skip to main content

Beacons Launches Honey Sessions Project For Artists and Producers Creating MOBO

'Honey Sessions' is designed to support artists and producers working within MOBO genres. It's been set up in collaboration alongside the Forté Project and with a focus on creative collaborations between artists and producers.

Published: 19 July 2021 | 5:45 PM
Photograph of a pair of bumble bees landing down on a thistle.
“a unique opportunity for five young artists and five young producers to work together to make brand new music.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

The project has been specifically designed to help and inspire young songwriters, artists and producers who create hip hop, rap and grime, R&B and pop music in Wales.

The ‘Honey Sessions’ will take place in August 2021, and will provide a unique opportunity for five young artists and five young producers to work together to make brand new music and to further their knowledge of the industry by learning from a range of high profile industry professionals.

It will place an emphasis on artists and producers creating MOBO - Music of Black Origin - and will highlight emerging creators in this encompassing genre. And it has been developed in consultation with a range of industry professionals working specifically in MOBO genres.

It is a project born from Beacons junior officer Sizwe Chitiyo, who has long felt the need for support in MOBO music in Wales:

“Young people creating music in MOBO genres have previously lacked support in many areas of the industry, the ‘Honey Sessions’ has been designed to provide a platform for creativity and knowledge to those emerging musicians, as well as creating a new network of high profile industry expertise.

“We want the Honey Sessions to provide a community with the space and the support to help them flourish!”

The Sessions will be partnering with some people at Sony on industry expertise and holding some sessions around A&R and Song-writing. All eligible artists and producers who apply will have access to exclusive talks from industry experts in A&R, song-writing and social media expertise in order to gain key insights into the music industry.

To find out more about the project, including more detailed eligibility criteria and how to apply, see the Honey Sessions’ website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List