Heather Nelson: Power Up Industry Professionals
Heather Nelson
CEO, Black Music Festival & The Legacy Awards
A lover of music and a woman who instills equity in all that I do so here I am coupling the two of my passions.
I developed Black Music Festival in 2014 from a fledgling concert that took place annually. The Festival has grown from 5K revelers to having over 80K (source: West Yorkshire Police) in 2019. We showcase various genres of music predominantly R&B, Reggae, Gospel, Grime, Hip Hop.
Having developed a thriving main stage it was apparent that the younger generation wanted something that suited them that wasn’t showcased on the main stage. That’s when the Beatz n Vibez stage was born. A platform for up and coming DJ’s who mingled with established national and local DJs and a platform for vocalists. This hit 3K in the first year and has risen each year. The atmosphere is lit!! It actually feels like that the area of the park is bouncing when you see the sea of young people enjoying themselves and contradicting the negative narrative but evidencing that when people are listened to, included and invested in they will respect and enjoy without hesitation and indeed become part of the activity wanting to see it grow from strength to strength.
“I’m excited that being a member of POWER UP Network allows me to link with like minded individuals enabling us to share the good stuff and the pitfalls. Together We Can!!” Heather Nelson