Sheniece Charway, head of music culture, YouTube, EMEA, has spoken to Music Week about the role of the platform’s Legacy initiative in championing Black Culture.
Over the last 20 years, YouTube has played a key role in the rise of UK rap, hip-hop, R&B and British music.
Now in its fourth year, the Legacy Party was staged last week and attended by artists including Aitch, Alesha Dixon, Bryson Tiller, D Double E, Headie One, Jordan Adetunji, Juls, K Trap, Karli Red, Krept & Konan, Leon Thomas, Mahalia, Mario, Siobhan Bell, Ty Dollar $ign, Wunmi Bello, Young T.
“Since its inception in 2019, Legacy has championed and celebrated Black British talent, spotlighting genre-defining moments such as 50 years of Hip Hop and 30 years of Garage, and creating space for conversation, connection and celebration,” said a statement.
“The Legacy Party is the flagship celebration of YouTube’s year-long Legacy initiative – a moment in the calendar to bring together artists, creators, execs and tastemakers for an evening of celebration and connection,” said Sheniece Charway. “But Legacy goes far beyond just one night. Over the years, Legacy has consistently championed Black culture and raised awareness of the challenges faced by Black artists through the power of music, art, and community.
“Previous events have included a pop-up space at Westfield featuring collections from Black-owned UK fashion brands, regular panel discussions addressing key issues affecting Black executives and artists in the music industry, and intimate dinners bringing together underrepresented artists and industry leaders from across different genres.”
This year, Legacy has been part of a short documentary marking 20 years of Wireless Festival and YouTube which reflects on pivotal moments from both the festival and the platform’s two-decade history. The documentary spotlights emerging talent by pairing veteran artists with rising stars they admire.
Performers at YouTube Legacy Party included NSG, Moliy, Baby Cham, Libianca and Darkoo, as well as DJ sets from Jae5, Jordss, Larizzle, Melly and Vandana.
Charway outlined YouTube’s support for UK talent.
“YouTube is committed to supporting artists at every stage of their journey, starting at grassroots level with initiatives like Amplify Liverpool – where we partnered with London Music Fund to support grassroots organisations that are providing progression and training opportunities for talented young musicians and creatives, particularly from under-represented backgrounds,” she said.
“We also offer grant funding and marketing support through longstanding global programmes like Foundry, which helps artists build and sustain their careers. Additionally, we support the managers working behind the scenes through initiatives such as the MMF Accelerator, recognising that strong management is key to long-term success.”
She added: “Our goal is to ensure that YouTube is the best platform for every artist and their team, at every stage of their careers, helping them to connect with audiences both in the UK and around the world.”
PHOTO: Jordan Adetunji and Bryson Tiller at the YouTube Legacy Party 2025 (credit: David M Benett)
