Before there was Mimi The Music Blogger, there was Music With M – a sharp, distinct voice writing about music on her WordPress blog. Fast forward to now, and Mimi is one of the UK’s most respected tastemakers: a multi-award-winning journalist, presenter and cultural strategist known for championing Black music and chronicling its global impact. With a background in finance and investment, Mimi has hosted, moderated and appeared on platforms such as BBC 1Xtra’s The Rap Show, JD Sports’ Take The Crown series, Apple Music, Amazon Music’s +44, JBL Presents, Link Up TV and more. As a presenter and host, she has interviewed the likes of Usher, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Tiwa Savage, Bellah, Tion Wayne and IVD, and has covered events from Wireless Festival, the Latin Grammys and Les Flammes in Paris to industry dinners and listening events across the globe. In 2025, Mimi also launched Thank You – a multi-format series that began as a TikTok concept and Clash Magazine feature, now reimagined as a YouTube interview show. Throughout her career so far, she has been spotlighted by outlets like Complex UK, Trench and Mixtape Madness, whilst also being featured in 2023’s Dazed 100 and twice winning the Best Journalist gong at the Young Music Boss awards. Here, Mimi shares her top tips on building a career in the business...
INTERVIEW: MIRANDA BARDSLEY
1. Own your voice, even if it’s not loud
“You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to make a lasting impact. I was a shy child and hated reading out loud. So when I interviewed artists like Usher, Snoop Dogg, Will Smith, Tiwa Savage or Giggs, it wasn’t about dominating the conversation, it was about asking the right questions and listening deeply. Whether you’re behind the scenes or front-facing talent, your unique perspective is your power. Honour your tone and style; that authenticity is what makes you unforgettable. Don’t let anyone pressure you into ‘performing’ confidence, grow into it in your own way. A soft voice can carry weight when it’s rooted in intention – the key is learning how to hold space and trust that your presence, just as it is, belongs.”
2. Don’t wait for co-signs from people, build your platform anyway
“Early in my career, many didn’t see the vision behind my work. From execs in the culture to artists, I heard a lot of ‘No’s. But I kept writing, hosting and building my platform regardless. For instance, my ‘Thank You’ series started as a simple TikTok idea and a Clash article [Thank You: A Love Letter To Black Women Building In Silence] before it grew into a YouTube show featuring artists like Ciara. Trust the process, keep creating and build like you already have the backing – the right people will notice. Keep planting seeds, even when it feels like no one’s watching. The beauty is, by the time they catch on, you’ll already be 10 steps ahead with receipts to prove it!”
3. Document everything – you are the archive
“As Black women in the industry, our contributions are often overlooked or erased. I’ve learned to save every interview, article and DM that celebrates my work. When I covered events like the Latin Grammys or Wireless Festival, keeping track of moments, connections and milestones helped me own my narrative. Always save your receipts, your timeline is your legacy. Documentation isn’t just for proof, it’s for pride, and your story deserves to be preserved on your terms, not just in how others retell it. Even the behind-the-scenes moments matter – that time you spoke on a panel or connected with a creative who later blew up. Collect it all. One day, your archive will tell a story that no one else could narrate but you.”
4. Be in the room, but don’t let it define you
“Getting invited on to panels or to exclusive events is exciting, but not every opportunity aligns with your mission or wellbeing. When I featured on BBC 1Xtra’s The Rap Show with Tiffany Calver, or appeared on brand activations for Apple Music, I stayed grounded through my faith and values, making sure success didn’t change who I am. Remember, access doesn’t equal belonging. Stay true to yourself, mentally and spiritually. It’s OK to say ‘No’ to shiny things that don’t serve your soul. A seat at the table means nothing if it costs your peace or integrity. Check in with yourself often – is this room aligned with who you are or just who you’re trying to impress? Be in the room, but never let it define your worth and stay rooted.”
5. Collaboration over competition
“The music industry can feel competitive, but my biggest breakthroughs have come from collaboration. I’ve met creatives like Anu [@themniashow] on my YouTube show and co-signed Black women creatives including Naz [@nazfromnewham], Chelsea Olutunde [@thatmusicbabe], Leah Tèzila [@tezillionaire], Georgia Thomas-Bennett [@Gstarr3], Funmi [@lljef3], and Funlola [@hermusicroom] in Clash magazine. From connecting with stylists and producers at events across the world, from Paris to Miami to Riyadh, building meaningful relationships has been key. Your strongest allies might be peers growing beside you. Look sideways, not just up – that kind of collaboration creates longevity. When you win together, the work speaks louder, lasts longer and lifts more people in the process. Don’t let the industry trick you into thinking there’s only one seat – build your own table, and make it long enough for others, too.”
