UD has revealed the ten gifted artists selected for its Incubator Programme, its flagship creative and professional development programme for artists making music of Black origin. Following a successful pilot in 2023, the initiative returns this year with the support of PPL and its recently announced Giving initiative, as the two organisations continue their work to drive positive change in equity and diversity across the music industry.

The Incubator brings together ten unsigned artists aged between 18 and 25 through an intensive six-month programme of creative and business development. Participants will receive invaluable support, including access to financial investment and expert guidance on music law, publishing, distribution, live music and more from leading industry professionals. Free studio time, hot desking facilities and personalised mentoring and coaching are also provided.

The competitive four-stage selection process which saw a panel of tastemakers including Joseph 'JP' Patterson (Editor, Complex UK/ Founder, TRENCH) and Chantelle Fiddy (renowned grime commentator and journalist), vote for their favourite acts which span a range of genres from grime, rap, R&B, drill, hip hop and jazz. They include:

• Neo-soul and R&B vocalist Allyson

• Emerging Jazz singer-songwriter Charlotte Dowsson

• Soul singer and producer Izzy Withers

• Alternative rap artist J2

• Afro R&B and Afro soul vocalist MARACHÉ

• Neo-soul and R&B vocalist Olympia Vitalis

• London based artist and MC Skee

• Neo-soul and R&B vocalist Skye

• Multi-genre producer TayoLoxs

• Alternative rap artist Zuko Rosemeid

The programme will be delivered by UD's newest hire, Zak Lansky, an experienced A&R and Artist Manager who has worked with Charlie Sloth, Fire In The Booth, Apple Music, and the BBC. All participants from the Incubator programme will perform at UD's showcase to be hosted in partnership with PPL on 16th May at Dust in Brighton.

Pamela McCormick, CEO of UD, said: "The Incubator programme addresses a clear need in the industry for young musicians making music of Black origin and facilitates their transition from educational or vocational training to the commercial market or professional workplace. By identifying and developing their creative skills and business knowledge, we are making them industry-ready and preparing them for a sustainable career in music.

"We're grateful to PPL for their support of the programme, following on from their contribution to the development and launch of the Talent House, and look forward to collaborating with them to drive positive change for our industry and the young people who are on a mission to break through."

Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL added: ""For 25 years, UD has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young Black creative talent. PPL's continued support for the national youth music organisation reflects our shared commitment to nurturing the UK's extensive and diverse talent pipeline, and to expanding the opportunities available to those looking to build a career in music. We were proud to contribute to the development of the industry-leading facilities at UD's Talent House and are excited about our role in supporting the Incubator programme which will provide crucial education, training, and development opportunities for the next generation of musicians and performers of music of Black origin.""

Chantelle Fiddy, TRENCH/ UD/ Complex UK said: "This year's Incubator cohort is on another level – the sheer talent that we assessed was unbelievable. We are so excited about the future for each of these artists and seeing their development through the various opportunities available at the Talent House, where they'll refine their skills, poised to make their mark on the industry."

Sai-Ming, who participated in the 2023 Incubator pilot programme and has already clocked up three million streams and 130,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, commented: "UD's Incubator programme was the game changing opportunity I needed after years spent developing my music. It gave me the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of talented and motivated individuals; the coaching sessions encouraged me to pursue my goals and offered tailored advice on advancing my career as an artist; and the showcase at The Great Escape allowed me to grow in confidence in my performances. Since completing the programme, I've worked on my live strategy, secured a live music agent and am incredibly excited for the busy year I have ahead in building my career."

UD's talent has performed on some of the most iconic stages across the UK. Its flagship vocal group, Flames Collective, took to the stage with RAYE at The BRIT Awards in March following performances with the Mercury-nominated star at both Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall last year. UD's creatives have also recently performed alongside Jake Bugg in Liverpool and Kojey Radical at the opening of London College of Fashion's new campus on the East Bank, demonstrating the incredible access and opportunities UD can provide to the next generation of emerging talent in the UK.

The news of the Incubator programme follows the launch of UD's Elevator membership scheme announced in February, which, with funding from Sony Music UK's Social Justice Fund, will see up to 50 young people receive subsidised membership of UD's state-of-the-art facilities at the Talent House in Stratford, east London.