How PPL’s Relationship Managers support music communities and build awareness
Our Relationship Managers work across genres to connect with artists, grow awareness and support the wider music industry.
PPL exists to champion music rights and ensure that performers and recording rightsholders are fairly paid when their music is played in public. But some artists and rightsholders are still unaware of how PPL works or the royalties they may be owed.
To help bridge this gap, we built a team of Relationship Managers focused on growing connections within key music communities. These experts work across Black music, Dance and Classical, engaging directly with artists, labels and managers to raise awareness of PPL and encourage registrations.
“Every creator has a right to make a living from their art,” says Bertina Luzá, our Black Music Relationship Manager. “My role is to champion their rights, ensure they are maximising their revenue, and build lasting relationships across the industry.”
Supporting Black music at the MOBO Awards
One of the ways Relationship Managers strengthen industry connections is by actively participating in key industry events. This month, Bertina is leading our work with the MOBO Awards as it gears up to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
“Supporting such a great event, celebrating the culture and the music of black origin, and honouring talent predominantly from the UK scene is a great opportunity to be a part of,” she says. “The MOBOs continue to push boundaries, highlight the lack of representation in the industry, and open doors for future generations through projects like MOBO Unsung.”
The MOBOs recognise artists across hip-hop, R&B, jazz, reggae and more, playing a vital role in shining a light on emerging and established talent. For PPL, being involved in this event is part of a wider effort to increase awareness within the Black music industry.
“The Black music market has grown into one of the biggest worldwide,” Bertina explains. “From Motown and soul classics to R&B and hip-hop, which has influenced and birthed the likes of rap, UK grime and drill, to the rise of Afrobeats/pop/jazz and Amapiano deriving from the African continent to name a few, Black artists continue to shape music culture. It’s important that they know their rights and have access to the income they’re entitled to.”
Bertina at the MOBOs 2025 with performer Jordan Adetunji.
Bertina’s work with the MOBOs is part of a broader mission to build trust and increase education around PPL’s role in the industry. “I still see a gap in knowledge when it comes to neighbouring rights, the importance of royalties, or understanding intellectual property,” she explains. “Being accessible for workshops and knowledge-sharing is an important part of what I do.”
Beyond attending events, Bertina’s role involves direct engagement with artists and rightsholders, offering one-to-one support and guidance.
“I’m passionate about the role I play,” she says. “Building trust is about more than just providing information. It’s about making time for people and staying in touch with current and new associates.”
Expanding outreach across genres
Similar work is happening across Classical and Dance, where our Relationship Managers George Prince (Classical) and Roxanne Oak (Dance) are engaging with artists, industry professionals and labels to increase understanding of music rights and how they are managed.
“The introduction of Relationship Managers in 2023 was a significant step change in how we approach our activity here at PPL,” Dan Millington, our Head of Client Services, says. “We recognise that genres of music, such as Classical, Black music and Dance music, are all their own ecosystems that have different ways of operating. It is important that PPL are able support the members that work in these genres to help maximise this important and growing income stream.
“Since their introduction, our Relationship Managers have worked with many artists, representatives and labels that had previously not had much, if any, interaction with PPL – and all of them are seeing the benefits of this in both relationships and growing royalties. Key is knowing that they have someone at PPL who is laser-focused on their genre of music; someone who understands the nuances within each genre to ensure that they’re represented in all we do here at PPL.”
PPL Giving and industry partnerships
Alongside direct outreach, team members from across PPL offer their time as Relationship Managers to work with organisations supported through PPL Giving, our £1 million programme supporting the music community.
This including talent development initiatives, music charities and education programmes. The goal is to go beyond financial support, providing industry expertise, networking opportunities and practical advice.
These Relationship Managers work with organisations such as Jazz re:freshed, the Music Managers Forum (MMF), PRS Foundation, BAPAM and Baby People to make sure our involvement benefits music creators in the most effective way.
PPL’s Member Relations Coordinator Esther Bolaji (far-left) with the Baby People team and some of their participants.
Some artists don’t realise they are missing out on income. Others are unsure how to navigate the business side of music. Relationship Managers help address these gaps, making sure performers and rightsholders understand how to register with PPL, how royalties work and how to protect their earnings.
“Bringing awareness to what PPL does is key,” Bertina says. “The benefit of having dedicated people who understand these music communities makes all the difference. It creates a more personal connection and an open and safe environment for our members.”
Their work strengthens the music industry by connecting artists with opportunities, building industry knowledge, and ensuring fair payment for recorded music. Whether working directly with artists or through organisations supported by PPL Giving, they play a key role in supporting music creators at every level.