UMA
Academy
Empowering artists to think like entrepreneurs, build like founders, and perform like global brands.
1999
Founded
8
Programmes
7
Global Editions
Origin Story
Education First.
Awards Second.
Jordan Kensington founded the UMA Academy in 1999 — four years before the first Urban Music Awards ceremony launched at Hammersmith Palais in 2003.
That sequence was intentional. The Academy was created because Jordan understood something the industry rarely acknowledged: talented artists were entering a business they knew almost nothing about.
The UMA Academy was built to change that — to give musicians, DJs, producers, songwriters, and creatives the knowledge, language, and tools they needed to build sustainable, independent careers on their own terms.
What the Academy Teaches
"The goal was never just to hand out awards. The goal was to build an institution — a place where artists could learn, grow, and take ownership of their careers."
— Jordan Kensington, Founder
Curriculum
Academy Programmes
Eight specialist tracks designed for the modern music entrepreneur.
Artist Entrepreneurship
Transform your creative talent into a scalable business. Learn how successful artists build companies, not just careers — from revenue diversification to equity ownership.
Music Business Fundamentals
Navigate the music industry with clarity. Understand contracts, royalties, record deals, distribution, sync licensing, and every revenue stream available to modern artists.
Brand Building
Your name is your brand. Learn how to define, position, and grow an artist brand that commands respect, sponsorship, and long-term cultural relevance.
Media & PR Training
Control your narrative. Master interviews, press releases, media strategy, crisis communication, and how to build relationships with journalists, bloggers, and broadcasters.
Digital Monetisation
Turn your audience into income. Understand streaming, social media algorithms, content strategy, NFTs, merchandise, fan subscriptions, and digital brand partnerships.
Live Performance Development
From local stages to global arenas — develop the technical, logistical, and business skills needed to build a world-class live performance career and touring operation.
Publishing & Rights
Own your catalogue. Understand music publishing, copyright law, performance rights organisations, sync placement, and how to maximise the value of your compositions.
Sponsorship Readiness
Attract brands that align with your vision. Learn how to build a sponsorship deck, identify the right brand partners, negotiate deals, and deliver measurable ROI.
The Network
Built on
Community.
The UMA Academy is more than an education platform — it is a living network that connects artists, mentors, industry leaders, labels, broadcasters, sponsors, and educators across the globe.
Through the Academy, artists gain access to a community that opens doors, makes introductions, and creates opportunities that would otherwise take years to find independently.
Whether you are an emerging artist building your first album, a DJ developing your touring strategy, or a producer looking to understand publishing — the UMA Academy connects you with the right people at the right time.
Artists & Performers
Industry Mentors
Record Labels
Broadcasters
Global Educators
Brand Partners
Jordan Kensington
Founder, UMA Academy
Est. London, 1999
Your Career.
Your Business.
Your Legacy.
Join a global community of artists who are building careers on their own terms, with the knowledge and network to make it last.