CHAR GRANT
Babychild Music/ The Black Music Coalition
What was the best example of creativity you saw in 2025? “DJ AG. He has provided artists with an invaluable platform, built community, amassed a large global following and managed to keep it exciting for artists and audiences.”
In terms of cutting through this year, what did artist campaigns need to do? “Break their promotional and visual content down into 5,000 puzzle pieces and drip-feed their audiences to form the whole.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “My track is Folded by Kehlani – the song that keeps on giving. Home? by Wretch 32 was easily my most enjoyed album this year. It feels and sounds like my childhood.”
MATT RILEY AWAL
You became president of AWAL this year, what’s your vision for the company?
“We want to be right by our artists’ sides, maximising their potential and helping them be the best they can be. We want a culture that delivers creativity and curiosity as we continue to push AWAL forward.”
Were there any big lessons in terms of artist development this year? “There are no cheat codes or short cuts; it’s about getting alongside incredible talent and being patient, backing the artist all the way and being ready to jump on the opportunities.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “I’ve been enjoying Erin LeCount, the music is really special – check out Marble Arch. Also, CMAT’s Euro-Country; it has so many levels and is an all-time classic album!”
SARAH as an A&R this year?
“It has been incredible to see the plethora of talented new artists that are self-taught and developing their own sound and brand. Two to mention here are Olivia Dean and Jim Legxacy. His mixtape Black British Music (2025) really pushed boundaries.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “I can’t pick only one! So I have to narrow it down to three: Shell (Of A Man) by Saya Gray, 12 To 12 by Sombr and Olivia Dean’s So Easy (To Fall In Love). My album is Geese’s Getting Killed – unreal production and delivery.”
32 | Music Week
Radical poptimism: Dua Lipa on stage at Wembley Stadium in June and (inset, right) Kneecap’s Mo Chara leaves Woolwich Crown Court in September
DUGI LIPA Radical22
What did you learn from Dua Lipa’s stadium shows this year?
“Seeing Dua go from arenas to stadiums has been a phenomenal experience; she somehow manages to make a 90,000-strong sold-out stadium feel so intimate. We’re reflecting on the tour with
overwhelming joy and gratitude for the work that goes into something like this, but mostly gratitude to the fans from around the world who have come out, night after night, and sung their hearts out. The feeling really doesn’t get old! That said, we’re always thinking about what’s next, how we can exceed our own expectations. It’s been a really incredible year, and we’re looking ahead feeling very grateful and inspired.”
Was there anything the industry should have been focusing more on? “I think it’s brilliant to see the focus on the incredible women who have dominated the music landscape in 2025, but I’d love to see more of a focus on artists from the UK and Ireland leading that. Artists like Olivia Dean and Lola Young, for example, who are successful in the UK but also the US. Also other artists like Little Simz, CMAT, Cat Burns... It’s great and I’d love to see that focus from the UK and Ireland on generating the most exciting talent, breaking through globally and getting recognised for it.”
What was your track and album of 2025? “I’ve loved Leon Thomas’ song Mutt and Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
JOE KENTISH Warner Music UK
GABRIELLI Sony Music
Publishing UK What excited you most
Sombr had a huge year in the UK. What drove his success? “Sombr’s breakthrough was down to his incredible mix of elite artistry and Gen Z savvy. Not only is the music he puts out brilliant and ambitious, but he’s also able to speak to his audience in a way that’s completely authentic, relatable and fun. He is a unicorn artist, and yet another great development story from Warner Records US.”
What was your track of 2025?
“Sombr’s Undressed – what a lyric! A perfect song, which sounded instantly classic. An honourable mention for Lily Allen’s Pussy Palace. Now that’s a diss record.”
And your favourite album?
“PinkPantheress’s Fancy That. I remember being sent a link to the record by Tobi Omoloja and Jade Richardson, the A&Rs, whilst I was in LA. I played it in my car and immediately called and texted everyone, raving about how great it was. In hindsight it was probably about 1am and they all would’ve thought I was mad. I stand by my reaction, though!”
musicweek.com
ALICE FROST ADA
In your opinion, how were long-term campaigns built best in 2025?
“The difference between
a successful, long-term campaign and a viral moment all comes down to how you engage with the audience. It’s important to transform passive listeners into an active, dedicated community. They need to feel invested in the campaign, and this should naturally lead to them becoming promoters themselves, shifting the focus to engagement over pure reach.”
Can you share something new that you learned about the industry this year?
“If you think it’s going to be a hit, it probably isn’t.”
What was your track of 2025? “Blackoak by Maribou State.” And your favourite album?
“Malik by Venna and A Fine African Man by Knucks. Two truly talented and unique artists with real cultural cut-through.”
PHOTOS: Louise Haywood-Schiefer, Anadolu Getty, Carsten Windhorst, Gerard Hynes
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