News

The legendary DJ Semtex is coming to the iconic Fairfield Halls on Monday 12th February to participate in NXT GEN : CROYDON – a free, all-day music business conference and showcase event that aims to inspire the brightest young artists, creatives and entrepreneurs in the 2023 London Borough of Culture. 

Presented by the Music Managers Forum (MMF) and Finesse Foreva, the award-winning Croydon-based record label and music management company, NXT GEN will feature young executives from many of the world’s leading music companies – including Universal Music, YouTube, Atlantic Records, Live Nation and Groundworks – alongside speakers who have worked with artists such as Drake, Giggs, Unknown T, Adekunle Gold, Ivorian Doll, Russ Millions and Potter Payper.  

Taking a lead from Finesse Foreva’s astonishing rise to success – the Croydon-based collective was founded by childhood friends SK, TK and JB (aka JB Made IT) in 2017, and crowned “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Young Music Boss in 2023 for their multi-faceted and groundbreaking approach to business – NXT GEN will present a series of bite-size panels, seminars and networking opportunities that aim to demystify the music business and highlight many current opportunities available to self-starters, graduates and creatives.  

Topics scheduled to be discussed include: Jobs In Music, Music Rights & Radio, Live Shows & Touring, Funding, Business Building, Streaming and Artist Development. 

The event will run from 11am to 9pm and the full conference schedule can be accessed here. 

NXT GEN will also showcase live performances from artists Skengdo & AM, SwitchOTR, Jords, Chrissy Day and The One. 

Tickets for the event are FREE, and available here. 

Finesse Foreva:  

“NXT GEN is dedicated to the next generation of music creators and executives, and anyone trying to navigate the modern day music business.  There’s no better way to do that than getting all the industry under one roof sharing gems! The day will consist of panels and seminars, with an evening show from performers at the top of their game who are from Croydon and South London.”

Paul Bonham, Professional Development Director, MMF::

“Croydon is such an exciting place for music, and this celebration feels long overdue. Partnering on NXT GEN has been an incredible way for the MMF to engage and work with a younger management company like Finesse Foreva, who place a real priority on education and community development. The panels encapsulate the diverse and entrepreneurial direction of the modern music business, and we’re really grateful for the support we’ve received from the Mayor of London, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.”  

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon:

“Our year as the London Borough of Culture has shown that Croydon has a wealth of talent and a strong track record in supporting young artists starting out on their musical careers. This event at the iconic Fairfield Halls, by local management company Finesse Foreva, is a brilliant opportunity for our young people to get an invaluable insight into the music industry, and I hope it can inspire them to pursue their talents.”

Croydon is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most musically significant towns, with a well-earned reputation for innovation and creative excellence. 

NXT GEN is part of a range of activities to celebrate Croydon being named London Borough of Culture 2023, and its commitment to inspire young people from all communities to participate and lead in creative activities with their peers.  

Running alongside NXTGEN is an exhibition, Rewind: This is Croydon’s Music, which celebrates Croydon’s rich music heritage through a series of varied events taking place at the Museum of Croydon and across the borough, including creative commissions, concerts and music events.

The London Borough of Culture programme is a flagship cultural policy from the Mayor of London. It is supported with further funds from Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Additional info on the events can be found on www.culturecroydon.com