UMG’s Global Impact Team Expands ‘Sounds of the Future’ to the UK

Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) Global Impact Team (GIT) has expanded its Sounds of the Future (SotF) program, bringing the initiative – which celebrates the intersection of music, education, creativity and culture – to the UK in its first international iteration.

The launch:

• Coincided with Black History Month.

• It included a specially curated gallery exhibition at UMG’s UK HQ entitled Black Frequencies, celebrating Black music and artists at UMG and curated by Dr Aleema Gray.

• In partnership with the Black Music Coalition, UMG UK launched a new two-year internship for an aspiring executive, which will allow the candidate to rotate across three divisions in the first year and then focus on their preferred business area in the second.

• The program culminated with a dinner at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, which was attended by Black cultural leaders, creatives, tastemakers and executives across music, fashion, art, sport, film & TV, and theater.

What they said:

• Sharlotte Ritchie, Senior Director of Global Impact & Communications at UMG: “Launching SotF in the UK builds on the important legacy of the program – shining a light on Black British artistry. Black British music and creativity have carried rhythms and messages across time and borders, influencing our culture and artistry today, and providing light and possibility for the future.”