Northern Black music incubator hits right notes

A new initiative aims to transform opportunities for Black music creatives in the North of England, delivering practical experience and mentorship to foster talent and inclusivity.

The OPEN SAUCE x Generator - Black Music Incubator Project is a collaboration between Newcastle-based Generator and Liverpool’s Nothin But The Music (NBTM). 

Spearheaded by Yaw Owusu, founder of NBTM, the programme provides Black artists and industry professionals with real-world experience and has gained backing from major industry heavyweights including Warner Music UK, Interval Records and UNESCO City of Music.

Yaw said: “There’s been a lot of work done around equality and equity for Black music creators and industry professionals, but there remains a real need to do something impactful and tangible for those individuals who want to have a fair shot at launching a career in the music industry.”   

Mick Ross, chief executive officer at Generator, added: “The OPEN SAUCE x Generator - Black Music Incubator Project is designed to advance emerging talent from all sides of the industry while filling the gap of the notorious skills shortage at present. 

“The core mission is to provide work experience with a real living wage to those underrepresented.” 

Born out of the Liverpool City Region’s Music Industry Sector Development Pilot and informed by the influential ReMap report, the initiative highlights the underrepresentation of Black creatives in the music industry, particularly outside London. 

Councillor Mike Wharton, deputy mayor of the Liverpool City Region and cabinet member for business, investment and trade, added: “Following the recommendations identified in the ReMap report earlier this year, I’m pleased to see this project proactively tackling issues including those around equality and equity for Black artists and music creators in the industry.

“I hope it will see more opportunities for Black industry professionals endeavouring to grow a career in the music industry and support the creation of a more inclusive music industry as we move forward.”

Early participants include rapper KOJ, genre-defying artist Remée, and marketers Hannah-Morga Ipinson-Fleming and Menelek Brown, who are already gaining hands-on experience at Interval Records and Warner Music UK.

With a focus on building a more inclusive industry model, the incubator is positioning itself as a catalyst for change in the Northern music scene and beyond.

Mick added: “Creating a national model from this is not only feasible, but also the collective goal all involved are striving for. 

“This is just the start and will ensure Black music creators and industry professionals based in the North East, the North West and the North generally get better access, more opportunity and platforms and networks to ensure their skills are recognised.  

“The launch of this project ties in perfectly with the MOBO’s coming to Newcastle in February 2025 and will see us scale up our commitment, via local authority support, to produce an ambitious and impactful MOBO fringe programme focused on Black music.”

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