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.
Bernice Maria “Billi” John has spent over fifteen years building a dynamic career across radio, music, and live production. She began her journey in the creative industries as an intern to Steve Sutherland at national radio station Galaxy FM. As her skills and experience grew, she progressed through the roles of broadcast assistant, events manager, assistant producer, and, ultimately, co-host. During this time, she made her journalism debut interviewing Jay-Z, and later speaking with artists including 50 Cent, Rihanna, Damian Marley, and Drake, among many others.
After an incredibly rewarding six-year tenure at Galaxy FM, Billi transitioned into live events, record labels, and television, contributing her expertise and executive support to leading organisations such as Cannes Lions Festival, Universal Music, Festival Republic, Your Army, BBC, and Eleven Management. Alongside this, she launched her own consultancy, Thirty Free, a platform dedicated to providing production, project, and people support, while keeping mindfulness at the heart of creativity and collaboration.
Billi also devotes her energy to developing Everything RNB (ERNB), the platform she co-founded with DJ Ace. Committed to elevating R&B and inspiring a new generation of artists and fans, ERNB has curated international showcases featuring handpicked UK talent at events including SXSW (in both Austin and London) and NxNE Festival in Toronto. The platform also produces writing camps, workshops, concerts and grassroots national tours across the UK, cementing its reputation as a cultural hub for the genre.
Last but not least, Q4 of 2025 marks the launch of Billi’s new initiative, They Are Soul Full, a pioneering space dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of global majority, neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ musicians and creatives. The project will foster opportunities to create, learn, collaborate, and showcase in an inclusive environment where everyone is seen, celebrated, and championed.
How do you feel about joining the Roll Of Honour?
“It feels incredible. Honestly, I’m proud, but also really humbled, especially knowing how many amazing women are doing groundbreaking work in music right now. It feels like a moment to pause and take it in, but also a reminder to keep pushing forward. For me, it’s not just about the accolade, it’s about what it represents.”
How do you look back on your early years getting into the industry?
“Those years were full of energy, curiosity, and passion, but also full of anxiety and uncertainty. I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I had to figure it out as I went along, and sometimes that meant getting things very wrong before I got them right and working out who and what I wanted to be and do. Honestly, I still make mistakes, and am still developing the version of myself I love being the most. But I’m also learning more than ever that this is okay. We’re human, and there really isn’t a cheat book. Those experiences, mistakes, awkward moments, late nights and early mornings have built resilience and helped me develop a stronger sense of identity within this space.”
Did you have a mentor early on in your career?
“Yes, from a personal perspective, my mum was my biggest mentor. From the moment I told her I wanted to be a part of this industry, she was on it! She would drop me off at the radio station every week without fail, pep talk me, and gas me up the whole way in the car. Then quiz me on what worked well and what I could improve on for the following week, the whole way home. Throughout my career she was the first person I went to for advice or reasoning, because as much as she was my loving safe person, there was such honesty, support and perspective. I was fortunate to have her in my corner and I count myself so incredibly lucky for that. Beyond mama, Steve Sutherland was my first professional mentor and basically industry dad. He really helped me navigate the early stages of my career as a naive, impressionable teenager. He protected me from a lot and would always push me to step out of my comfort zone and be better, whilst continuously presenting amazing opportunities – guiding me but allowing me to make my own decisions. He was so patient and kind but so real and raw. Gosh I miss that man and I’m forever grateful for his contributions to the music industry and my career. In more recent years, Yvette Griffiths OBE has also been an amazing mentor and inspiration. We connected from the first conversation we ever had. It’s like she saw me, before I could even see myself. And her knowledge, skill set and decorum, just wow! Having people like this in my corner gave me confidence and courage when I needed it most.”
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?
“Unfortunately inequality in the music industry is still very real. There are layers. Gender, race, class, amongst other issues. Representation matters. Seeing people who look or think like you in positions of influence changes what you believe is possible. Being a Black woman, and being neurodivergent has created unique roadblocks that I’ve had to navigate my whole life and career. Feeling unheard, unseen, undermined, unappreciated, underpaid, misunderstood – there are so many challenges. Being a mum in music is also pretty brutal sometimes. We are expected to work like we are childless and to 'parent' like we are jobless. So reaching a moment like this, being able to have this conversation, it feels like a victory, not just for me, but for everyone who’s faced similar barriers. There are so many unacknowledged battles to unpack and find solutions for.”
What does the industry need to know about UK R&B in 2025 that it’s not aware of?
“UK R&B isn’t just alive, it’s thriving. It’s deep, diverse, and full of world-class talent. In 2025, the industry needs to stop asking ‘if’ R&B is here and start investing in what’s already happening. The talent is undeniable.”
There’s been dialogue around the genre in this country for a few years now – what’s exciting you most about R&B at the moment?
