Now in its fourth year, the Black Music Coalition’s Excellence Honourees initiative recognises emerging talent changing the industry. Here, we catch up with Terry Appiasei, CEO of Golden Boy Entertainment/Co-Founder Black Pearl Music Group...
PHOTO: CALVIN CEILE
You’re alongside lots of talented people on the Honourees list – how do you feel about the new wave of talent coming through?
“It’s definitely a privilege to be part of such a talented list. There’s loads of great Black talent coming through in the industry, all from different walks of life and with different goals. I think that the key to continued growth is to keep pushing forward and setting amazing examples, which the BMC allows to happen.”
Is the industry doing enough to ensure there is a diverse pool of new acts?
“In the current climate, I do not feel like there is a diverse pool of talent coming through. The Black music scene is not where it was a few years ago. However, there are loads of great artists that are yet to get their chance, and also loads of great artists flying the flag here and internationally. I think the industry could do more to nurture talent. This is definitely a cut-throat industry and sometimes people forget that there are real people from all walks of life behind the artists. Ensuring that artists are exposed to therapists, mental health professionals and even media and social media training could go a long way.”
Work ethic and a willingness to learn are the most important principles to me
Terry Appiasei
What makes a good manager in 2025?
“A good artist manager believes in and supports their artists’ dreams and ambitions. Sometimes, no one else may have the same vision or belief in your artist, but success is even sweeter when everyone doubts you. Work ethic and a willingness to learn are the most important principles to me. Work ethic allows everyone to develop and improve at whatever they’re doing, and in such a competitive industry, everyone needs to be doing their best to stand out. Willingness to learn is important because the scene is constantly evolving and it’s important to stay in the know.”
Have you had mentors or role models?
“Yeah, I have had a few great role models and mentors including Rich Castillo [Lionbear founder] and Kevin Christian-Blair [senior A&R director, Atlantic]. I like to learn from everyone around me as they have all contributed greatly to the industry and have overcome their own challenges to get to where they are. I think mentorship is essential nowadays and I aspire to be a great mentor for the next generation.”
What is the industry not focusing on enough?
“Mental health is an important one. The industry has so many ups and downs and not everyone can deal with the roller coaster, which in many unfortunate cases can lead to downward spirals.”
You have the keys to the industry for a day – what would you do?
“This seems like a lot of pressure for just one person, but I would put on a global music festival and every country in the world would be able to select an artist to represent them.
