New groundbreaking black music initiative BLK SCL launches in Liverpool

Liverpool’s Yaw Owusu is today launching his new initiative BLK SCL! a system designed to move talent from discovery to sustainability by combining recorded music, industry infrastructure and career pathway.

Yaw said:

“BLK SCL! stands for “Black Scale”, the meaning is intentional: it’s about scaling up Black music talent and infrastructure- building long term pathways and a system that supports growth without compromising cultural integrity.

“I’ve spent the last 20+ years building and directing talent development and culture projects across the UK, and I’ve seen the same thing repeat: incredible Black music talent across the North and devolved nations- but not enough long term infrastructure around it, BLK SCL! is my response and contribution to change things. It’s built to create real pathways, connected networks, and a commercial engine that helps artists and professionals grow without compromising cultural integrity.”

Based in Liverpool, BLK SCL! is launching with three connected pillars: a curator led label arm called Sound, a professional community network called Connex and a career pathways engine called Atelier. 

The Sound division of BLK SCL! has announced the signing of Welsh artist Mace The Great, alongside Liverpool rapper KOJ, who’s single ‘Punk Panther’ will be the first release under BLK SCL!’s label arm.

The first of its kind in the city, BLK SCL! has launched with partners including EMI North, MusicFutures, Generator and BLaST.

Scott Lewis, Label Manager for EMI North said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be working with Yaw to launch and support in the development of BLK SCL! Yaw is an inspirational and incredibly talented leader who has been involved with many vital projects across the music industry and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and creativity to our roster of label partners. His dedication to developing and supporting creatives across the North aligns perfectly with our goals, and this shared vision will be key in supporting talented people across the North of the UK”.

Music Futures, a five-year research and business innovation programme funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council, will be part-funding BLK SCL! summit in early 2027. The summit will aim to create a space to build meaningful professional connections, share challenges, transfer knowledge and co-design solutions.

Dr Matthew Flynn, Co-Director of Music Futures said:

“MusicFutures’ mission is to shape the future of music through innovation, inclusion and sustainability. This exciting collaboration with BLK SCL is a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering venture that delivers on many of the recommendations in the 2024 Liverpool City Region Music Board Re:Map report, which identified barriers to progress and success experienced by Black and global majority musicians and music industry professionals”

The Black Social Traders Network (BLaST) will work in tandem with BLK SCL!’s Atelier arm to offer support and access to social investment for Black-led social trading organisations in the music industry.

Joanne Anderson, Founder and Director of BLaST said:

“We are looking forward to working with BLK SCL! to support Black music and industry professionals and music business leaders to develop the growth of their social impact and social investment readiness.”

Generator will work with BLK SCL! as a development partner, to push for a more connected Northern music economy through high-impact programmes. 

Mick Ross, CEO of Generator said:

“BLK SCL! comes at a hugely important moment for the music industry, as conversations around equity, infrastructure and ownership continue to grow globally. We’re proud to support the vision through Generator, and proud to be part of an initiative that has the potential to create lasting impact while becoming an internationally recognised model for a more connected, representative and sustainable music industry.”

Find out more about BLK SCL! here.

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