Inspired by the need to ensure that young people facing disadvantage from east London benefited from the regeneration opportunities offered by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Urban Development Music Foundation (UDMF) was founded as a company limited by guarantee (company number 8071972) on 16 May 2012 and a registered charity (number 1149090) on 25 September 2012, led by a board of trustees including the current chair, Lord Adebowale CBE. Operating in the country’s poorest and most diverse boroughs, the aims of UD are to advance education; support young people by developing their skills; improve opportunities for those in need due to socio-economic circumstances; and relieve unemployment.
We are, and always have been, Black-led.
“As a proud east Londoner who believes in the potential, skill and power of people from backgrounds like mine, UD is an organisation I’ve always been proud to serve as a trustee. Creating awareness of and access to a diverse range of music industry opportunities beyond ‘artist’ has changed the lives of thousands who have been through UD programmes. UD has grown a generation of creative minds and continues to grow another. Here’s to future creative leaders and the changes in society & culture that they’ll bring!”
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Chair
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE is a prodigy. Aged 11, she was the youngest girl ever to pass A-level Computing, and was just 20 when she received her Master’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford. Forging an enviable CV, including positions at blue-chip companies as well a host of Honorary Doctorates, Anne-Marie is co-founder of the Stemettes, an award-winning social initiative dedicated to inspiring and promoting the next generation of young women in the STEM sectors. Since its inception seven years ago, almost 45,000 girls across Europe have experienced Anne-Marie’s vision for a more diverse and balanced science and tech community.
LISA BUCHAN
Bringing over 20 years’ experience in brand marketing, commercial brand partnerships, entertainment marketing, PR, and event activations, Lisa has worked with global lifestyle brands and agencies as well as a list of talent and change makers building authentic culturally relevant marketing campaigns.
Having worked in-house for Puma and Monster Energy, securing important partnerships, Lisa has also worked with agencies on projects for Wray & Nephews, and as Commercial Director at Troika, where she secured large brand deals for talent: Bulgar (Jenna Coleman), Mark & Spencer’s (David Walliams), Talisker Whiskey (Matt Smith) , Jameson (Michael Fassbender) and Moet (Zawe Ashton).
gee davy
Gee is Chief Operating Officer and Head of Legal & Business Affairs at AIM, leading all aspects of the organisation’s operations, with a particular focus on policy and business affairs. She joined AIM in 2017, and has since been instrumental in the development of AIM’s Digital Distribution Switch Code, as well as its support for the independent music community in response to Brexit and Covid-19.
Ella Mbaeri
Ella Mbaeri became the Head of Compliance for Morgan Stanley at Work (EMEA) in 2018, after previously working in the legal and compliance departments at several investment firms. In her current role, Ella is responsible for overseeing and implementing the privacy compliance program, including drafting internal compliance policies and providing regulatory advice and training.
JOSEPH HENRY
Joseph Henry is a designer, urbanist and curator whose practice advocates for a more equitable
built environment through policy and cultural production. His unique multi-disciplinary practice works between public service and art. He has written for Dezeen, Casabella, and the Architectural Review.
In 2022, the British Council selected Joseph to co-curate the British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023 alongside Jayden Ali, Meneesha Kellay and Sumitra Upham.
Their pavilion, ‘Dancing Before the Moon,’ explores the need for architecture to look beyond buildings and economic structures and towards everyday social practices, customs and traditions to meaningfully reflect how people use and occupy space.
DANNY pamma
Danny currently works as Head of Legal (EMEA & APAC) at Visible Alpha – a fintech – having previously held legal counsel roles at a number of organisations across the City. His expertise ranges from commercial transactions, employment and intellectual property to data protection, charity law and corporate governance.
Danny has a very keen interest in Black music, the UK scene, and has a background in music events – one of the reasons why he’s keen to join UD, where, as a member of the board, he’ll help steer the organisation.
