Over the last decade, Relentless Energy Drink has paved the way for a more just and equitable UK music scene. Now, they take things a step further with their new mentorship programme, Freeform Forum — founded to break down barriers hindering aspiring young creators. With research showing that an overwhelming 20% of young Brits long to pursue a career in music, but find themselves hindered by industry blockers, they set forth on a journey to empower progressive, underrepresented artists. Stepping up to the challenge to lead the 6-week programme are South London rapper ENNY, acclaimed producer TSB, Burna Boy’s go-to photographer Elliot Hensford, and the creative force behind Super Bowl ads, Tajana Tokyo.

Together with Relentless and UK arts organisation Small Green Shoots, these four industry giants will pioneer the search for 12 talented aspiring creatives aged 18-25 with dynamic creative projects. The selected group will receive their very own tailored industry guidance, financial support, and assistance in bringing their creative dreams to life. The mission is clear for the brains behind this programme – to break down gatekept opportunities within the creative industry.

We had the honour of sitting down with South-London born rapper, singer and songwriter ENNY to discuss how she got involved with the mentorship programme, what it means to her to be a part of it, and advice she would pass on to those stepping into the scene.

Read the exclusive interview below…

Hi ENNY! Can you tell us a bit more about your role in the mentorship and how you got involved with this project?
My role in the mentorship is to guide and encourage my mentees in their respective field. I want them to feel that they can ask me any questions and feel guided but also have a safe space to be vulnerable with their ideas.

What does it mean to you to be part of such a meaningful initiative?
Being part of this initiative is very exciting — it creates more purpose outside of being a creator yourself. It’s a sick opportunity to serve others and share what I’ve learned so far coming up in this industry. A lot of being an artist is learning on the job so it’s cool to be able to provide help in any way that I can.

Did you receive any help of this kind in your early career days? How pivotal do you believe initiatives like this one can be for one’s career?
I didn’t receive help from an initiative, but I met a collective and found an amazing community of people that organically nurtured me as I started pursuing music. If that can be replicated institutionally that would be very pivotal to upcoming creatives’ journeys.

How important is it for you to support young creatives, and what do you think are the main difficulties they face in modern days?
I think it’s very important as they are the next generation of creatives, but in a world where it’s so easy to do things independently and alone. I think we forget these talents need to be nurtured and developed and I think that can easily be neglected. It also makes it harder for people to connect and share, and build together.

Speaking more about the mentorship, who is it targeted toward, and what’s your biggest advice to people considering applying for it?
The mentorship is everyone and anyone aged between 18-25 working on their own live projects. My biggest advice would be to consider applying, but make you sure definitely do, taking as many opportunities as are available to you.

What’s one piece of advice you once received and would like to pass on to those coming after you?
One of my favourite pieces of advice I received was to take my time and make sure everything was at the right standard. There’s no rush to put something out, being patient with making something you’re proud of is so important. Because that moment deserves everything you have to offer it.

What types of industry guidance and support will the selected mentees receive as part of the mentorship program?
The guidance I aim to offer mentees is a safe and honest space to share their art with me, guiding in any capacity I can. It can be even just cool to be a soundboard for their ideas. You don’t always have to offer an opinion but more so a space for artistic vulnerability.

How do you hope your journey empowers and inspires other young female musicians and creatives?
I hope my journey inspires anyone that is doing things outside of the norm to continue striding in their individuality and provides the confidence in them that you can go get it if you want it.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited to share with your fans?
Just dropped a remix of my song “Charge It” ft Smino with a music video.