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POWER UP Announces Year 5 Programme Participants

41 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fifth year.

Published: 04 August 2025 | 2:26 PM Updated: 07 August 2025 | 2:07 PM
A group of music professionals standing in front of a backdrop to take a group photo.
This latest cohort came together for the first time at London’s Roundhouse in July to network and hear more about each other’s projects, and from Years 1-4 participants. Image credit: PRS Foundation.

POWER UP has recently announced the music creators, industry professionals and executives who will make up Year 5 of the multi-award winning programme.

Co-founded by PRS Foundation and Ben Wynter, POWER UP’s Participant Programme elevates pioneering Black talent and is a key feature of the long-term initiative launched to address anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

The programme – specifically designed to fit the needs of each annual cohort of participants – assists in the development of their careers and practice, to empower creators and professionals to break through glass ceilings and accelerate change across the industry.

This includes grant support of up to £10,000 alongside capacity building masterclasses, mentoring, coaching, mental health and wellbeing support, and access to added value support from POWER UP Partners and the peer network which is integral to breaking down barriers.

​Find out more about each of the Year 5 Participants.

Breaking through glass ceiling barrieres

Dr Diljeet Bhachu, MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, said: “The MU is proud to partner with POWER UP again.

“We are pleased to note the achievements made by POWER UP’s Year 1-4 participants, and are excited to see them continue to flourish in the music industries, alongside the new cohort.”

Since POWER UP was launched in early 2021, the demand for a fairer and equitable music industry cannot be disputed. Over 1,697 Black music creators and industry professionals have applied for a place on the programme which is undoubtedly helping participants to break through glass ceiling barriers.

Learn more about POWER UP and previous cohorts from the Participant Programme.

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