SME Is Leading The Charge For Black British Creators | Features

The first time I met Josh, my hands were shaking. Not because he was a particularly intimidating figure, but because somehow, the promise of a free lunch and a modest sum to cover travel expenses had lured me into an audio production course, culminating in an eight-minute presentation. Even though, at the time, public speaking was my version of a living hell. I knew I had to push myself to overcome that fear.

But what I didn’t know was that Joshua Ryan, CEO of Silver Music Entertainment, was in the audience. He possessed a rare combination: a dedication to nurturing talent and a refined eye for recognising it. That eight-minute piece led to me being taken into the fold and introduced to the world of SME.

As Silver Music Entertainment marks its fifth anniversary, Joshua Ryan reflects on a journey that spans decades—from a teenager infiltrating BBC Radio 1Xtra’s offices to becoming a valuable pipeline for their new talent. And in the process, founding a company that has produced some of the most notable voices in the landscape of Black British music culture.

“We are constantly on the ground chasing ourselves, to step back and see we’ve done something, we’ve built something, is a really beautiful moment. It’s exciting to be able to share with friends, family, people who are engaged with us, clients, people that work for the team or with the team.” He attributes much of his success to faith, a guiding force in his journey.

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Five years ago, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Josh founded SME. The premise was simple: consolidate his existing skills and established network to build a hub where artist management, radio, podcasts, playlists, and TV production converged. Creating a platform for artists – especially for Black artists –  where development wasn’t an afterthought, but a core mission.

This dedication to development included a commitment to telling diverse stories and creating career pathways for young, Black, and disenfranchised groups. It’s the company’s heartbeat. “I love developing talent. I’ve watched so many presenters, actors and models start their first radio gig, their first podcast or their first TV gig, and I love being able to help people get to where they want to be. To explore different aspects of themselves, reach new audiences and connect with them.”

From Seani B’s Dancehall to Kenny Allstar’s Rap Show, DJ Edu’s Afro Sounds, Casskidd’s Alternative Selection, and Chuckie’s R&B Slow Jamz, Silver Music’s fingerprints are all over some of 1Xtra’s most iconic shows. Josh reminisces about his 1Xtra origins, as an era where everything was 10/10 and isn’t shy about waxing lyrical for all the people he’s worked with, some of them so impactful that they changed the course of his career and his life. Among their number is Janine Kempadoo, who, after a long and influential career at the BBC, transitioned in 2023 to spearhead production as the CCO for SME.

“Janine Kempadoo gave me my first break in radio. I was on a scheme for BBC London, we got passes and trained up in all the systems. My pass got me into the building that 1xtra was in.” With about three years of experience, including teaching radio, he had built up a credible CV. “I had a blue folder. I pulled up to the building. I knew security already, so they allowed me in. I didn’t know anyone there. I didn’t have a plan. I was a child roaming around in the office of this massive media corporation.”

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A brief detour to the printer would see him cross paths with Janine when somebody shouted her name. He listened to the radio all day, his knowledge of her role as the breakfast show producer compelled him to introduce himself, and she took him under her wing. “I started handing out my CVs. One of the execs, Ruby, was asking me for feedback on the shows.” Ruby Mulraine would be instrumental in supporting his career and this escapade gave him more than connections, it allowed him to meet one of his idols. “I met Trevor Nelson, which was a big deal for me. Eventually, I got kicked out by security.” Laughing at his enthusiasm, he continues, “Janine kept in contact with me, and then when I turned 18, I got invited to shadow, and then they offered me some shifts. I’ve been there ever since.”

“Integrity is important as well. I don’t want to misrepresent anybody. I’m a dual heritage myself. I think it’s really important that we’re not misrepresenting things, whether that be culture, social class, or anything identity-wise. They need to be represented properly.”

A prime example is their work with Big Narstie on his BBC Three online show, ‘Let’s Settle This: Big Narstie Will See You Now’. From his barbershop in Enfield, Narstie settled the biggest debates and solved the personal dilemmas of everyone from the local brickies to VIP guests. It was heavily inspired by the work he was already doing, but the show was designed to provide him with a different platform to explore other aspects of his personality.

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One of Josh’s proudest achievements? The Black Filmmakers Curriculum, a collaboration with Netflix and BBC Radio 1Xtra, inspiring leading Black talent working both behind and in front of the camera. “I would love to bring that back. There were 120 people, but I’ve been in other places and other big studios, and young people came up to me with a job in the industry talking about how they were there that day and were inspired. It meant they could work in these industries, and that warms my heart. That’s exactly what we did it for.”

“That’s rewarding, we want to do more of that because that is our legacy. It’s important for us to inspire. Freedom is necessary for that, having free ideas, being free to pitch and commission our perspectives.”

“Diversity isn’t just Black people making Black shows, it’s us having the opportunity to make whatever we want. As a company, we do a good job of doing both because, at the end of the day, diversity isn’t hiring people because they’re Black. We hire the best people, and it’s exciting when they are Black.” SME doesn’t confine itself to boxes. They’re storytellers and creators first, sometimes venturing into territories that you wouldn’t expect, especially when they work with brands.

“We had a blast with Jack Daniels and the wider Brown Forman team. They’re an amazing team. Making a podcast about whiskey, tequila, and music in bars, with interviews coming from around the world. It’s interesting and different from our radio shows.” One of many SME collaborations with major brands, including Bauer Media Group, 0207 Def Jam, TikTok, Channel 4.0, and Amazon Music. SME’s expertise in music supervision, combined with a deep appreciation for cultural nuances across Black music genres, rewards them with critical insights for brand partnerships and music syncs.

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When it comes to his secrets to spotting talent? “The best presenters can find and make anything interesting. I think the best broadcasters can interpret information and regurgitate it in a way that is compelling, exciting, dynamic, and interesting. When it comes to things like radio and TV, you have to be a student of the game and master your craft. You have to put in your 10,000 hours. Some people only go into it looking to be famous. We’re fortunate enough and privileged enough to bring joy, entertainment and light into people’s lives. We need to enjoy that.”

“I have different expertise from both sides, from promoting artists’ development to receiving music as a radio producer. I wanted to put all of those things together, and I had the opportunity to build a great team; JT, Ash, Archie, Lewis, Nieema, Rech, and Jono exemplify our work ethic.” Silver Music Entertainment isn’t just a company; it’s a legacy in the making. A legacy of opportunity, integrity, and the unapologetic celebration of Black creativity. With a highly anticipated podcast launch (though it’s still under wraps), expanding music licensing ventures, and unveiling a series of curated events at Outpost, East Bank, with an exclusive R&B night on March 22nd. SME is not just marking a milestone, but igniting a new chapter of influence and innovation.

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Everything R&B X SME combine for a special R&B event on March 22nd // Outpost R&B Ticket Link.

Photos: from SME’s 5th Birthday celebrations @ Outpost, East Bank
Photo credit for party images: Bydcarlo

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