Liverpool City Council’s flagship music talent development programme, LIMF Academy, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the release of a major impact report showcasing a decade of championing the region’s emerging music creators.
Launched in 2014 as part of the Liverpool International Music Festival, the Academy was created to spotlight local talent. Over the past ten years, it has evolved into a cornerstone of the city’s music scene, blending creative development, industry access, personal growth and live performance opportunities.
Since its inception, the Academy has supported more than 200 young artists, delivered 400+ hours of professional mentoring, and run over 220 free workshops and training sessions.
The newly published report, produced by an independent music consultant, reveals the Academy’s significant impact:
- 79.7% of alumni continue to work in the music industry
- 39.1% have secured professional representation
- 24.6% have signed record or distribution deals
- On average, alumni receive over 19,500 monthly Spotify streams – nine times more than their non-Academy peers
The report also highlights the programme’s strong commitment to diversity, with 34.9% of participants identifying as non-white and 44.1% as non-male.
One standout initiative has been LIMF Academy Orchestrated, which pairs Academy artists with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra to reimagine original tracks with full orchestral backing – fusing genres and showcasing young talent in a prestigious live setting.
Notable LIMF Academy alumni include:
- Jalen Ngonda (2015/16): Originally from Maryland, Jalen made Liverpool his home and went on to earn international acclaim as a singer-songwriter, drawing praise from the likes of Elton John, Snoop Dogg and Olivia Dean.
- Ni Maxine (2021/22): A neo-jazz artist with sold-out shows across the UK, a Youth Music Award for Best Original Track, and live performances alongside Corinne Bailey Rae and Laura Mvula.
- KOJ (2018/19): A rising name in UK rap, KOJ’s debut EP has cemented his growing reputation and industry buzz.
- Michael Aldag (2020/21): Known for his vibrant online presence and catchy songwriting, Michael has headlined three sold-out UK tours and toured Europe extensively.
- Jazmine Johnson (2024/25): Following a breakout collaboration with Netsky that gained over 10 million streams, Jazmine has signed a publishing deal with Ultra and will soon perform her first London show.
The report also stresses the need for new partnerships to ensure the Academy’s long-term growth and sustainability.
The full impact report is available now on the Culture Liverpool website.
To mark the 10-year milestone, a special celebration event will take place at Scale Liverpool (Kempston Street) from 6pm on Wednesday 30 July, featuring live performances from Academy alumni, the official report launch, and the unveiling of a commemorative book. A limited number of free tickets are still available on Eventbrite.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“LIMF Academy is a shining example of what happens when we invest in young people and believe in their potential. Over the past decade, it has not only launched careers but built a community rooted in creativity, resilience and opportunity. It’s a programme that reflects the very best of Liverpool’s cultural spirit.”
Yaw Owusu, LIMF Academy’s founder and Creative Director, said:
“This programme was built to break down barriers—financial, social, and structural—and to give young music creators the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. This report is a celebration of their journeys and a call to continue investing in the future of music.”
LIMF Academy alumni from 2021/22, Ni Maxine, said:
“Being part of the Academy boosted my confidence and made me believe that I could have a career in the music industry. I applied because I wanted to gain a better understanding of the music industry, build my network to lay a strong foundation for my career and develop as an artist within a safe infrastructure. Funding supported me to work towards my goals. Working with a producer that I was introduced to through a production workshop taught me A LOT about the industry – particularly the major label space.”
Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music, said:
“It’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s music scene without LIMF Academy. It’s an exemplar—an inclusive, industry-focused programme that has become a key pipeline of emerging talent.”
