LIMF Academy has announced the emerging music creators picked for its class of 2024/25

The highly anticipated cohort for the 2024/25 LIMF Academy programme has been revealed.

The LIMF Academy is an award-winning initiative dedicated to enhancing the creative and professional skills of young, aspiring music creators aged 16-25 based in Merseyside. Since its inception in 2013, the Academy has become a cornerstone of the region’s music scene, providing a platform for over 5,000 young artists to develop their talents and gain a foothold in the competitive music industry.

The LIMF Academy has nurtured a host of successful artists, including R&B/Soul band Mic Lowry, who signed with Universal Records, won a MOBO Award, and toured Europe with Justin Bieber. Retro-Soul artist Jalen Ngonda signed with the legendary Daptone label, performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, sold out his tour dates all across the globe and had been co-signed by everyone from Snoop Dogg to Elton John. Michael Aldag, known for his Electro-Pop sound, rapidly gained a large following, signed with 3 Beat Music/Universal, and sold out multiple national tours. Tonia, another rising star, captivated audiences with her debut single Flux and has since signed to 3Beat/Universal Records.

This latest set of music creators to join the LIMF Academy are:

Immi Dash – Immi Dash delivers introspective and eclectic music, blending Latin, jazz, and classical influences into her moody, dark sound.
Jazmine Johnson – Liverpool’s Jazmine Johnson, known for her powerful voice, gained acclaim with a hit collaboration and continues to craft resonant, soul-driven music.
Bethane – Alternative R&B singer Bethane, inspired by Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé, blends soulful influences into her music while embracing Liverpool’s vibrant scene.
Danelia – Mexican singer-songwriter Danelia merges indie and alternative pop into a high-energy sound with Latino flair and Dua Lipa vibes.
The Kowloons – Liverpool’s The Kowloons revives Britpop with jangly harmonies and an acoustic garage vibe, crafting catchy, chorus-driven songs.
Maddie Lara – Merseyside singer-songwriter Maddie Lara creates ethereal folk music with dreamy lyrics and a unique blend of dark, distorted textures.

This year’s six chosen music creators will enjoy a range of benefits, including:

A personalised talent development programme featuring masterclasses, coaching and networking.
Financial support via career development bursary
Professional press assets
High-profile performance opportunities
Ongoing creative development including free rehearsal time, performance, collaboration and showcase opportunities
Mental health and well-being support with specialised training and courses.

For three members of the cohort—Immi Dash, Jazmine Johnson, and Bethane—who are currently considered the ‘Most Ready’ to launch nationally, there will be additional exclusive opportunities. These include extra career funding, mentoring, extensive performance coaching, free PRS for Music and Musicians’ Union membership, and a collaborative performance with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company Session Orchestra as part of the annual LIMF Academy Orchestrated.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“LIMF Academy continues to be a vital component of Liverpool’s thriving music landscape and serves as a crucial springboard for our city region’s emerging artists.

“What the Academy offers is truly exceptional—access to top-tier industry guidance, unique performance opportunities and a network that’s essential for breaking into the music world. It’s this kind of support that helps our local talent not just survive, but thrive on both the national and international stages.

“The Academy’s impact on our city’s musical heritage over the past 11 years has been profound, and I’m excited to see how it continues to shape the future of Liverpool’s diverse music landscape.

“I wish all our new cohort of musical talent the very best of luck for the year ahead and in their future success.”

Creative Consultant and LIMF Academy Programme Director, Yaw Owusu, said:

“Over the years, the LIMF Academy has evolved from a promising initiative within the Liverpool International Music Festival into a cornerstone of our region’s music ecology. It’s now recognised as one of the premier talent development platforms in the UK, and rightly so.

“We take pride in the diverse and exceptional artists who have emerged from this programme, leveraging the Academy’s resources to elevate their careers to new heights. As we look to the future, our commitment remains strong to fuel the creativity, growth, and aspirations of every music creator who has been a part of the Academy.”

In addition to this talent development programme, the LIMF Academy will host two industry events—one in October 2024 and another in March 2025. These events will feature masterclasses, showcases, ideation sessions, networking opportunities, and more, all aimed at benefiting the wider music and creative community.