Joseph Ricketts: Power Up Industry Professional

“I have found a deep connection with music at age 10, it always triggered happy memories of growing up in Jamaica. Playing professionally as a bassist with local bands was my first job from which I earned regular income as a teenager. Music taught me the value of self-development and to be persistent in achieving my life goals. It was at this age I knew I could make a difference in the world. The lack of opportunities and underrepresentation of black people in Northern Ireland’s music industry, my growing passion and urge to see change, forced me to take action. I also spent 10 years building cross-community relationships and managing several citywide arts and music projects in Belfast.

I pride myself in building rapport through collaboration and encourage others to do so. I am continuously learning and have built connections with music creatives in authentic and innovative ways. I now specialise in artist management and digital music consultancy, building up the careers of young artists from the ground up. I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, as a driving force behind Northern Ireland’s rising urban music scene, continuing to cement the region’s place in the wider music landscape. Through the NXGEN platform musicians have a space to develop, be creative, learn new techniques, keep up-to-date with changes in the music industry, network and build a sustainable music career.