Dutch hip-hop artist, label owner, poet and actor Akwasi interviews Alex Boateng, A&R, DJ and Head of the Urban Division at Island Records, who shares his insider’s view on the success of the UK urban music scene. As well as managing the current urban roster at Island Records, which includes Drake, Giggs, Sean Paul, Dizzee Rascal, Big Shaq, The Weeknd, and Donae’o, amongst others, Boateng develops partnerships with artists, managers and businesses across the urban scene worldwide.
During this talk, Alex Boateng discusses his coming of age within the urban music scene in the UK - curating his influential mixtape series, building his extensive network, his experience and insight on the urban music industry on a local and global scale, as well as his vision on the success of the national urban music scene, from his key position at the heart of new music in the UK.