Black History Month is in full swing, and the theme for this year is ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ which marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.
Music is one area where the narrative needs to be reclaimed. Black women have left, and continue to leave us, with an unparalleled legacy that is essential to understanding the world of music, ranging from jazz, blues, soul or rock, to disco music.
However, the music industry remains an area where Black women are underrepresented and face more barriers to progression. The Black Lives in Music Report, released in October 2021, found that 42% of Black women surveyed said their mental health had worsened since starting a career in music and 16% had sought counselling due to racial abuse. It also showed that Black women earn 25% less on average than their white female colleagues and 46% earn less than half their revenue from music creating extra pressure to find other routes to supplement their income.’
To celebrate Black History Month, KISS Fresh has spotlighted five incredible Black women making waves in the music industry. Black Women In Music was founded in 2024 by Channette Carleo, Lead Radio Producer at KISS Fresh.
From pinch me moments to the mantras they live by, read on to discover their inspiring stories...
Ashley De La Mode
Ashley started her career as an international makeup artist, specialising in working with chemotherapy patients and individuals facing chronic illnesses. Her journey quickly evolved, transitioning into celebrity makeup artistry, where she worked with international stars and travelled the globe.
Ashley's passion for journalism led her to fulfil her childhood dreams of hosting a talk show and creating her own magazine, as she interviewed her makeup clients. She hosted and produced on both community and international radio stations. Her career in the music industry grew as she worked closely with chart-topping celebrities and emerging talent, eventually taking on roles as an entertainment manager and booking agent. She also ventured into television production, with appearances on shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
‘The best part of my job is witnessing someone’s journey from the beginning and watching their growth. The best part is seeing how they welcome help when they don’t know what they’re doing. Being humble in the industry is something that a lot of artists need to be taught, and I really love when I see an artist that’s really willing to learn, and I see results out of that,’ she says.
Ashley is also the founder of De La Mode Consultancy, and founder and chief editor of De La Mode magazine, a high-fashion publication dedicated to sharing real-life stories and empowering all communities. The magazine not only showcases hard-working individuals in the entertainment industry but also serves as a platform for voices that have been overlooked.
‘Being a Black woman has raised me in society to be able to be so proactive and that’s why I’m able to so the jobs that I do,’ she says.
Jacqueline Pelham-Leigh (JPL)
With over 30 years of experience in music, Jacqueline Pelham-Leigh (JPL) has certainly made her mark on the industry. Starting as a recording artist, she transitioned seamlessly into roles such as production, songwriting, business management, A&R, and artist management. Along the way, she’s collaborated with renowned names like Alexandra Burke, JoJo, Conor Maynard, Robin Hannibal, and Harmony Samuels, while building strong relationships with CEOs, publishing companies, and record labels.
‘The best part of my job is helping people make money. It’s about sustainability for me. I want to make sure, as I have these signatures, that I’m giving people the information that they need to have success,’ she says.
JPL’s unwavering work ethic, vast network, and unique perspective as an artist have been the foundation of her success. She has been a trailblazer for creators from underrepresented backgrounds, championing empowerment, ownership, and sustainable success. As the Senior Membership Development Lead at PRS, Business Development Lead at Phrased Differently Publishing, and Industry Advisor Group Lead at UD, she remains dedicated to fostering opportunities for all and is committed to supporting emerging talent from minority backgrounds.
‘For me, it [being Black] is a part of my superpower - that I’m going to walk into a room and people are going to underestimate me. If they don’t know who I am, when I walk into that room, they’re going to underestimate me. I find that so powerful, because I know when I open my mouth, I only talk about stuff I know about, and how I can be effective, not just affected. You don’t see me coming,' she says.
Vaniece Jno - Baptiste
Being a silent assassin over the last decade, Vaniece Jno-Baptiste has quietly been behind some of your favourite artist’s impactful brand campaigns in the UK and globally. From working across the global campaign for the biggest popstar, Dua Lipa with Puma, to leading on the Global Puma Davido partnership or to signing the talent and project managing JD x Puma’s award nominated all Black female Mayze Stack campaign with Sha Simone, Amaria BB & Bellah, she has been relentlessly making her mark in the brand space.
‘I wouldn’t say any part is too hard, because I find the chaos enjoyable. I like to thrive in chaos. If I’m not busy, then I’m like “what’s happening?”’ she says.
One of her most memorable moments is working with Sony in Japan, where she had a tour of their headquarters. ‘I sat there and thought little me from South London is in Japan taking a tour with Sony,’ she says.
She has delivered countless culturally relevant campaigns, product collaborations and music video integrations, and worked with notable companies such as Vivienne Westwood, G-Shock, Huawei, Puma and 1800 Tequila - to name a few.
Is there a mantra that she lives by? ‘Being kind is key. People always remember how you make them feel, whether it’s five minutes you’ve met someone or you’re spending the whole day with them, people do seem to remember. And that also goes into building relationships. That’s a mantra I live by – being kind and giving people grace.’
Adele White
Adele White is a multi-platinum selling Senior A&R Manager with over a decade of experience in the music industry. Amongst her many accolades, she has successfully signed artists such as Unknown T, Not3s, M Huncho and more; overseen international A&R for emerging markets and built international collaborations between emerging markets artists.
Adele is a seasoned pro at scouting and attracting new talent, spearheading music campaigns to meet business as well as consistently exceeding all set KPIs and targets, ensuring the smooth daily running of operations. Alongside this, she has extensive knowledge of Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Pop, Rap, music with expertise of musical trends and youth culture. She has also been nominated for A&R music awards across the music industry in the UK.
Does she have a pinch me moment? 'Homerton B is always going to be a goosebump moment. Winning the Dill, seeing how it took over the whole of the country, kids, and the first drill song to get on national radio. That was a defining moment in youth culture,' she says.
When it comes to a mantra she lives by, confidence is key. ‘Believe in yourself. I think if you’re going to be a leader – doesn’t matter what field you’re in, you have to have a next level self-confidence, even when everyone doesn’t believe in you, even when it’s not working, even when it’s hard you still have to persevere and have tenacity to work through the hard times. Never underestimate yourself, because you could doubt yourself and miss out on a whole experience,’ she says.
Jennifer Akoto
Jennifer Akoto is a visionary music publicist at Atlantic Records/ Warner Music, where she is celebrated for her ability to think outside the box and create bold, innovative campaign strategies.
With a background in fashion PR Jennifer’s journey into music began when Carl Fysh gave her, her first shot as a publicist, recognising her talent for progressive thinking and strategic branding. Her skill and tenacity soon caught the attention of Austin Daboh EVP of Atlantic Records, who personally ‘scouted’ her to join the label.
‘As a collective, as a group of Black women, when we talk to each other we all have a story to tell. But the thing that I notice, and I love the most is that it all ends positively. We are like phoenixes that rise from the ashes, I don’t know someone that’s had a bad experience in the industry as such because the outcome has always been great. The greatest women I know all have a story,’ she says.
She has worked with high-profile artists such as Cardi B, Roddy Ricch, and Megan Thee Stallion, but her true passion lies in working with emerging artists. She excels at making rising stars visible in contrasting spaces, strategically placing them in the spotlight across both the music and fashion industries. Drawing on her fashion PR experience she bridges the gap between the two, cultivating unique collaborations that amplify an artist’s image and brand.
‘One thing I love about being a Black woman is… we’re just naturally cool. I think we’re just bad Bs, regardless of our job, our profession, of our look, of our shape, of our weight, of our size, I just think we’re just incredible. We are resilient by default, we’re confident because we have to believe in ourselves before anyone else,' she says.