PRS Foundation's Power Up support scheme for Black music creatives and professionals launches applications
Karen Nyame KG and TAAHLIAH were among last year's participants in the scheme
PRS Foundation has opened applications for the second year of its Power Up scheme, which was launched in 2021 to support Black creatives and professionals in launching and developing their careers within the music industry.
20 Black music creators and 20 Black executives and industry professionals, all UK based, will be supported with the scheme, with grants of up to £15,000 each available to successful applicants. Participants can be working in any music genre or industry sub-sector, with the scheme looking to help those in need of guidance to, a press release explains, "'power up' and break the glass ceiling".
Among last year's participants were Karen Nyame KG, TAAHLIAH and Nova Twins, who went on to sign with various booking agencies and record labels.
Speaking about the scheme, KG said: "The access alone to music industry resources, business and financial knowledge [and] the benefit of community support [is] absolutely priceless. I am truly grateful."
Ben Wynter, who co-founded the scheme, said of its importance: "My desire from day one was for Power Up to be the bridge between those that posted black squares and the Black talent in the business, to facilitate better dialogue for those companies that wanted to do better but didn't know how to and break down the unspoken barriers that exist.
"Whilst there is still a long way to go, I hope that more organisations will engage with Power Up and as a result, our participants will lead the vanguard as they take huge personal steps and make giant leaps of change within the industry."
The deadline for applications is 6pm GMT on Thursday, 17th February, and successful applicants will be confirmed in April.
Find information on how to apply to the scheme here.
TAAHLIAH, a Power Up 2021 participant, recently shared a remix of LVRA's 'In Your Blood', which you can check out here.
Read Karen Nyame KG's contribution to DJ Mag's Selections feature series here.
