Since ’93 Co-President Recognised for Global Industry Impact and Growth
London, 9 March 2026: Riki Bleau, Co-President of Since ’93 records – home to internationally acclaimed artists including Tems, Tyla and Cat Burns – has been inducted into Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players List.
The annual music industry ranking celebrates executives driving growth and cultural impact across global markets outside of the United States, which accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s recorded music sales.
The list recognises leading music executives – including label heads, publishing leaders, strategists and global market heads – whose work is shaping the international industry. It also features Louis Bloom, President of Island Emi Label Group and Jo Charrington, President of Capitol Records UK, and is selected by Billboard’s editors.
Over the past 12-18 months, Riki has continued to redefine what a black-led record label can achieve on a global scale. As co-founder of Since ’93, his artist-first philosophy and deep cultural fluency have positioned the label as one of the most powerful incubators of distinctive international talent.
Over the past year, Since ’93’s roster has delivered major global milestones:
- Tems released her debut album Born In The Wild, which has surpassed 700 million streams contributing to nearly 4.9 billion global streams to date and cementing her status as the highest-charting Nigerian female artist in UK history.
- Tyla, the South African sensation, has exceeded 3.63 billion global streams, breaking boundaries and establishing her as a defining Gen Z superstar and taking African music deeper into the mainstream.
- Rising star Shallipopi has become one of Afrobeats’ most exciting new voices, with his breakout single Laho surpassing 100 million streams.
Speaking about the Billboard honour, Riki says: “I’m grateful to Billboard for this recognition on the Global Power Players list and to be among so many incredible ‘doers’ from our industry. We’ve worked hard to create a culture and space at Since ‘93 where artists and creatives feel empowered and are at the centre of everything we do. I’m thankful to every talent who allowed me to be a part of their journey. I’m proud of our work, and proud to lead the UK’s most successful black-led label and will continue to support the next generation of talent from all over the world.”
Together, Bleau and Aikins have not only delivered some of the world’s most streamed records but also created a blueprint for cross-cultural artist development that resonates from Lagos to London, Johannesburg to Los Angeles. Their ability to identify, nurture, and elevate boundary-pushing artists has helped Since ’93 become one of the most influential independent-spirited imprints within Sony Music.
As co-founders and presidents, Bleau and Aikins have built an imprint defined by cultural authenticity and distinctive artistry. Riki has spent two decades shaping British youth culture and international music, managing and publishing Grammy-winning artists while pioneering platforms that amplified black creativity. Glyn Aikins has signed and developed era-defining talent from Craig David and So Solid Crew to Emeli Sandé and Aitch.
This achievement follows Riki’s inclusion in the Powerlist 2026, the annual ranking of the UK’s 100 most influential Black people. The Powerlist celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and other notable recipients for 2026 included Ian Wright and Idris Elba.
MEDIA INFORMATION
For further information contact:
Shane O’Neill – shane@es-pr.co.uk
Eva Simpson – eva@es-pr.co.uk /07801184016
About Since ’93:
Since ’93 is a full-service entertainment company founded in 2012 by industry executive Riki Bleau.
The management arm is home to award-winning talent including Naughty Boy, Mojam, Krept & Konan, Zeze Millz, Popcaan and more.
The publishing arm was historically a venture with Stellar Songs, where we signed award-winning writers such as Labrinth, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Eyelar and others. Our new writers include Joffstar, Robin Knightz, 4Play Jordz and Grammy Award-winning producer writer IO.
In partnership with decorated senior record executive Glyn Aikins, Since ’93 Records was launched in 2017, a JV with Sony Music Entertainment breaking acts like Fredo, Loski and Aitch. Since then, the label has built an exciting domestic & international roster including Tems, Cat Burns, Russ Millions, Khamari and more.