At just under two years in the role, Demario Sesay has already carved a niche in the bustling London music scene. Based in the city’s vibrant creative districts, he currently oversees the careers of artists Skarz and BNIZZ, guiding them through releases, live gigs and strategic collaborations. His journey reflects a blend of personal loyalty, sharp business instincts, and a relentless drive to cut through the ever-growing noise of the modern music market.
From childhood bond to professional partnership
The story began with a friend from Demario’s early years: Skarz, an emerging producer whose sound caught his attention long before any formal contract was signed. Recognizing a raw talent that deserved wider ears, Demario took the plunge, turning a personal connection into a professional commitment. He explains that the conviction that “the world needed to hear Skarz’s music” sparked his first managerial venture, setting a precedent for how he evaluates and embraces new talent.
What a good (or bad) day looks like in artist management
According to Demario, a good day is measured by tangible progress—whether it’s locking in a coveted gig, brokering a pivotal partnership, or simply moving an artist one step closer to a larger objective. These moments generate momentum, allowing him to see the direct impact of his efforts. Conversely, a bad day occurs when activity doesn’t translate into meaningful outcomes, often because external forces stall progress. He treats those setbacks as learning opportunities, using them to refine strategies for the following day.
Career milestones that define his journey
The most striking achievements to date revolve around Skarz’s rapid ascent. In a striking display of fan enthusiasm, Skarz’s headline show sold out in just nine minutes—an accomplishment entirely engineered by Demario’s grassroots promotion and networking. Shortly after, Demario secured a slot for Skarz as the supporting act for Gabzy’s world tour at the iconic Roundhouse, cementing the manager’s reputation for creating high-profile opportunities without waiting for industry gatekeepers.
Facing the 2025 challenges of music management
Looking ahead, Demario identifies two primary hurdles for managers in 2025. First, the sheer volume of artists, content and platforms makes standing out increasingly difficult; managers must craft distinct brand identities and deploy strategic audience-building tactics. Second, balancing an artist’s creative vision with commercial realities demands a nuanced understanding of both the business and the art. For independent managers like Demario, limited access to industry networks and resources compounds these challenges, prompting a proactive approach to relationship-building and continuous learning.
The soundtrack of a manager and the value of the MMF
When asked about his current listening habits, Demario cites a mix of his own roster—Skarz—as well as international acts such as Gunna, Victony, Asake and Odeal. These tracks keep him attuned to trends while fueling his own creative outlook. He also champions the Music Management Forum (MMF) noting that it has expanded his network, opened doors to collaborations, and supplied the knowledge required to scale his practice. The community’s support, he says, is a cornerstone of his ongoing professional growth.
