LIMF Academy commemorates its 10th anniversary by releasing a detailed plan for fostering skills.
In the heart of Liverpool, the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) Academy has been making waves in the music scene for the past decade. The Academy, founded in 2014 as part of Liverpool International Music Festival, has played a significant role in creative development, industry access, personal growth, and performance opportunities for emerging artists.
Recently, an independent music consultant produced a report detailing the impact of LIMF Academy to date. The report highlights the Academy's commitment to fostering inclusivity, supporting diverse backgrounds, and providing a broad representation of talent reflective of Liverpool's multicultural community.
The Academy's structured curriculum covers songwriting, business, production, and vocals, equipping students with comprehensive music industry knowledge. Opportunities to perform at various scales of festivals help emerging artists build relationships with promoters and gain exposure, progressing to more prestigious slots over time. A community-building approach encourages collaboration and mentoring, essential for both creative development and sustaining diversity.
Continuous efforts to reach diverse participants enable underrepresented groups to access music education and industry pathways. While explicit statistics from the report are not readily available, the general consensus is that the LIMF Academy has positively impacted Liverpool's music scene by combining professional training with an inclusive, supportive community framework.
One such success story is Ni Maxine, a neo-jazz singer-songwriter from the 2021/22 cohort. She has had sold-out shows, won a Youth Music Award for Best Original Track, and performed alongside artists like Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula. KOJ, a rap artist from the 2022/23 cohort, is considered one of UK rap's rising stars, attracting industry buzz and a larger fanbase with his acclaimed debut EP.
The report also highlights the success of LIMF Academy Orchestrated, a collaborative performance project pairing LIMF Academy artists with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Jazmine Johnson, a LIMF Academy alumnus from the 2024/25 Cohort, has gained more than ten million worldwide streams from her debut collaboration and has a publishing deal with Ultra, one of the biggest dance labels.
The report outlines LIMF Academy's commitment to diversity, with 34.9% of participants identifying as non-white and 44.1% as non-male. Notable alumni include Michael Aldag, who signed with Universal Records and has had three sold-out headline tours and numerous tours around Europe, and Jalen Ngonda, a prolific singer-songwriter who has received global critical acclaim and caught the attention of notable figures like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Dean, and Elton John.
Yaw Owusu, the founder and creative director of LIMF Academy, stated that the programme was built to break down barriers and give emerging music creators the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, praises LIMF Academy for launching careers and building a creative, resilient, and opportunistic community.
The report emphasizes the importance of establishing new partnerships to ensure the programme's sustainability and growth. As of the latest data, 24.6% of LIMF Academy alumni have signed with a record label, a label service, or have distribution and marketing deals. A staggering 79.7% of LIMF Academy alumni are maintaining careers in the music industry.
Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, considers LIMF Academy an exemplar of an inclusive, industry-focused programme and a key pipeline of emerging talent. The report serves as a call to continue investing in the future of music, ensuring that Liverpool's music scene continues to thrive and evolve.
- The Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) Academy, renowned for talent development in the music scene, has expanded its influence to other creative industries, offering lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment workshops for its students.
- As a testament to its success, the LIMF Academy has not only fostered a multicultural and inclusive music community but also catalyzed a diverse group of emerging artists to shine in the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment industries.
