anniversary recollections from BRIT Trust: Pamela McCormick, founder and CEO of UD, discussing the 25-year history of the organization
Vibe Check with UD:
Pamela McCormick, CEO of UD - a Black-led youth music charity - drops some juicy insights about UD's upcoming grand 25-year anniversary, thanks to the financial support from the BRIT Trust.
UD, based in London's vibrant Newham, has been making waves in the music scene for over two decades, focusing on Black music and community bonding. As a national Talent Development Partner, they've garnered support from big names like the PRS Foundation and Arts Council England (ACE). In June 2022, UD joined forces with ACE and the Department for Education (DfE) as part of an expanded National Youth Music Organisation (NYMO) cohort.
Their program is a multi-tiered suite designed to elevate youngsters aged 14-25 who dream big in music and creative industries. Projects such as the Flames Collective vocal ensemble and Industry Takeover events give these ambitious kids a taste of the industry through insightful workshops, sector-specific guidance, networking opportunities, and more. Over the years, UD has touched the lives of around 50,000 young hearts.
Fast forward to 2025, the year UD celebrates its silver anniversary. With the help of the BRIT Trust, UD plans to prolong their stellar work with the Flames Collective, a flagship program for vocal wonders that showcase their talent at high-profile events like Glastonbury, The BRIT Awards, and the Royal Albert Hall. They've already collaborated with industry heavyweights like Raye, Sasha Keable, and Grace Carter, just to name a few.
Their regional ambitions extend to Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford, with satellite projects designed to platform local talent and foster stronger connections. With hopes of engaging another 1,000 regional community members, UD aims to cultivate a more diverse future in music, which they strongly believe is crucial.
As Pamela puts it, "Our mission is to provide equitable opportunities for Black music culture and talent across the UK." And with strong partners like ACE and the PRS Foundation on board, they're well on their way. Don't miss out on UD's epic journey - catch up on their work here. Now, let's raise a glass to 25 more years of making music magic! 🥳🎶🙏💪🚀🎼🎉💃🕺🔥🚀🌟🎤🎸🎺🎹🧤🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😤😤😤😤😤🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!!!
- As part of their mission to foster talent development in the music industry, UD, in collaboration with organizations like the Education-and-self-development department and the Arts Council England (ACE), aims to extend their lifestyle-altering programs to cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford, cultivating education-and-self-development opportunities and engendering a more diverse future for music.
- Building on their success over the past 25 years, UD, with the support of the BRIT Trust, plans to expand their flagship Flames Collective program, offering industry-focused entertainment events and high-profile performances at events such as Glastonbury, The BRIT Awards, and the Royal Albert Hall, enabling talented youngsters to showcase their skills and enrich their music education-and-self-development experiences.
