The Blues Project Founder, Simi Agbaje named ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ 2024 by YMB Awards

18 April 2024 - Press release

The much awaited Young Music Boss Awards returns on 25th April 2024 at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, celebrating the best of the music industry’s young executive and entrepreneurial talent.

Simi Agbaje has today been awarded ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ – the Young Music Boss Awards’ (YMBA) flagship title – presented in partnership with The Association of Independent Music (AIM).

The Blues Project is a community-led media and events platform which has almost single handedly reignited the flames of R&B. It has served as a springboard for some of the most notable R&B / Soul Talents the UK has seen in the last 10 years through the ‘BLUES100’ Soul Cypher sessions and live music showcases, ‘SENSES,’ at The Jazz Cafe. Since launching in 2016 The Blues Project now reaches 300k+ people monthly and has secured partnerships with the likes of Somerset House, Sofar Sounds, Mixcloud, AWAL and The Musicians’ Union, as well as support from POWER UP! in 2022.

The YMB Awards wish to celebrate Simi’s outstanding achievements and contribution to the UK music industry with The Blues Project. In accepting the award, Simi said: “I am stunned and excited, not just for myself but for my team too. It's truly an honour to be recognised by my peers. Being an entrepreneur isn't easy or glamorous most days but moments like this are a lovely reminder that the work we do is important and valued. Thank you to Young Music Boss and AIM for the recognition.”

YMBA founder, Jusnah Gadi said: “The Music Entrepreneur of the Year Award is all about recognising innovative and creative entrepreneurs whose forward thinking is truly shaping and revolutionising the UK Music industry and beyond. Simi embodies that spirit, what she has accomplished speaks to someone who was willing to stand alone, when none really stood with her, because that is the position R&B was in when she conceived The Blues Project. She has now built an entire ecosystem around it which has undoubtedly contributed to the resurgence of R&B/Soul music in the UK. It gives me great pleasure to present this award to her.”

Ben Wynter, Director of Business Development & Partnerships at AIM, commented: “AIM is incredibly proud to sponsor YMB’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the third consecutive year. Our mission is to support independent music entrepreneurs, who are a driving force behind the music industry, setting trends and paving the way for others to follow. This year’s award acknowledges the remarkable work that Simi and her team at The Blues Project, through their entrepreneurial endeavours, have done to provide a spotlight for R&B music. Despite being overshadowed in recent years by the likes of Grime, Drill, Rap and Afrobeat within the black music space, the UK R&B scene is experiencing a resurgence, with platforms like The Blues Project essential in providing a space for the genre to thrive.”

The YMB Awards were conceived to support and empower young music professionals whose achievements don’t always receive the attention they deserve. Aimed at U35 creatives and professionals, categories include ‘Best Manager’, ‘Best Publisher’, ‘Best Lawyer’, ‘Best Journalist’, ‘Best A&R’, ‘Best Label’, ‘Best Digital Platform’ and many more.

The sought-after title of ‘Music Entrepreneur of the Year’ is the headline category and is sponsored by the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the not-for-profit organisation championing the UK’s independent music community. Awarded last year to TK and SK, founders of London-based independent label Finesse Foreva, which houses multi-platinum producers and rappers including Russ Millions, its purpose is to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of music entrepreneurship. The award will be presented to Simi by Fi Alaka, Business Development Assistant at AIM.

The night will be presented by prominent industry personalities and will feature live performances by some of today’s most exciting rising artists.

The YMB Awards will take place on April 25th 2024 at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf. Limited corporate ticket packages are available on request by emailing: ymbawards@youngmusicboss.com. Sponsors and partners include The Music Managers Forum, PPL, Puma, PinkShip and M360 Agency.

More information on the categories, nominees and tickets for the Awards ceremony can be found at www.ymbawards.co.uk.