Music incubator set to amplify Black talent

A scheme to nurture Black music talent in the North East has been unveiled.

The North East Black Music Incubator Programme has been launched by Generator, Nothin But The Music and Warner Music UK.

It builds on the success of the pioneering Liverpool-based OPEN SAUCE x Generator and follows Newcastle’s high-profile hosting of the MOBO Awards in February. 

Designed to tackle industry-wide disparities, the North East incubator will secure career-changing opportunities for emerging Black artists and industry professionals, including a record deal for one artist and a placement at Warner Music UK for an aspiring industry executive.

Yaw Owusu, creative consultant and founder of Liverpool-based Nothin But The Music, said: “This is another positive step forward for Black music in the North. 

“By supporting those who have ambitions to grow their careers, but may not have had those key impactful opportunities or proper support to do so, we are effectively upping the potential of not just the individual but the Black music ecology in the North East too.” 

Research has highlighted inequalities in the music sector, with the Sound of the Next Generation report, conducted by Youth Music in 2024, finding 52 per cent of those aged between 18 and 25 in the North East feel the least supported in the country when making music. 

Mick Ross, Generator chief executive, added: “The impact of the Black Music Incubator has been undeniable, and this next phase proves regional development works. 

“We are not just talking about diversity; we are creating sustainable pathways for talent that can be scaled and repeated. 

“Newcastle is just the beginning. The MOBO Awards, and its numerous fringe events, were warmly embraced by North East music fans. 

“It showed us the untapped talent, and the fan base for Black artists, deserves much wider recognition. 

“We have to aim for the incubator to produce the North East's own MOBO Award winners of the future." 

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