Forecasting Innovators: Yaw Owusu - Trailblazers in Progress
Yaw Owusu: Championing Equity and Creativity in the Music Industry
Yaw Owusu, a Liverpool-based creative consultant, is making waves in the music industry with his focus on fairness, equity, and innovation. Known for his work amplifying underrepresented voices, Owusu serves as the Senior Manager of the POWER UP program, an initiative advocating for a fairer and more equitable music industry.
Owusu's work revolves around tackling systemic inequalities in the music industry. He supports underrepresented creatives and drives conversations about sustainable and equitable practices. His role in POWER UP underscores his commitment to addressing issues around fair pay and inclusion of underrepresented groups in music.
In 2022, Owusu's personal highlights included Liverpool Against Racism and the continued impact of Power Up. He is currently creatively directing programs for Power Up, the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), LIMF Academy talent development initiative, Liverpool Against Racism festival, and other projects.
Looking ahead to 2023, Owusu's 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. He remains optimistic about the opportunities for new leaders, models, ideas, and practices in the music industry despite the expected disruptions.
Owusu believes that disruption is an inherent part of the music industry, driven by technological, societal, economic, environmental, and cultural changes. However, he is cautiously optimistic about equality and equity in every way, as well as holistic support and development for music creators across the board.
Owusu's work extends beyond music, as he serves on the boards of the Liverpool City Region Music Board, Black Music Action Group, and Generator NE. He has collaborated with prominent organisations such as Google, MTV, BET, MOBO, BBC, Universal Music, Levi's, Liverpool Football Club, The Fader, and more.
For Owusu, every organisation needs to embed creativity, innovative thinking, leadership, and integrity in everything they are doing. He advises individuals looking to break into the music industry to work out their unique contribution, respect the craft and people, work hard, and ensure they leave every room better than when they entered.
In a world where technology continues to disrupt the music industry, Owusu remains optimistic about what can be accomplished with the right focus and use of technology. He even commends a major company for having an in-house occupational therapist that supports their signed artists and staff, a practice he finds beautiful.
Will Page, the author of Tarzan Economics and former chief economist at Spotify, stated that music was the first to suffer and recover from the forces of deep technological disruption, making it something that we can all learn from. With Owusu's leadership, the music industry can continue to evolve, becoming fairer, more equitable, and more innovative.
- Yaw Owusu's commitment to addressing issues around fair pay and inclusion of underrepresented groups in music extends beyond the POWER UP program, as he also works on the talent development initiative LIMF Academy to foster emerging artists.
- In line with his optimistic outlook, Owusu advocates for the use of technology to drive innovation and equality in the music industry, commending a major company for having an in-house occupational therapist that supports their signed artists and staff.
- Acknowledging the impact of technological disruption on the music industry, Owusu, like Will Page, believes that music can serve as a model for other industries, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of change, and contributing to talent development, equity, and innovation in business and entertainment careers.
