The Blueprint Awards has brought together influential names from the music industry to celebrate the achievements of two figures whose work has helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in music.

Held last week, the annual awards evening, powered by record label Since '93, honoured music executives Tim Blacksmith MBE and Daniel Poku MBE, also known professionally as Danny D, recognising their extensive contributions to the industry and the impact they have made on a global scale.

The Blueprint Awards is an initiative created to recognise individuals whose leadership, creativity and achievements have helped transform the music industry and wider culture. Beyond celebrating success, the awards also aim to recognise those who have opened doors for others, sharing their knowledge and experiences to help inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Tim Blacksmith MBE

One of the evening's honourees was Tim Blacksmith, a highly respected music executive, manager and entrepreneur who has spent more than three decades building an influential career in the entertainment industry.

Blacksmith began his journey in music as an artist before moving into management and executive production, where he went on to establish himself as an influential figure behind the scenes.

In 1998, he co-founded Delirious Blacksmith Management alongside his business partner Daniel Poku, with the pair going on to work with Norwegian production and songwriting duo Stargate. Their partnership helped take Stargate from an emerging production team to an internationally recognised name, with the duo going on to work with some of the biggest artists in the world, including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Katy Perry.

Blacksmith has also played a significant role in developing the careers of numerous artists and songwriters through the businesses he has helped build, including Stellar Songs, which has been associated with successful names such as Sam Smith, Charli XCX, Emeli Sandé and Labrinth.

His work has also extended across several areas of the music business, including artist management, publishing, production and record label ventures, helping establish a global network of talent and industry connections.

In recognition of his services to music, Blacksmith was awarded an MBE in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours, alongside his long-standing business partner Daniel Poku.

Daniel Poku MBE

Also receiving recognition on the evening was Daniel Poku, widely known as Danny D, who has built an equally significant career spanning more than three decades.

Poku's journey through the music industry has seen him take on several roles, including artist, DJ, remixer, producer, A&R executive and music publisher, giving him experience across different sides of the business.

Before becoming an established music executive, he enjoyed success as an artist under the name D-Mob, with his track 'We Call It Acieed' reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart and becoming a number one record on the US Billboard Dance chart. He later moved into the executive side of the industry, where his partnership with Blacksmith helped establish a number of successful music businesses, including Stellar Songs.

Through their work together, the pair have been instrumental in supporting and developing the careers of internationally recognised artists and songwriters, including Sam Smith, Charli XCX, Emeli Sandé and Labrinth.

Poku has also been involved in managing and developing production talent, including Stargate, whose work has contributed to major international hits for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé and Katy Perry.

Away from his commercial achievements, Poku has also spoken about wanting to create more opportunities for people hoping to enter the music industry, particularly those working behind the scenes. His MBE, awarded in 2022 for services to music, recognised his contribution to the industry.

Recognising the importance of mentorship

The evening also held a particularly meaningful connection for Since '93 founder Riki Bleau, who has previously spoken about the influence both Blacksmith and Poku have had on his own journey.

Taking to social media following the awards, the record label shared its appreciation for the two honourees, highlighting not only their professional achievements but also the guidance and mentorship they had provided to Bleau.

In its caption, Since '93 wrote:

"Last night, we hosted our annual Blueprint Awards, celebrating two powerhouses in the global music business, [@timblacksmith] and [@theoriginaldannyd].

They also mentored our founder, sharing their knowledge, experience, and going on a legendary run of success in the business with Labrinth Naughty Boy, Emeli Sande, Sam Smith, and CharlieXCX to name and a few.

It was a special evening recognising everything they've achieved and the impact they've had on the music industry."

Bleau founded Since '93 in 2012, building the entertainment company into a platform working across artist management, music publishing and recorded music.

The company has been involved in developing and supporting the careers of several successful artists, with its wider roster and industry connections extending across the UK and internationally.

His own journey also reflects the importance of having established figures willing to share their experience with emerging talent. Having received guidance from Blacksmith and Poku, Bleau has gone on to build his own career and establish a company with a growing presence in the global music industry.

The Blueprint Awards therefore represents more than simply recognising professional achievements. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the relationships, guidance and industry knowledge that help shape the next generation of talent and business leaders.

By honouring Blacksmith and Poku, the evening recognised two individuals whose influence extends beyond their own careers, acknowledging the artists they have helped develop, the businesses they have built and the opportunities they have helped create for others.