustees The AP Foundation and is a board advisor of 56 Black Men, and The Black British Network. He is also a non-exec Director of Lounges TV a ground breaking streaming start up designed by the creator of The BBC iPlayer.

Mervyn is a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. He serves on the EJAG board (Equity and Justice Advisory Group) for The BPI (British Phonographic Industry). He is also a member of UK Music Diversity Taskforce, the lobbying arm of the UK music industry. Most recently Mervyn was appointed Chair of the Inclusion Advisory Group for London FA, working to make football more diverse and inclusive across the capital.

Remi Harris is, at heart, someone who loves supporting creative people, and has spent over 20 years finding ways to increase their knowledge and success, whilst being a passionate advocate for diversity in the industry.

A founder staffer at AIM in 1999, Remi produced over 100 events, mentoring and training programs, creating the London Connected program while General Manager at AIM in 2007 to improve access to the digital market for hundreds of indie labels.

As Director of Operations at UK Music in 2011 Remi lobbied for better access to finance for music companies, inspiring her to write the book: Easy Money? The Definitive Guide to Funding Music Projects in the UK (2013) described as “essential reading for the DIY Sector”.

Remi chaired the Alliance for Diversity in Music and Media 2007-2012, a group that proposed the first ‘diversity pledge’ getting diversity on the agenda at industry organisations. She is also the co-founder, with Sam Potts, of Young Guns Network, which is a network set up in 2013 for young professionals in the music industry.

Remi Harris now runs consultancy Remi Harris Consulting where she uses her experiences of working with small businesses and her MBA degree to train, coach and advise creative businesses and people in business skills like planning, fundraising, governance, strategy, freelancing and finance. She’s the creator of the Creative Business Essentials training workshops and brand. She also writes and speaks about parenting in the music industry.

She was awarded an MBE for Services to the Music Industry in 2016 and was inducted into the 2019 Music Week Women in Music Roll of Honour.

Raye Cosbert’s career started at Metropolis Music in 1990. Prior to that Raye promoted club nights and small shows in London.  Raye began repping shows and quickly moved on to Junior Booker. Over the years he has worked across all areas of live including production, booking, ticketing, marketing as well as of course promoting. Raye quickly moved up through the Metropolis ranks and in 2017 got the top job as MD. Raye has always worked with a diverse group of artists, current acts include Bjork, Goldfrapp, Tyler, the Creator, Charli XCX, Gorillaz, Koffee, Damian Marley, Chronixx, Snoh Aalegra, Mika…as well as promoting and supporting many up and coming artists. In addition to his day job, Raye is also part of the UNICEF Music Group. Most recently the group has worked to alleviate child malnutrition in Liberia, raised funds to bolster the emergency fund to help children displaced by war and conflict, as well as projects to assist in UNICEF’s work around the world.

Dawn Estefan Is an Award-winning PsychoanalyticPsychotherapist with clinical expertise in working with trauma but a special interest in the intersectionality of Race, Culture, Gender and Spirituality and their impact on Mental Health, particularly in Black Communities.

Dawn is also a writer, social commentator and Mental Health Activist who is known for her commitment to equity and diversity in Mental Health 

Dawn is active in social policy change. Some examples of her work are, Her private clinic which is known fondly as the Black Girl Clinic because of her focus on the Mental Health of Black Women. She is the founder of the first FGM Psychotherapy Group and The Black Women’s Psychotherapy Group in London. In 2017 Dawn was invited to be part of the Mental Health Act Review under Teresa May and During the Pandemic she set up a privately funded free Psychotherapy Service for the homeless, she comments, “As a social scientist, I made it my role not to just be a member of a group who could be targeted by bias but to do something about it…to investigate, understand it, and communicate with others.”

A keen advocate for the use of “Psychoanalyticthought & thinking” as an exciting way to make sense of our lives and the world we live in; Dawn uses the theory to create bold and innovative platforms that help us to think about our own Mental Health. Collaborations with Artist, Brands and Institutions demonstrate that Dawn is fast becoming an unconventional yet exciting voice in the therapy world.

A regular BBC Broadcast Mental Health Pundit and Columnist for “Healthcare and Psychotherapy Journal” Dawn uses her “lived experiences” both personal and professional to promote an unorthodox approach to psychosocial issues and work within Mental Health.

Darcus Beese OBE began his music industry career in 1989 as an intern in the Island Records promotion department before making his move into A&R. He progressed steadily through the ranks at Island Records UK, becoming A&R Director, then Co-President of the label in 2008, and President in 2013. Beese moved to the US in 2018 to take up the President and CEO role before leaving the label and returning to the UK in 2021 to join Warner Music UK, in a newly created dual role as EVP, WMUK and President of a new joint venture record label.  During his tenure at Island Records, Beese signed and guided the careers of numerous notable artists, including Amy Winehouse, Ben Howard, Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Dizzee Rascal, Jessie J, Florence and the Machine, Mumford & Sons, Shawn Mendes, Sugababes, Taio Cruz, The Killers and U2 to name but a few. In 2014, Beese was honoured with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the UK music industry.

North London born and bred with 30 years of professional experience in Design, Digital media, Video Production, Photography, Marketing, Brand and Youth Engagement.

My career has spanned the entertainment industry, Social networking, Corporate Enterprise, Youth Engagement and Social Enterprise

Currently based in Colombia where in addition to running a multi-media business, I have been able to bring all of my talents, skills and experience together to create a scholarship foundation, successful social activism projects and media platforms for black, brown and indigenous Colombians. Primarily focused on young women, our team are focused on the development and empowerment of Afro-diasporic Latino communities.

Born and bred in North London, Rowan Carnihan has dedicated her career to helping young people develop their creative talents and realise their full potential while striving for increased equality and inclusivity in the creative industries.

After eight years spent supporting and nurturing students at Hackney Play Association, where she devised programmes to teach transferable skills and encourage personal growth, Rowan joined Fully Focused Productions, co-producing the award-winning 2011 documentary ‘Riot from Wrong’. Rowan remains a director and co-chair of the non-profit, youth-led grassroots organisation, which aims to open up the world of filmmaking to a wider spectrum of young people through its Million Youth Media (MYM) YouTube channel and MYM Academy, and recently celebrated its first national television commission with the BBC3 series ‘PRU’. 

In 2011 Rowan co-founded the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity conceived in the wake of the legendary singer’s untimely death. Working closely with Amy’s family and a wide range of patrons, ambassadors and corporate partners, Rowan helped shape and broaden the charity’s vision and strategy, enabling it to provide funding for a myriad of deserving causes as well as run its own bespoke programmes. These included her most cherished project, Amy’s Yard, which provided a comprehensive development programme in the music industry for artists from disadvantaged backgrounds. Rowan left the Amy Winehouse Foundation in 2018 having overseen countless successful fundraising and awareness-raising events.

Rowan’s current roles include channelling her passion for social justice with Action for Diversity and Development as Director of Operations, and the same position at LIMPI, a music production institute in Lillehammer, Norway, where students are mentored by world-class artists, writers and producers. She was also Head of Admissions for their sister school LAAMP in Santa Monica, Los Angeles and the Community & Events Manager of Camden’s Music Walk of Fame, which has honoured artists including The Who, Madness and Soul II Soul since launching in 2018.