> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.backstagecircle.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ethiopia Habtemariam - URL: https://www.backstagecircle.com/ethiopia-habtemariam/ - Published: 2026-10-08T15:11:54.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-06T16:36:44.000Z - Author: Maureen Jack - Tags: Music, Profiles On October 6th in Toronto, the Honey Jam artist development program welcomed HYBE America’s Ethiopia Habtemariam for an executive talk to an audience of emerging artists, creatives and music industry professionals. The former Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records discussed a wide range of topics including artist development, leadership, work ethic, authenticity, women in the music industry, the changing role of record labels, fan engagement, AI and what it takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music business. Moderated by Vivian Barclay of Hot House Songs, the conversation traced Habtemariam’s remarkable journey from a 14-year-old intern at LaFace Records to one of the most influential executives in the global music industry. **FROM TEEN INTERN TO MUSIC EXECUTIVE** Born to Ethiopian parents and raised in the American South, Habtemariam recalled how seeing music executive Chanti Das speak at her Atlanta high school changed the trajectory of her life. She approached Das afterward, asked if she could shadow her and kept following up until she got the opportunity. “I wanted to be just like her,” Habtemariam recalled. Seeing a Black woman who was respected by artists and colleagues gave her an early example of what was possible. That opportunity led to internships and jobs across the industry and eventually to Universal Music Publishing, where Habtemariam built an acclaimed A&R career. She later moved to the label side, ultimately becoming Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Records and helping revitalize the legendary label through, among other initiatives, its partnership with Quality Control. Today, as President of Music at HYBE America, she is helping bring the company’s intensive approach to artist development to its growing North American music portfolio. **ARTIST DEVELOPMENT: TALENT ISN’T ENOUGH** For the many emerging artists in the audience, Habtemariam had a clear message: talent is only the beginning. Artists must take responsibility for developing their gifts and building their careers. “You’re the leader of your business,” she said. “We can only work as hard for you as you work for yourself.” She described one of the greatest heartbreaks in the industry as encountering extraordinarily talented people who are unwilling to put in the work required to develop that talent. Work ethic, resilience and the willingness to consistently show up matter enormously, particularly in an industry where there is no longer a single playbook for success. Habtemariam pointed to J. Cole as an example. She met him early in his career, when he was performing for audiences of around 100 people. What stood out was not simply his talent, but the work he had already done to articulate his vision. He arrived at an early meeting with several videos he had created himself, demonstrating his commitment to his music and storytelling long before he achieved global success. When asked what she looks for in emerging artists who may not yet have impressive numbers or industry buzz, Habtemariam cited “their talent, their gift, their work ethic.” **ALGORITHMS, AI AND AN INDUSTRY IN FLUX** Habtemariam also emphasized the importance of excellence at a time when artists face enormous pressure to chase algorithms, streaming numbers and viral moments. Despite the changes in how audiences discover music, she insisted that the fundamentals still matter. Great songs, memorable melodies, compelling performances and authentic storytelling remain critical. Habtemariam encouraged independent artists who may not have access to a major label’s resources to begin where they are: rehearse, take classes, improve their live performances and collaborate with other emerging creatives, from photographers and stylists to choreographers and producers. The conversation also turned to artificial intelligence and its rapidly expanding role in music. Habtemariam said artists should understand how AI can be used as a tool, while stressing the need for the industry to establish clear definitions and regulation around AI-generated music, artists and voices. “I think that how we regulate it and how we manage it is extremely important for our industry,” she said. **LEADERSHIP, WOMEN AND SHOWING UP** Leadership was a strong theme throughout the discussion. Habtemariam spoke candidly about navigating the music industry as a Black woman and about the outside assumptions that can accompany success. Rather than allowing those perceptions to determine how she sees herself or approaches an opportunity, her philosophy is to focus on the work. “If there’s an opportunity and you know you have something to offer, you show up,” she said. “You show up, and you do the job.” For Habtemariam, leadership also means recognizing the responsibility executives have toward the people and careers entrusted to them. “Women in the rooms make such a difference,” she said. “Great people in the rooms make such a difference.” She emphasized the importance of leaders being conscious of the people and teams they lead, as well as the careers for which they have responsibility. **MENTORSHIP, ACCESS AND NOT GATEKEEPING** Habtemariam’s commitment to leadership extends to mentorship and sharing knowledge. She spoke about making time for young people who seek her guidance, particularly when she sees that they are serious about learning and doing the work. She also challenged young professionals to think beyond simply getting access to influential spaces and instead consider what they are contributing once they get there. “What were you contributing? What were you adding to the room? What were you learning, and why are you really here?” For Habtemariam, mentorship is not something reserved for Women’s History Month, Black Music Month or another designated occasion. It is reflected in how a leader operates every day — recognizing talent, sharing knowledge and pouring into others. For Honey Jam Executive Director Ebonnie Rowe, that generosity of spirit was one of the reasons bringing Habtemariam to Toronto was so meaningful. “We’re thrilled to have Ethiopia here and that so many young women artists and entrepreneurs came out to hear about her inspiring journey through the industry,” said Rowe. “What makes her leadership model so powerful is that despite reaching the highest levels of the music business, she believes in sharing knowledge and making space for others rather than gatekeeping. That spirit of excellence, generosity and service is exactly what we want the young women coming through Honey Jam to see.” **CANADIAN ARTISTS** Habtemariam also spoke about the opportunities for Canadian artists to break through globally, pointing to Toronto and Canada’s diversity as a particular strength. “The diversity and the diaspora that’s here is really fascinating,” she said, noting the opportunity for artists to connect with different audiences and adding that Canadian talent is part of HYBE’s recruiting conversations. Having signed Canadian artists, songwriters and producers throughout her career, Habtemariam recalled a time when some in the industry doubted whether Canadian artists could achieve international success — before artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber proved otherwise. Her message to emerging Canadian talent was optimistic but realistic: “The limitations that exist are real, but they won’t last forever. And we are in the shift and in the changes, and they’re all happening, and it’s really on all of you and all of us to be a part of that.” **THE MESSAGE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS** Habtemariam left the audience with a message that extended far beyond getting signed, going viral or finding the right algorithm. Emerging artists must know who they are, understand why they are pursuing music, commit to developing their talent and be willing to do the work even before anyone is watching. As she reminded the room throughout the evening, opportunity matters — but what you do when the opportunity arrives matters even more. Website - [hybecorp.com/en/main](https://hybecorp.com/en/main/?ref=backstagecircle.com) Website - [honeyjam.com](https://honeyjam.com/?ref=backstagecircle.com)