We are excited to introduce our esteemed jury, composed of distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds in the music and city development sectors. Each juror brings unique expertise and a passion for utilising music as a catalyst for positive change. Their contributions will be vital in selecting the most impactful projects for this year's awards.
The Music Cities Awards 2025 is set to celebrate the transformative power of music in urban environments worldwide. As a global competition, it recognises outstanding projects that leverage music to foster economic, social, environmental, and cultural development within communities. Since its inception in 2020, the awards have showcased innovative initiatives and inspired advocates dedicated to enhancing their cities through music.
Join us as we unveil the jury members and highlight their significant work and commitment to making cities better through music.
Hala Ali Alhedeithy, General Manager, Saudi Music Commission (Riyadh, KSA)
Hala Ali Alhedeithy is the General Manager of Strategy, Policies, and Ecosystem Enablers at the Saudi Music Commission. She was formerly the head of programming at the Cultural Assets & Centers Deputyship for the Saudi Ministry of Culture. She has previously worked at Art Dubai and was a practicing artist and spoken word poet, exhibiting and performing in London, Dubai, Berlin, Istanbul, and Vienna. Hala has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Sharjah, an MA in Art and Politics from University of Goldsmiths, and was called to the UK Bar in 2018.
Maria Martinez Iturriaga, Senior Vice President Berklee Global, Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA)
María Martínez Iturriaga is the senior vice president for the Berklee Global division, including oversight of all global programs and partnerships, the Abu Dhabi Center, and new projects with strategic relevance for advancing Berklee’s global engagement and presence. Joining Berklee in 2008, Martínez Iturriaga was at the forefront of establishing the college’s first international campus in Valencia, Spain, where she served as executive director from 2016 to 2023. In her 15 years of dedicated service to Berklee Valencia, Martínez Iturriaga played a leading role in defining academic, enrollment, and institutional strategies for Berklee abroad. Prior to Berklee, she worked with AEA Consulting in New York, one of the world's leading arts, culture, and entertainment consulting firms, where she assisted clients such as the New York City Opera, Fundación Televisa, Museo del Barrio, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Hispanic Society of the Americas.
Rafael Pereira, Executive Trustee, India Music Exchange (Mumbai, IND)
Rafael Pereira is an intellectual property strategist & web3 oracle working at the intersection of law & business relating to technology, entertainment, arts, & culture. He is the managing partner of TINNUTS a new age intellectual property law firm where he works with creators across disciplines and entrepreneurs across sectors. Rafael has built a career as an entrepreneur with multiple ventures in the creative and cultural industries globally. He advises the world's biggest artists, labels, publishers, distributors, & promoters on their business & legal affairs in Asia and occasionally treats his clientele to the best Indian food on the planet. His current mission is building India's multilateral music trade office, India Music Exchange, and its flagship project, India International Music Week.
Ayomide Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Art, Culture and the Creative Economy) (Abuja, NGA)
Ayomide Adeagbo is an award-winning photographer, photojournalist, published author, creative and founder of Xtreme Media, with a career spanning over a decade at the intersection of photography, journalism and politics. Through his passion for photography and a heart for change, he sensationally impacted the media space in Nigeria, blazing the trail for fellow creatives. Ayomide has served as the S.A Visual Communications and Personal Photographer to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, where he stood as a testament of the relationship between creativity and governance. Afterwards, he was the Head of Digital Communications (Office of the Executive Vice Chairman) at the Nigerian Communications Commission. He is now the Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, where he works towards ensuring the creative industry is at the forefront of national and global affairs. Being an influential figure in government, he uses his distinct combination of creativity, strategic thinking and leadership to bring about significant change in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ayomide’s story is one of unrelenting commitment to the values of ingenuity, inventiveness, and public service.
Eddie Hatitye, Director, Music In Africa Foundation (Johannesburg, RSA)
Eddie Hatitye is the executive director of the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), a non-profit pan-African initiative that he has led since its establishment in 2011. Headquartered in Johannesburg, MIAF stands as one of the most active cultural organisations in Africa. Over the course of more than a decade, Eddie has actively engaged in the culture and creative sector, making significant contributions to the establishment of crucial structures across the continent.
With an MBA degree and an honors degree in music and musicology, Eddie has played a pivotal role in the conception and implementation of numerous continental arts programs. These initiatives encompass a diverse range of areas, including media, artist mobility, continental funding programs, business development programs for social enterprises, talent discovery, concerts, conferences, festivals, and research programs, among others.
Ana Flávia Cabral, Vice-chair and CEO, Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation (Rio de Janeiro, BRA)
Ana Flávia is the Vice-chair and CEO of Brazilian Symphony Orchestra Foundation and creator of its successful restructuring and innovation plan, having contributed to the restructuring of several other orchestras in Brazil. Former Secretary of State at Ministry of Culture, she serves on the Social Communication Council of the National Congress as a Board Member. As a leader recognised for her ability to bring together creative vision and analytical skills, she has been an influential figure in the conversation about how diversity can drive innovation within organisations. Ana Flávia contributed to the creation of two innovative social projects focused on music education: Projeto Guri and Conexões Musicais (winner of 2024’s Music Cities Award).Ana Flávia is at the forefront of the discussion on how culture can be a driver for the country's economic sustainability and social development, always focused on promoting actions that generate positive impact for different audiences. Her leadership continues to inspire new ways of thinking and acting in the business and cultural environment.
Yvan Boudillet, Co-Founder, Music Tech Europe (Paris, FRA)
A creative industry and innovation expert with over 20 years of experience, Yvan Boudillet is the co-founder and honorary member of MusicTech Europe, the European network of music innovators hubs. Yvan previously held leading roles in digital transformation and management at Warner Music and EMI Music and founded advisory company TheLynk, where he contributed to drive innovation within the music ecosystem by enabling connection & collaboration between music organisations or institutions, artists, and startups. A regular international speaker (SXSW, Wallifornia, Slush Music, Sonar+D, Midem, Music Inc. India, 4YFN, ISMIR, Eurosonic, Linecheck, Athens Music Week…) and lecturer specialised in the intersection between innovation & creative industries, Yvan has been a prominent voice advocating for inclusive & collaborative innovation across the music value chain. Yvan is also the co-founder and President of Metal Social Club, the first network of metalhead entrepreneurs & creators.
As we eagerly await the announcement of the winners at the Music Cities Awards 2025, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. The projects and initiatives to be selected by our jury will serve as inspiration for cities around the world, showcasing the transformative power of music in creating vibrant, sustainable urban environments. The winners will not only receive well-deserved recognition for their efforts but will also gain valuable exposure and support for their ongoing work. By highlighting these exemplary projects, the Music Cities Awards aim to encourage more cities to embrace music as a catalyst for positive change, whether it be economic, social, environmental, or cultural.
If you are part of a project that uses music to drive positive change in your community, we invite you to apply for the 2025 Music Cities Awards. Applications are open until April 28th, 2025, offering a unique opportunity to share your work with a global audience and join a community of innovators shaping the future of music-driven urban development.
Comments