The inaugural Black Music Summit (BMS) is coming to the island of Ibiza in summer 2023.
Founded by WME agent Jordan Hallpike and Kenny Eshinlokun, founder of creative agency Taboo, the event is described as a “social enterprise invested in the global development and celebration of Black music talent” on both the creative and executive fronts.
In a release announcing the forthcoming event, Eshinlokun further explains that the summit’s goal is “to give the next generation a chance to have more opportunities and a better experience in the music industry than many Black people have had to date. The BMS will offer Black musicians, creators and music industry professionals the opportunity to be seen and heard and, hopefully, reduce the amount of future discriminative challenges many Black people in the industry face. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate, celebrate and inspire the next generation, while showcasing so much amazing talent all in one place.”
Adds Hallpike, “Ibiza represents freedom, creativity, expression and beauty. Black culture has laid the foundations for so many genres of music. House and techno were formed by Black culture in Detroit and Chicago. Without the influences of Black pioneers like Frankie Knuckles, Ibiza — the island of dance — would simply not be what it is today. Our aim is to make more Black talent, executives and tourists view this wonderful island as a space they can also occupy, just like any other location in the world.”
Today’s announcement by the BMS Creative Council follows a soft launch in September at two Ibiza locations — Pikes and Hï Ibiza — that included performances from Seth Troxler, JULS, Lava La Rue and No Signal, among others. Leading up to the inaugural event next summer, BMS plans to host a series of events in key locations around the world. The summit itself will feature keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, live performances, various events and club nights.
Members of the BMS Creative Council include: Charisse Beaumont, chief executive of Black Lives in Music; Craig D’Souza, partner/agent at WME; Ebi Sampson, co-founder of August Agency; Jide Adetunji, co-founder of GUAP; Jojo Sonubi, co-founder of Recess/No Signal; Joseph “JP” Patterson, editor-in-chief of Complex UK; Kikelomo Oludemi, senior creator marketing manager at Native Instruments; Lola Oyewole, entertainment creator partnerships at TikTok; Preye Crooks, co-founder of Robots & Humans/Strawberries & Creem Festival; Seni Saraki, co-founder of Native Networks; Sheniece Charway, artist relationships manager at YouTube Music and Whitney Boateng, agent at WME.
Watch the Black Music Summit launch video here. And register for more information from The Black Music Summit here.
