During this year’s Women In Music Awards, we inducted a host of trailblazing industry executives into the Roll Of Honour, in association with TikTok.
They join a huge list of previous honourees, including some of the leading names from across the business like Kanya King, Sarah Stennett, Emma Banks, Charisse Beaumont, Rebecca Allen, Stacey Tang, Shani Gonzales and Mary Anne Hobbs, who have been selected since the awards began in 2014. The Roll Of Honour aims to shine a spotlight on the variety of individuals who are leading the charge in the music industry and consistently using their platforms to support women, or focus on empowerment and gender disparity.
Following the Women In Music Awards ceremony, Music Week is running Q&A interviews with all of this year’s Roll Of Honour inductees.
Akosua Scantlebury is a multi-hyphenate entertainment executive whose career spans music, radio, live events, and talent management. Recognised as one of the industry's key drivers in artist development and cultural impact, she was recently shortlisted for Manager Of The Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards for her work with Ghetts.
Scantlebury began her career in radio production at Global, working on Choice FM and Capital Xtra, where she led the team to win the Bronze Award for Social Action Initiative at the Arqiva Commercial Radio Awards for Capital Xtra's Music Potential.
She transitioned into the record label world in 2017, spending eight years at Universal Music and building a reputation for delivering bold campaigns across influential labels. Her roles included urban division manager at Island Records UK, marketing & projects manager at 0207 Def Jam, and international marketing at Def Jam Recordings (US), during which she contributed to over 10 million units in global record sales, driving brand growth and commercial success for breakthrough and established acts.
Scantlebury is the founder of TwoFourSix Global, a creative music and entertainment company through which she channels all her professional endeavours. The name pays tribute to her Bajan roots (+246 being the country’s dialing code) and reflects her guiding philosophy: “You don’t know where you’re going, if you don’t know where you’re from.”
In talent management, Scantlebury co-manages a few developing artists, including rising R&B star Jada, and acts as day-to-day manager for Ghetts. She serves as a sounding board for other artist managers and provides guidance and support to artists both in the UK and abroad.
Her expertise also extends to live music and cultural events working freelance as an artist liaison for major shows, tours and festivals, serving as head of events & culture for The Local Film Club, founded by Daniel Kaluuya and Michael “Buck” Maris, and as director of creative for SAFE (formerly Safe Space), a central London-based entertainment night. Beyond the stage, she is committed to supporting young music creatives as a trustee for the East London charity, Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation.
In recognition of her influence to music and the arts, Scantlebury was selected as a London 2012 Olympic torchbearer, carrying the flame aboard the Royal barge Gloriana as it travelled down the River Thames during the opening celebrations.
With an unwavering commitment to music innovation, culture and representation, Scantlebury continues to redefine what it means to be an executive in the modern entertainment industry shaping the future of music while championing the next generation of talent.
How do you feel about joining the Music Week Women In Music Roll Of Honour?
“I feel truly honoured and humbled about joining the Music Week Women In Music Roll Of Honour. It was such a surprise to receive the email, I felt a wave of excitement and pride. To have my contribution to this industry recognised in this way is truly special, and I’m so grateful to Music Week for creating a platform that celebrates and uplifts the many incredible, trailblazing women shaping our industry.”
How do you look back on your early years getting into the industry?
“When I look back, I can't help but smile. From a young age, I always knew I would work in music, and little Akosua has done it. I lived and breathed music. I grew up in Bow, East London during the emergence of grime so my formative years were heavily filled with high energy music, friends as MCs, raves, clashes, buying records from Rhythm Division. It was new, exciting and oozing creativity and authenticity. My first real career entry to the industry was via radio as a producer on the Afrobeats show/ drive time show on Capital Xtra. I managed to convince – also known as constantly asking – DJ Abrantee to take a chance on me and take me under his wing despite me having zero radio experience.
“I had a full-time job at the time so would finish work early and dash across London to work across the evening. I was determined to make the opportunity count and was very much learning on the job. This then opened me up to the wider industry – meeting and working with artists, doing events, travelling abroad for work. I stayed at Global for several years in various capacities, which on reflection was an absolute blast, before Alex [Boateng, Twin B] from Island Records came knocking and convinced me to join him at the label. I did, on the condition I could still continue to work at radio on the Saturday shows and Capital events (huge shout out to the MVP of all things events, Lisa Cheung). The early days were really hard work but a lot of fun.”
Did you have a mentor at that stage?
“I didn't have a mentor, in fact, I have never actually had the privilege of having a formal mentor at any point in my career. However, what I did have and still do have is a great network of people who I can reach out to and lean on for honest advice and guidance. I feel lucky to have so many people who genuinely want to see me succeed and support me in my endeavours. In turn, I try my best to also do that for others particularly for the younger execs and artists in the industry. We all need support at times.”
