Wednesday 12.12.12 saw Strictly Entertainment Music in association with Westminster Universities Music Department launch “the Afro-Beats Educational Roadshow” at Westminster University Harrow Campus.
The event was the first in a series of seminars and master classes, aimed at connecting the African music industry in the UK with the mainstream UK commercial music industry.
The road show’s remit is to inform, empower, instigate dialogue, plus provide the enabling environment where entrepreneurial and business ideas can formulate, whilst stimulating synergies, as well as creating the surroundings where potential investment opportunities for all those interested in the development of the Nigerian and UK music industry can convene.
The one day road show, on 12.12.12, addressed a number of key topics including “What is Afro-Beats,” “Challenges, Development, Technology, Investment and Career Opportunities in Nigeria,” “The International African Market” and “What’s In It For You - The Vision for the Music Industry in Nigeria.”
iKE Onuorah co-founder of The Afro-Beats Educational Roadshow and CEO of Strictly Entertainment Music, said: “This is a huge step forward and a statement of intent by the African music industry in the UK! To have support from leading industry figures, and influential UK trade body representatives, discussing Africa’s position in the UK market, has significantly raised the bar. It’s another step in the right direction informing the wider music community that African’s here in the UK mean business and that we are prepared to meet and discuss ways forward that can only benefit both industries as a whole.”
Daniel Millington, Performer Accounts Manager from PPL had this to say. “I was really impressed with the content of this roadshow. It was hugely educational and left one excited about the future of Afro-Beats in Africa and around the world. The range of speakers brought to the event was impressive and I very much look forward to future events.“
As plans are being finalised for the second roadshow series, which will be staged at another leading London University in the first quarter of 2012, the roadshow along with its agenda continues to enjoy major industry backing. “I truly believe the Afro-Beats Educational Road Show is an important piece in the Afro-Beats Jigsaw Puzzle and I'm so glad to be a part of it!!” says DJ Abass.
Sentiments echoed from other leading UK music executives. Ruby Mulraine, Executive Producer at BBC Radio 1Xtra said the following. "Great to see the Afro-Beats Educational Roadshow bringing together some of the major players in the scene to discuss the future of Afro-Beats, collaboration across the Afro-Beats industry is key to ensuring this scene realises its true potential.”
The event also has the backing of other leading African and international organisation including COSON – Copyright Society of Nigeria, BASCA - British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, Authors, BPI – British Phonographic Industries, Diaspora – Equality In Music, CANUK – Central Association of Nigerians in the UK and The Equality & Diversity Charter for Music.
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