Naledi Nyahuma - Universal Music Group, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Programs ; Owner NINE
Naledi was one of the first people I met when I moved to Los Angeles in 2011. She was one of a list of people that a formed boss had given to me of people to reach out to in Los Angeles. I consider Naledi to be especially skilled at nurturing relationships and connections, and have been fortunate enough to learn from her first hand. Naledi and I met in Larchmont Village on MLK Day to discuss her east coast roots, the importance of building relationships in the music industry, and her work in diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Naledi considers her current role at Universal Music Group managing their Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Programs, to be the culmination of her 10 years of living and working in LA. In her role, Naledi manages programs and initiatives for both internal and external stakeholders at Universal Music Group. It is a role that combines her background and various experiences working in events, with the understanding and importance of the relationships that she has built and maintained over the years.
While many companies are focusing on diversifying their work force, there are a number of challenges that come along with not only creating a diverse environment, but also creating an environment is inclusive and one that employees feel they belong to as well. Naledi works with company execs to help them to see the benefits of changing what has been the status quo for many years. She notes, “once you get a person that’s there as an advocate of what you’re doing I’ve learned to have them be a Diversity champion and advocate for us across the board with their peers instead of going to each individual executive.” Through her work, Naledi has learned that, “you need to have an advocate of someone that doesn’t look like you to push the needle forward in those rooms that we’re not in.”
NINE
In addition to her work in Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at UMG, Naledi is also the owner and CEO of NINE. Naledi manages DJ R-Tistic who is a Los Angles born and raised DJ. It is very unique to have a woman manage a male DJ — especially being that it is such a male-dominated industry. Naledi and DJ R-Tistic had a friendship first, that eventually turned into Naledi becoming his manager. As his manager, Naledi has traveled to Paris, where R-Tistic spun for a west-coast hip-hop themed party for Reebok, and to Jordan where R-Tistic performed for U.S. troops. Looking towards the future, Naledi and R-Tistic are looking into creating a podcast that would take R-Tistic’s personality and further amplify it.
Fun Q+A
Favorite/Most Memorable Concerts
Puff Daddy & The Family (Parts 1 + 2)
Prince at The Forum
Ones that had a “surprise element”
Recalls going to the Scream 2 Tour in New York and guest artists like 50 Cent and Jay Z showing up
Favorite 2019 Concerts
Dave Chappelle
Roots Picnic
Essence Fest
Philly/New York/Los Angeles
Naledi is from Philly, and has lived in both New York and Los Angeles. All three cities are known for their roles in music, and all three have something different to offer.
Philly
Speaking of the role Philly has played in Naledi’s musical journey she states, it is “Where I started my appreciation for live music.”
New York
At the time that she lived in New York, Naledi was working a corporate finance job, and enjoyed music mostly as a spectator, but was still able to enjoy concerts at such legendary venues as Madison Square Garden.
Los Angeles
Has been to almost every venue (of which there are a lot) in the city. A few of her favorites?
Hollywood Bowl
GRAMMY Museum (Clive Davis Theater)
““Sometimes we don’t know how political it is when they make those lists and it skews the view that we aren’t there””
Black Women In Music
As it pertains to Black Women in Music, Naledi is both excited and hopeful for the future. During the span of over a decade, she has met and worked with amazing Black Women behind the scenes in the industry, who are making waves in a variety of professional functions. However, she does does believe that in many instances people may not know about the work that many of these women do because it may go unnoticed when it comes time for various industry publications to publish their annual lists that highlight women leaders within the music industry. Having advocates and allies who bring increased visibility to Black Women working in the music industry (for example, by nominating women for industry lists) is one of the ways to bring increased visibility.
