For outstanding achievements in a behind-the-scenes industry role by a project participant.
A huge congratulations to all the nominees shortlisted for our Entrepreneur Award. We received over 600 nominations for the Youth Music Awards 2019, so being shortlisted is an incredible achievement.
Each of the nominees has shown serious drive and a forward thinking attitude in their varied roles across the industry. Taking on projects, driving them forward and often being the spokesperson isn't easy, which makes the impact our nominees have had all the more impressive. Find out more about them below.
Seshie Henry (winner)
Battersea Arts Centre – Beatbox Academy (London)
Seshie’s nominator says, “Seshie’s involvement with Beatbox Academy provided him a foundation from where he's since launched a career that now spans promotion, hosting, multiple content creation outputs and a genuinely entrepreneurial approach to testing the waters of partnership in music.”
“His IAMNEXT platform is run from a number of south London hangouts, and it was at an agency in Brixton that I worked at where he showed up at, and started making use of free desk space. Fast forward five minutes and he was inviting new artists, content creators, and fellow promoters into the space for meetings, framing the place as his office and inspiring them to do the same.
“He's since taken IAMNEXT to venues Rich Mix, Village Underground and Electric Brixton, providing a platform for new UK music and more recently US music too. He is now working with partners like Tiffany Calver and Dollop Music, but what makes me equally proud is that in the aftermath of Grenfell, he ran a fundraiser at Meanwhile Gardens, west London.
“Tens of performers and hundreds of supporters showed up, as they always do for Seshie. He’ll go far, and is worthy of recognition for his approach to music.”
Ryan Baines
Media Mania – Bring The Noise (Coventry)
“Ryan has set up his own Clothing Brand, Line Insight, and his own social media and photography brand, Bainsey Media. Ryan has helped to document events for the Bring The Noise project using his photography skills including the Bring The Noise Stage at Godiva Festival 2018 and 2019, Party in the Park 2018, Party in the City 2019, and Bring The Noise Fest 2019.”
“Through Bainsey Media, Ryan has helped to promote the Bring The Noise project via Facebook and Instagram, and also by helping with the development of Bring The Noise hoodies and t-shirts.
“Ryan suffers with anxiety and finds it difficult to be in large groups, but has been willing to attend the Bring The Noise sessions to share his skills, and has encouraged other users who also find it hard to be in large groups, emphasising that backstage roles are as important to the running of a successful company as front of stage roles.
“Through his work with Bring the Noise, Ryan has been able to further develop his own companies. He is now doing photography work for Imagineer Productions and City Vinyl and has used his entrepreneurial skills to help promote and develop Bring The Noise, and encourage inclusion for people with additional needs. Ryan started coming to Media Mania in March 2018, around the same time as when we started the Bring the Noise project.”
Follow Ryan: Instagram
Follow Line Insight: Instagram
Lillian Chan
Sound Connections – Wired4Music (London)
Lillian's nominator says, “Lillian has since worked with Wired4Music to deliver tech workshops at the Late at Tate event at Tate Britain. During this process Lillian worked with Wired4Music member Jasmine to deliver two fully booked workshops that both exceeded expected audience.”
“Lillian has now established DYNA LDN; which stands to work towards change and more inclusivity in the music industry for womxn, non-binary, trans and people of colour. Supported by Ableton and Point Blank Music School, Lillian has organised 3 full capacity workshops at The Camden SSR and Point Blank.
“Not only is Lillian a great entrepreneur, her underlying social consciousness drives what she does and ensures that she is supporting and guiding others alongside her own journey.”
Follow Lillian: Instagram
Follow DYNA LDN: Instagram
Lark Music
As one of the leading musical instrument insurance brokers in the world with over 25 years’ experience, Lark Music is trusted by world-renowned musicians and dealers alike. Their policy has been specifically designed for musicians, and allows you to play your instrument with complete peace of mind. They realise their responsibility extends beyond insurance and we are proud of our unique involvement in the arts through our support and sponsorship of a wide range of musical organisations.
