Inspired by attending the Youth Music Awards in October, where Turtle Bay sponsored the Outstanding Project Award, the Caribbean restaurant chain is investing in a long-term partnership with Youth Music.
To kick off the partnership, ten emerging creatives met with DJ and Capital Xtra Presenter, Shayna Marie, and Elijah, Youth Music NextGen Fund Project Lead and Founder of Butterz label. The group discussed building better networks in music, over delicious Caribbean inspired food at Turtle Bay in Brixton.
The event was created in response to research by Youth Music, which found that 35% of young creatives say a lack of networks in the music industry is one of their biggest career barriers.
As part of its commitment to help young people get into the music industry, Turtle Bay is investing in future rounds of the Youth Music NextGen Fund.
Shayna Marie began her career at community radio station Westside Radio, and is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive in the music scene. She says: “I’m so excited to be part of an initiative that really resonates with me. Young people are the future of the world’s music scene and this partnership will help more aspiring creatives to get out there and shake it up.
Jade Brown, upcoming presenter, podcaster and DJ, is part of the Youth Music NextGen community. After attending the event, she said: “The Youth Music x Turtle Bay event was great, I loved networking with fellow creatives and I met one of my radio inspiration Shayna Marie which is always a nerve racking experience but one you will never forget! The vibes were sooo good - it made me feel really good about my growth as a creative as well, because it’s been a little while since I have worked with Youth Music. I was a presenter for their podcast The Higher Frequency, but it was nice to know they still look out for me & want to continue helping me with my career growth.”
Olajide Alabi, Turtle Bay’s Equality & Inclusion Partner, says: “We are honoured to be part of a truly inspiring project that gives young people the chance to change their life through music. Music is such a huge part of who we are at Turtle Bay, as reggae, ska, dancehall, reggaeton and so much more make up the soundtrack that delivers good Caribbean times to our guests as part of our One Love DNA. Music holds so much power and we are excited for this partnership to unfold.”
Elijah Cushnie, Youth Music NextGen Fund Project Lead, says: “Equalising earning opportunities in music starts with investing directly in those often overlooked. That’s why we created Youth Music NextGen, for creatives who aspire to build and work in the music industries of the future. Turtle Bay’s invaluable support means we can provide this community with more crucial opportunities, finance and expertise.”
Turtle Bay is partnering with Youth Music as part of its commitment to help get more young people into the music industry. As part of the partnership, Turtle Bay is donating £30,000 to the Youth Music NextGen Fund, which helps behind the scenes creatives take a step forward in participating and changing the music scene.
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The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. From artists and entrepreneurs to grassroots projects and young leaders, the event recognises an exciting range of trailblazers from across the scene.
