Yaw Owusu

Since being launched the company has expanded and now also offers hip hop workshops and seminars, a radio station, film production and much more. In 2007 Urbeatz teamed with Fortis Media Ltd to launch Street Vibes Magazine, a nationally distributed bi-monthly urban music/youth culture magazine.

What gave you the idea for Urbeatz?
Just the love of the music and culture. I had a talented musical partner and I was decent at organising and planning so we thought let’s put these together and make music and develop the scene as something to do.

What were you doing at the time you had the idea?
It was the summer. I had just finished university and my cousin, Kof, was just finishing his first year. He could perform and was offered a number of shows. I spent the summer ‘managing’ him. It was fun and felt we could do this at a higher level. Ambition took over from there.

What was the first thing you did to try and make the idea happen?
The first thing we did was to think of a name, what we wanted to do and a philosophy. The philosophy is still central to this day and helps us plan and move forward!

Who helped you, and how?
The main people that helped us was ourselves, our family and friends. We had some support from The Prince’s Trust and the Arts Council. But on the day to day basis it is US who keeps things moving. Anyone reading this take note. Ha-ha.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way?
Wow, we encountered so many obstacles and still do. Everything you can imagine. Firstly when dealing with art it’s so hard because trying to take something creative and trying to make money and at the same time developing it is difficult. Then dealing with social life, family life, finances, shady people, institutional racism, competitors etc.

When did the idea start looking viable?
From July 2004 we developed the idea. In July 2005 it looked viable so by October 2005 the business was officially launched!

Future plans for the idea?
Our future plans….oohhh I can’t say…just keep watching…ha-ha…but everything is going according to plan and sometimes even ahead of schedule.

How do encourage enterprise in Liverpool / your company?
We encourage enterprise in URBEATZ by having roles and responsibilities for each individual and trust that people develop new and innovative ideas that are both profitability and more importantly embody what we are about.

That mentality allows us to develop activities such as the online broadcast productions, mixtapes, alternative education, film productions and events (Urban Infusion).

Do you attend any networks if so which ones and how have they helped you?
Not really. Our networks are really informal. However we have made a lot of business and social partnerships over the past year!

Advice to anyone else who wants to make their idea happen?
Get a solid idea, which suits you to the core! And make it happen. Faith and perseverance. And remember YOU must make it happen. Now I’ve got to get back to making mine work…ha-ha.