Running for the past two years, Complex has constructed a list aiming to shine a spotlight on the Black British talents working behind the scenes to propel the UK music industry.
They focus on inspirational music industry figures who are ‘carving out their own empires and reaching back to bring the next generation along’.
In the two years since Complex UK’s last list, a lot has changed in Black music. Whether it’s rap, grime, drill, Afrobeats or Amapiano, it has an even tighter grip on the charts, Def Jam set up its UK office, and for the first time in history, a Black man – Inflo – won the Brit Award for Best Producer. None of that could have happened without the hard work of the execs that are being highlighting today.
Part of that list is German-born, Adex who moved to Manchester when he was just 10 years old. He initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer but, switched his focus to building his Manchester-based talent and entertainment company and record label, NQ.
Founded in 2017, NQ has become an already well established creative agency working with famous names such as Aitch, and has big ambitions to expand into film and TV.
Following the opening of NQ, Adex recently opened NQ House at the end of 2021, Manchester’s landmark state-of-the-art creative hub, studios and co-working spaces at the former conservative club on the outskirts of Manchester City Centre. NQ’s motto, “Northern roots, Global Influence” has found the home it deserves.
Speaking of his business, Adex said: “We want to build regionally in the North West and push boundaries to compete internationally, bridging the gap between what you see in Manchester and what you see in the States.
“We want to do things at the highest level possible and to be at the forefront of innovation within the entertainment industry, all while retaining that Manchester attitude of doing things differently.”
Also on the esteemed list is Whitney Boateng, Music Agent at WME; Ibrahim Kamara & Jide Adetunji, Founders of GUAP; Ebi Sampson, Co-Founder of AUGUST Agency; David & Jojo Sonubi, Founders of No Signal Radio and Glenn Sonko A&R Manager, 0207 Def Jam/Artist Manager, among others.
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