Forecasting Innovation: Pioneers - Yaw Owusu
Yaw Owusu: Championing Inclusivity and Empowerment in the Music Industry
Yaw Owusu, a Liverpool-based creative consultant, is making waves in the music and culture sectors by amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering cultural spirit. Known for his work as the founder and Creative Director of the LIMF (Liverpool International Music Festival) Academy, Owusu has been instrumental in nurturing music talent and breaking down barriers for young creators over the past decade.
With a diverse background that includes collaborations with various music and media companies such as Google, MTV, BET, MOBO, BBC, Universal Music, Levi's, Liverpool Football Club, The Fader, and more, Owusu's work encompasses music, culture, and content production. His projects emphasise inclusivity and empowerment within the creative industries.
One of his notable initiatives is the TakeOff masterclass, which aims to help music artists and promoters amplify their reach through radio exposure and social media, with guidance from experienced broadcasters in the Black music scene.
Currently, Owusu is creatively directing programs for Power Up for PRS Foundation, Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), the LIMF Academy talent development initiative, the Liverpool Against Racism festival, and several other projects. He also serves on the boards of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, Black Music Action Group, and Generator NE.
Owusu is a firm believer in the disruption that characterises the music industry, but he sees great opportunities for new leaders, models, ideas, and practices. He advocates for leading companies to support and sustain the music ecology and economies in regions outside of London, and he notes the presence of holistic support and development for music creators across the board as a positive development.
In 2022, Owusu's personal highlights included Liverpool Against Racism and the continued impact of Power Up. Looking ahead, his focus includes the Power Up Participant Programme Year 3, work in Wales, and large-scale work around sector development in Liverpool focused on Black music.
Owusu emphasises the importance of true investment in equality and equity for under-represented groups and under-served audiences. He stresses the need for investing in, compensating, and treating music creators fairly. In his words, "Every organisation needs to embed creativity, innovative thinking, leadership, and integrity in everything they are doing."
As for the future, Owusu is cautiously optimistic about equality and equity being important to everyone in 2023. He emphasises the importance of clarity of thinking, approach, and execution for organisations in the music industry. He also mentions the presence of an in-house occupational therapist supporting signed artists and staff at one of the major companies as a step in the right direction.
EMI setting up in the North is a good sign, according to Owusu, and he believes that leaders in the music industry need to explore new models that make more sense in the long term. For those looking to break into the industry, Owusu advises working out their unique contribution, being respectful, working hard, and ensuring they leave every room better than when they entered.
References: 1. BBC News - Liverpool International Music Festival 2. Liverpool Echo - LIMF Academy 3. Music Week - LIMF Academy 4. Music Business Worldwide - LIMF Academy 5. BBC News - Yaw Owusu
- Yaw Owusu, a Liverpool-based creative consultant, is utilizing his influence in the music industry to advocate for diversity-and-inclusion and talent development, highlighted by his work with the LIMF Academy.
- In his role as Creative Director, Owusu is directing programs that encompass music, culture, and content production, with a focus on investing in under-represented groups and under-served audiences.
- With a background of collaborations with companies like Google and Universal Music, Owusu's projects and initiatives also extend to promoting creative industries careers, such as the TakeOff masterclass for music artists and promoters.
- Looking ahead, Owusu emphasizes the need for companies in the entertainment industry to explore new models to ensure long-term success, while urging individuals to work hard and maintain integrity to break into the industry and make a unique impact.
