LIMF Academy commemorates a decade of nurturing talent with a unique overview of their development process
In the heart of Liverpool, the LIMF Academy, a music talent development programme initiated by the city council in 2014, has completed its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the Academy has made significant strides in showcasing local talent, fostering diversity, and empowering emerging music creators.
Established as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival, the LIMF Academy was designed to provide structured development and resources to artists within the Liverpool City Region. The programme, under the guidance of founder and creative director Yaw Owusu, aims to break down barriers and give emerging music creators the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.
The impact of the LIMF Academy is evident in the success stories of its alumni. A report by an independent music consultant highlights that 79.7% of LIMF Academy alumni are maintaining careers in the music industry. Moreover, 24.6% have signed with a record label, a label service, or have distribution and marketing deals.
One such success story is Jazmine Johnson, a LIMF Academy alumnus from the 2024/25 cohort. Johnson has gained more than ten million worldwide streams from her debut collaboration and has a publishing deal with Ultra, one of the biggest dance labels. Another notable alumnus is Jalen Ngonda, who received global critical acclaim and attracted the attention of notable figures like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Dean, and Elton John.
The report also emphasizes the Academy's commitment to diversity. With 34.9% of participants identifying as non-white and 44.1% as non-male, the Academy is a testament to its mission of inclusivity.
The LIMF Academy's initiatives extend beyond traditional industry hubs, diversifying the music scene by introducing fresh perspectives and sounds rooted in local culture. One such initiative is the LIMF Academy Orchestrated, which pairs LIMF Academy artists with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra to reinterpret original music in a live orchestral setting.
The programme's success has not gone unnoticed. Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, praised the LIMF Academy as an exemplary, inclusive, and industry-focused programme that has become a key pipeline of emerging talent. Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, also praised the Academy for launching careers, building a creative community, and reflecting Liverpool's cultural spirit.
As the LIMF Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary, the report emphasizes the need for new partnerships to ensure its sustainability and growth. With its commitment to nurturing local talent, enhancing community identity, expanding industry access, and developing artists’ skills and leadership, the LIMF Academy continues to enrich the broader music ecosystem.
From neo-jazz singer-songwriters like Ni Maxine, who has had sold-out shows, won a Youth Music Award, and performed alongside Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula, to rising UK rap stars like KOJ, the Academy is a breeding ground for future music industry stars. Michael Aldag, who signed with Universal Records and has had three sold-out headline tours and numerous European tours, is another testament to the Academy's success.
In the evolving music industry, the LIMF Academy's holistic training methodology, which combines skill development with personal growth and character-building, helps produce artists who are resilient and adaptable, traits vital for sustainable careers. By fostering sustainable growth and diversity, the LIMF Academy serves as a strong example of principles in action that enrich the broader music ecosystem.
The LIMF Academy, an education-and-self-development program, has not only nurtured local music talent but also encouraged diversity, with alumni maintaining successful careers in the entertainment industry and signing with labels, for instance Jazmine Johnson and Jalen Ngonda. As part of its lifestyle initiatives, the academy also collaborates with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in projects like LIMF Academy Orchestrated, introducing fresh perspectives and sounds to the music scene.