“I truly credit DJ Ace for driving the dialogue around UK R&B and the way it has taken off, because he has been shouting with his whole chest from the rooftops nonstop over the years. Even when UK R&B was underserved and underrated, he has been advocating for the genre since day one. It’s amazing to see how loud that conversation has become now. I love it, and I love being a part of it. What excites me most is the innovation. Artists are blending Afro sounds, electronic, dancehall and jazz influences into a sound that feels global but distinctly UK. And they’re collaborating more too. It’s fresh and fearless. There’s a real sense of authenticity, and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
Much of your work involves mentorship and collaboration – do you think the industry works well enough together? How could that be improved?
“We’ve made so much progress, but we still have a way to go. There’s still a lot of siloing. People can be protective of their corner rather than sharing knowledge, resources and opportunities. True collaboration benefits everyone, and I’d love to see that spirit grow across the board at all levels. This is a huge reason I am excited to launch a new initiative in autumn, They Are Soul Full, which is a space dedicated to empowering and amplifying the voices of global majority, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ musicians, execs and creatives. The project will foster opportunities to create, learn, collaborate, and showcase in an inclusive community where everyone is seen, celebrated, and championed.”
Magic happens when you embrace every part of yourself and acknowledge that you are never too young or old to learn
Bernice Maria “Billi” John
What’s your biggest achievement so far?
“For me, professionally it’s the platform we’ve been able to build independently, over at ERNB. It is pure blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul that has kept us pushing to keep the lights on. To be invited to showcase at SXSW Austin 2026 for our fourth consecutive year and NxNe Festival 2026 in Toronto for our second, feels like a massive nod to all of our hard work and dedication. We are determined to show off the phenomenal UK talent we have, on an international level. Watching artists we’ve supported over the years go on to bigger stages and tours, sign record deals, dream collaborations and get the recognition they deserve, that’s real impact. That feels like purpose and success, but also like responsibility, to keep lifting others as we climb. This is why creating supportive, mindful, inclusive spaces has always been central to what we do.”
What advice would you offer young women about enjoying a successful career in music?
“Be true to yourself and don’t wait for permission. The magic happens when you embrace every part of yourself and acknowledge you are never too young or old to learn or be taught. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and accept you for who you are. Mentors, peers, collaborators alike, because no one can do this alone. There will always be pressures to conform or fit a mold. But leaning into your individuality is what makes your work and your voice truly stand out and allow you to sleep at night knowing that you haven’t had to mask your way through. That's exhausting, trust me, I’ve been there. Remember yourself over and over again. Remember where you came from. Remember where you dream of going. Remember what lights your soul on fire.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Two things can be true at the same time. The real skill isn’t choosing one, it’s finding solutions that make both work.”
Is there a young woman you'd like to shout out who you think is a rising star in the industry?
“Goodness, absolutely! Shanté Collier-McDermott is first to mind, dominating in radio promotions and artist management. Shinel Crichlow is also making huge waves spotlighting the UK music and entertainment scene. I’d also like to shout out some of the amazing women who are crushing it – Akosua Scantlebury, Nandy Mason, Esta Rae, Ria Amour, Portia Clarke, Nadia Jae, Princess Nyah, Chantelle McCallam, Janicia Lamona, Michelle Williams, Kayah Hazell, Malika Fergurson, Sharlotte Ritchie, Heidi Jacob, the team of amazing women over at Eleven Management. And of course, there are so many others pushing the needle. These are women I have learned from and who inspire me daily. All rising, growing, making powerful moves, and working so hard. Huge shout out as well to my fellow WIM Honor Roll inductees. It feels like my own version of Bashy’s Black Boys just reeling off names of powerful women doing brilliant things. I think it’s so important to give them their flowers and continue to big each other up.”
Similarly, is there a young woman artist whose music you're enjoying right now?
“We’re spoiled for choice in the UK right now! Lizzie Birchie, Essii, Morgan Munroe, Valntna, Gia Gray, Jada. All of whom we’ve had the privilege of showcasing over the years. Ego Ella May's new project brought me to tears. It's so beautiful. Iyamah, BSHP, gosh, again I could go on for a while! Each of these women are pushing music forward in unique ways, and it’s super exciting to watch.”
Finally, what’s your biggest lesson from 2025 so far?
“Looking after the mind, body, and soul has to be a top priority. Burnout is real. Stress related illness is real. Imposter syndrome is real, and they affect us both consciously and subconsciously. Just as I’ve learned to be mindful of what I consume with my body, with huge thanks to Faith In Nature Juices in my hometown Hackney, for supporting my holistic journey and getting my health back on track – it’s equally important to be mindful of what we feed our minds, especially with the impact social media has on us these days. What we consume mentally shapes our self-talk and the way we view and pressurise ourselves. Protecting that space is as essential as any work deadline or achievement. I’ve also realised that rest is a vital part of this work; it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but stepping back, recharging, and taking care of yourself ultimately makes you more effective in the long run, rest doesn't mean you are lazy – it means you are human.”
