Category: Business & Leadership
Track: SXSW London Stage
Industry: Music Industry
Country: England
Since joining YouTube in 2019, Sheniece Charway (Head Of Black Music & Culture, EMEA) has played a seminal role in the growth of Black talent both on the platform and within the UK at large. She has been recognised as a leading force in the industry, recently celebrated as a ‘Music Industry Trailblazer’ by Complex, and a ‘Music Industry Darling’ by Mixtape Madness. Her contribution to the music industry has earned her prestigious accolades, including being crowned Music Week’s Rising Star at the 2021 Women In Music Awards and winning Best Publicity & Relations at the Young Music Boss Awards for two consecutive years (2023 & 2024).
Charway featured on Powerlist Magazine’s 2025 list, ranked 14th in Complex’s Cultural Heroes list and featured in BET’s ‘Queens of Music’ documentary. Additionally, she appeared as an industry thought leader on the BBC’s Rap Game UK, alongside Krept, Konan, and DJ Target. With her unwavering commitment to championing Black talent, she has cemented her status as one of the most influential figures shaping the future of British Black music and culture.
At YouTube, Charway has been a key force behind YouTube Music’s Legacy Series, a year-long calendar of events that celebrate Black culture and raise awareness of Black issues through music and art. The series includes Fashion x Music, which debuted in December 2020, featuring creatives like Walé Adeyemi, Tiana Major9, Tokyo James, and George The Poet.
More recently, she expanded the Legacy brand to host its first R&B Night, spotlighting talents such as JayO, Jvck James, and Tiana Major9, performing for over 600 fans and professionals. In September 2023, Legacy hosted its largest event yet at London’s Royal Opera House, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop in the UK, with a panel discussion in partnership with SocialFIXT, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black talent in the music industry.
She has also worked on various campaigns, including Wizkid's Day In The Live and Wireless Festival campaign in 2021 with Central Cee, Mahalia and Lil Baby, in addition to supporting artists such as Knucks, Aitch and Bree Runway on their ascent.
Prior to joining the YouTube Music team, Charway was Marketing Assistant at Columbia Records, working with artists such as Rick Ross, DJ Maphorisa, Harry Styles, George Ezra, 21 Savage and more. During her time there, she spearheaded the creation of Rick Ross’ award-winning game, ‘Port Of Miami: Born To Drive’, which was the first of its kind to launch on Facebook. She also successfully curated and managed an exclusive listening party for him, hosted by DJ Semtex.
Her work and influence extends beyond YouTube. Charway has hosted panels for notable organizations, including Soho House and Gymshark, and is the host of a new faith-based podcast, Battles & Blessings.