Caribbean restaurant chain Turtle Bay is partnering with the charity organization Youth Music as part of its commitment to help get more young people into the music industry.
Music is critically underfunded, with major cuts to funding in the arts in universities announced earlier this year.
This industry-wide issue needs addressing to ensure future generations of musicians have increased and equal opportunities which are accessible for all.
This follows research from Youth Music which found that over a third (35%) of young creatives think a lack of contacts/network is one of the biggest barriers to pursuing and sustaining a career in music.
Elijah Cushnie, Youth Music NextGen Fund Project Lead, says “Equalising earning opportunities in music starts with investing directly in those often overlooked. That’s why we created Youth Music NextGen, for creatives who aspire to build and work in the music industries of the future.
Turtle Bay’s invaluable support means we can provide this community with more crucial opportunities, finance and expertise.”
This long-term partnership kicked off with Turtle Bay’s sponsorship of the Outstanding Project Award at the Youth Music Awards 2021.
The event celebrated the most forward-thinking projects and people from across the music scene.
Olajide Alabi, Turtle Bay’s Equality & Inclusion Partner, says Rosita explains “We are honoured to be part of a truly inspiring project that gives young people the chance to change their life through music. Music is such a huge part of who we are at Turtle Bay, as reggae, ska, dancehall, reggaeton and so much more make up the soundtrack that delivers good Caribbean times to our guests as part of our One Love DNA. Music holds so much power and we are excited for this partnership to unfold.”
As part of the partnership, Turtle Bay is donating £30,000 to Youth Music’s NextGen Fund, which helps behind the scenes creatives take a step forward in participating and changing the music scene.
Grants of up to £2,500 will be available to emerging creatives (aged 18-25 and disabled 26-30 year olds), to invest in music projects to run and own themselves.
Turtle Bay ambassador and Radio host and DJ Shayna Marie is supporting the partnership and hosting an event at Turtle Bay’s Brixton restaurant on Saturday 13th November.
Commenting on Turtle Bay and Youth Music’s partnership, Shayna Marie says “I’m so excited to be part of an initiative that really resonates with me. Young people are the future of the world’s music scene and this partnership will help more aspiring creatives to get out there and shake it up! I can’t wait to listen to the experiences of young, local musicians as we can learn so much from each other’s stories.”
A selected group of aspiring musicians from local South London Youth Music funded initiatives have been invited by Shayna discuss building their own networks in music.
