Darcus beese biography of albert

To build on the momentum, King is focusing on projects such as her latest initiative MOBOLISE, a platform that aims to connect Black creative and tech talent to mentors, networks and career opportunities. It’s a taste of what’s to come for the brand, expanding on its existing work with MOBO Help Musicians Fund and MOBO Unsung.

“One of the reasons why we had MOBO Help Musicians Fund and MOBO Unsung is because you realise that people are not the finished product; they need the resources to create, as well as mentors who look like them,” says King. “That has been very successful in terms of the application and the money that has gone out, because it’s giving business support as well. Money is one thing, but I think business support and mentoring makes all the difference.”

By providing a network of industry connections for Black creatives, businesses and talent through MOBOLISE, King hopes to bridge the gap that hindered her own journey.

“What would have made the biggest difference is to have had allies, to be quite honest with you,” declares King. “Whether it’s mentorship or sponsorship, having someone who could champion you is key. What it means is they are just proactively doing it, they talk about you and the work you’re doing when you’re not in the room.”

Whether in the room, or out of it, King’s name sits rightfully alongside pioneers in an industry that is still considered stubbornly white and male. Black, Asian and minority ethnic people make up 19.9% of executive roles and women 40.4%, according to the latest UK Music Diversity Report.

“I remember in the beginning I was told that I should have my hair in a bun to be taken seriously, and not wear make-up otherwise I would look like an artist,” she says. “[This was] to fit in as an industry person, but I just couldn’t do it. I just needed

This weekend I joined hundreds of young people at Ravensbourne College next to the o2 arena where we gathered for a day titled Industry Takeover. A day where young people can attend a variety of seminars, panels and performances to educate them about getting into the music industry.

JASMINE WITH GEORGE THE POET, POST PANEL. (AND HE’S STILL SMILING- PHEW!)

DARCUS AND GEORGE.

I was chairing two panels. One with two music industry icons of past, present and future. One is a widely respected legend of a man that’s kept his head down, and is always described as having gone from the tea boy to president of island records. He’s the Michael Jordan of the industry bigwigs-he’s signed a lot of our favourite music acts, and guided them to huge careers and so has a mammoth plethora of knowledge, about how you can make it in this game! The other, is a breath of fresh air in our industry- a recording artist, spoken word performer and public speaker, that’s been winning over hearts and minds everywhere, from the living room to the boardroom since he was a student. Already nominated for awards, and aligned with big brand names that are all keen to have a part of him, his star is swiftly rising and his story and thoughts will inspire you all. Guessed who they are yet? Yep- Island Records President Darcus Beese OBE and George the Poet- NW10. LOL.

Both talked about the importance of paying your dues in the game. Darcus used to made tea and collected people’s dry cleaning. Car clamping had just been introduced when he started, so he used to have to go and sit in their cars, wait for the car to be de-clamped and then drive back to the office. George, at 16 started making raps out of his GCSE exam notes. That’s clever.

Both grew up in and around west and northwest London and their communities helped shape who they’ve become. Darcus’ career officer wanted him to be a P.E teacher…then he became a hairdresser, which was around the corner from CBS

Featuring: Armet Francis, Black Audio Film Collective, Charlie Phillips, Dennis Bovell, Ebony G Patterson, Gaika, Glenn Ligon, Hank Willis Thomas, Hassan Hajjaj, Horace Ové, Jenn Nkiru, Larry Achiampong, Margaret Busby, Ronan McKenzie, Vanley Burke, Yinka Shonibare, with a specially commissioned soundtrack by Jillionaire of Major Lazer.

This summer, Somerset House celebrates the past 50 years of Black creativity in Britain and beyond, in a major new exhibition spanning art, film, photography, music, literature, design and fashion.  Beginning with the radical Black film maker Horace Ové and his dynamic circle of Windrush generation creative peers, and extending to today’s brilliant young Black talent globally, a group of around 100 interdisciplinary artists will showcase work together for the first time, exploring Black experience and influence, from the post-war era to the present day. Whether established or emerging, all contributors have been specially selected for actively shaping cultural life in Britain and beyond.  In this multi-sensory experience, historic works and new commissions will sit alongside items from personal archives, much of which has never been seen by the public before, tracing more than half a century of collective history.

Curated by artist Zak Ové, Get Up, Stand Up Now starts with the work of his father, Horace Ové, creator of the first feature film by a Black British director, and his creative circle who were part of what is now known as the Windrush generation. Together they spearheaded a new cultural wave in 1960s and 1970s Britain, which drew on their African-Caribbean heritage and their experiences in their new home. Their work created ripples of change, inspiring successive generations, who, as a result, have articulated their truths in challenging and innovative ways. Through cultural exchanges and collaborations across the African diaspora, these trailblazing creatives continue to change the consciousness of British so