A YOUTH MUSIC ORGANISATION PASSIONATE ABOUT RAISING LEADERS
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we believe in the transformative power of music to inspire, empower, and uplift young people
WHO ARE WE HERE TO Support?
We are dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-25 from disadvantaged backgrounds, global majority communities, and underrepresented groups. Our work focuses on those at risk of violent crime, involved in the legal justice system, or facing significant social and economic barriers.
Our mission is to break down barriers—economic, social, or cultural—that prevent young people from accessing opportunities in the music industry
Since 2020, we have made it our mission to discover and empower young Welsh voices through music. In the wake of UK budget cuts and the economic impact of Brexit, youth services—especially in the arts—have suffered, leaving underprivileged communities with fewer opportunities than ever. In response, we are working closely with local youth services and leveraging our online platform to build a fast-growing community of young leaders. Through collaboration, creativity, and advocacy, we strive to strengthen connections, encourage artistic expression, and amplify the voices of the next generation.
5 years of consistent mentorship, investment & nurture
Previously known as Lab7, Silkfutures was founded in 2020 by Toni Andrews, a dedicated youth worker with over 23 years of experience in the Cardiff area. Driven by her unwavering commitment to young people and her determination to preserve creative opportunities despite ongoing funding cuts, Toni set out to build an organisation that placed youth at its core while offering truly inspiring and accessible opportunities.
Lab7 began as a grassroots initiative, working closely with Silkcrayon Studios, funding studio time for young artists and providing mentorship from established musicians. As word spread, it grew into a thriving creative community—hosting group workshops, organising events, and eventually merging with Silkcrayon to support some of Wales' most exciting emerging talent. Today, Silkfutures continues that mission, ensuring that young voices are heard, nurtured, and empowered through music.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WALES' LEADING MUSIC PRODUCTION COMPANY
STUDIOS
Silkcrayon Studios was founded in 2020 by Cardiff musician Nathan Misra with a vision to provide high-quality music services to Welsh musicians. While many artists benefited from Silkcrayon’s offerings, Nathan soon realised that financial barriers were preventing young people in Cardiff from accessing the same opportunities for mentorship and musical development. Inspired by their stories and potential, Nathan and Silkcrayon joined forces with Toni and Lab7, leading to the creation of Silkfutures—a platform dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of musicians.
At Silkfutures, young people and their voices are at the heart of everything we do.
With five years of consistent mentorship, many young people supported by Silkfutures have gone on to become mentors themselves, carrying forward our legacy of nurture and holistic support. This deep-rooted experience has shaped our organisation, with young people under the age of 25 now making up over 50% of our board. They play a fundamental role in shaping our decisions. We take pride in being an organisation that evolves alongside the next generation, continuously adapting to their needs and ensuring that their voices remain at the heart of everything we do.
OUR TEAM
Toni Andrews
Managing Director/founder
Toni Andrews is managing director and founder, with over 25 years experience in youth work she oversees the delivery and completion of projects, as well as ensuring the organisational structure and well-being of our community.
Nathan Misra
Creative Director/founder
Nathan Misra is the creative director of Silkfutures and manages key decisions connected to project delivery and artistic/personal development.
Dionne Rowe
Director
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Isaak Bakshi
Young Trustee/Producer & Musician
Isaak Bakshi otherwise known as One84k is a 19 year old platinum producer from Cardiff and recording engineer at Silkcrayon.
SABRINA ISLAM
YOUTH WORKER & MENTOR
Sabrina, known locally as 'Sabz' is a youth worker with a masters degree in social services and a pillar of Cardiffs Adamsdown youth music community.
KAYLUM MCGUIRE
Young Trustee & Musician
A direct benificiary of Silkfutures earlier initiatives, Kaylum otherwise known as rapper 'Kayz' is an exciting future prospect for Welsh music.
TIA ZAKURA
Young Trustee/POET & ACTIVIST
Tia is a poet and activist, member of Wales Millenium Centre Youth Advisory Board and multi-disciplinary creative.
DERRICK BONSU
TRUSTEE & ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE COACH
OUR MENTORS
Nathan Misra
MENTOR
Nathan Misra is an artist, producer and senior studio engineer.
LIAM EATON
MENTOR
Liam Eaton is an artist, producer and boxer from Cwmbran. He helps lead our sports and wellbeing activities.
bENNY FLOWZ
MENTOR
Benny Flowz is a producer and artist from Barry. He is the first Welsh rapper to appear on the BBC3 show 'The Rap Game' and reached the finals.
TBO
MENTOR
TBO is a multi-genre artist from Cardiff.
ONE84K
MENTOR
One84k is a number 1 charting certified platinum producer and solo artist/recording engineer from Cardiff.
KAYLUM MCGUIRE
MENTOR
Previously mentored by Silkfutures, multi genre artist Kaylum Mcguire is part of the next generation of rising mentors.
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Silkfutures CiC
113-116 Portland House
Cardiff
Bute Street
CF10 5EQ
Company Number: 12461003