The WIM Awards shines a light on inequality and deep-seated issues around this area in the music industry. Can you share any personal experiences or points of view on this topic?
“Throughout my career, I have definitely experienced first-hand some of the challenges women face in the music industry. There is a clear underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, subtle biases in how women are treated in the workplace and if we are all honest, an ever present sense of misogyny that still exists. I’m sure most women in the industry have a story to tell on one of those points. The industry is slowly changing, however these issues are still impacting and limiting opportunities for women. Personally, I have always felt I‘ve had to work twice as hard to be seen as well as twice as loud to be heard. I spend a lot of time in male-dominated spaces and it can be truly exhausting at times. My hope for the future is a more level playing field for women and I would love to see more ethnic diversity overall as barriers to entry still very much exist. “
My hope for the future is a more level playing field for women and I would love to see more ethnic diversity overall as barriers to entry still very much exist
Akosua Scantlebury
How would you sum up your ethos as a music executive?
“I think I would sum up my ethos as always leading with authenticity, cultivating talent with care, and ensuring music remains at the forefront. I truly believe that without the 'art' there is no industry so we all have a duty to handle the art with as much care as possible.”
You work across different sectors – what skills are required to make that work successfully?
“I am a bit of a Jill of all trades, I love music so much that I want to be a part of it in as many ways as I can. I think the most important skills when working across multiple sectors is being highly organised and having the ability to adapt. I definitely couldn't do what I do well without making organisation a priority. This means planning my work schedule in advance, ensuring I understand fully what needs to be achieved, strategising and carving out realistic timeframes to get things done. Being adaptable means I can easily slot into different roles and organisations and embrace change instead of being fearful of it.
“Things in this industry can change quickly so being reactive is important. I would also chuck in being a confident communicator, it’s a people-led industry, I feel like I am constantly communicating whether it’s on the phone, in-person or on email. Understanding how to communicate well and be personable goes a long way.”
What’s the most exciting story in UK Black music this year?
“I can’t pinpoint one particular story, but something that I am finding exciting in Black British music is the explosion of great R&B and soul music. There is a plethora of new artists emerging and we are seeing the more seasoned R&B/soul artists becoming more visible both here and internationally. The British talent really is top notch. I’m a big R&B lover so this is super exciting, particularly as for so long the consumption of R&B in the UK has been dominated by US artists.”
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
“For me personally, my biggest achievement to date was being the executive producer and lead A&R on a re-imagined Bob Marley album called Africa Unite, which was released in 2023. I grew up on Bob, my family are Rastafarians, to have the privilege to oversee a new album of such a legendary artist is still a pinch me moment. I literally got to work with original vocal stems and create a body of work alongside some amazing producers and artists that will exist forever. How do I top that? It’s Bob Marley!”
What advice would you offer young women about enjoying a successful career in music?
“My advice to young women is to work hard, be passionate but exercise balance. I am very big on wellbeing and understanding that you can’t perform at your best if you are running on empty. This industry can be brutal at times, long days, late nights, pressing deadlines, emails as long as your arm, and constant meetings, however with that also comes lots of highs, achievements and fun. Try to balance everything out, carve out time to enjoy what you are doing and be present in those moments. If you’re having a bad day or bad week, stop, breathe and reset. I would also implore you to never stop learning, if you think you have mastered something, learn or try something else. Keep feeding your passion and love for what you do and the success will follow.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever had?
“The best advice I've ever had was from a friend who told me ‘in everything you do, never forget who you are’. This reminds you to centre yourself in everything you do so your decisions and actions are consistent, meaningful, and aligned with your true self. Essentially carrying your core identity with you as a compass.”
Is there a young woman you'd like to shout out who you think is a rising star in the industry?
“Yes – I would like to shout out the wonderful and talented Bianca Wilson who is the day-to-day manager for Ella Mai. We first met when we were both at Island Records. I've never met someone as meticulous, hardworking and dedicated as Bianca is, she takes so much pride in what she does. She is currently located in the US whilst working with Ella but firmly flies the flag for the UK. I foresee only great things for her and I know she has a long successful career ahead.”
Similarly, is there a young woman artist whose music you're enjoying right now/excited about?
“I would love to mention two artists, both who happen to be from East London. Jada, who is a new upcoming R&B artist and songwriter, I am really excited about her, still early doors but she has some great music lined up ready to release over the next couple of months. An artist that I have on repeat right now is Lizzie Berchie. She has an insane vocal and describes herself as 'The neo-soul sweetheart from Newham'. Her project, Night Shift, is beautifully crafted.”
Finally, what’s your biggest lesson from 2025 so far?
“Always stay ready and never stop believing it’s possible. I’ve experienced a lot of change this year which has truly kept me on my toes, but through it all, the dreams have not wavered."
PHOTOS: Louise Haywood-Schiefer / Jahnay Tennai
