The April edition of Music Week is a very special one indeed, as we welcome Wu-Tang Clan’s leader, RZA, to the cover.
As a group that forever altered the sound of hip-hop and rewrote the rules of the music business to suit their own needs, the Wu-Tang Clan have long been venerated for the myriad ways in which they changed the game. But in recent years, the Staten Island collective’s architect, RZA, has masterminded a series of power moves – each one escalating in ambition – not only to enhance their legacy, but also to culminate in the whole Clan uniting for their epic “The Final Chamber” global tour.
“The chances of getting us all together again?” says RZA. “We doubt that can happen. We’ve all agreed to go out and hit the globe together one more time. We put this plan in motion several years ago, now we’re living it.”
Now, as the celebrated tour hits the UK after acclaimed dates in the States last year, the Wu’s “Abbott” – joined by CAA agent Cameron Kaiser – tells Music Week how they grouped together to take their live business to a whole new level more than 30 years into their storied career. In our huge profile, RZA also reflects on everything from their wildest moments onstage to their bold moves in the TV world, the changing nature of label deals, the value of music, pushing for bespoke experiences for fans, what remains to be done with the legacy of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and much more besides.
In The Music Week Interview this month, we profile Kirk M Sommer.
Already one of the most famous live execs in the game, Sommer will receive another feather in his cap when he gets the International Music Person Of The Year award at Musexpo this month. To celebrate that – not to mention his recent birthday – Music Week meets WME’s global head of contemporary music and senior partner’s schedule to trace his path from the postroom to the very top of the business.
Also this month, Music Week meets ADA managing director Howard Corner and general manager Alice Frost. From The K’s and EsDeeKid, to Sonny Fodera, Nemzzz and beyond, the company had a truly remarkable run in 2025 – and there’s more to come this year. Our interview explores the secrets behind their unique way of working records from all genres, and more.
Elsewhere, to coincide with their new Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK report, we bring you a special feature with UK Music. Outgoing UK Music Diversity Taskforce chair, Ammo Talwar, vice chair, Paulette Long, and head of diversity, Eunice Obianagha, outline its key messages and explain why the value of Black music cannot be overstated.
Finally, in this month’s features section, we meet Sian Eleri. The new star of BBC Radio 1 joins Music Week for a discussion about why emerging talent is in rude health, the impact of social media, and swearing on air.
In The Big Story, music promotions and TV executives weigh up the evolving opportunities for new music on prime time television. Also in news, we bring you a big update from independent publisher Boosey & Hawkes. Finlay Johnson, CEO of the Association For Electronic Music, is in Spotlight
Erin LeCount stars in On The Radar, independent Irish singer/songwriter Ellie O’Neill is in Making Waves, while Marmozets feature in Incoming.
In Hitmakers, Kyle Evans discusses Dave and Tems’ 2026 No.1 hit, Raindance. In our interview, the rapper’s longtime friend and collaborator traces the story of its creation, taking in Dave’s mum’s home cooking, shoulder surgery and 6am finishes. After winning big at the BRITs, Mark Ronson shares his best stories in The Aftershow.
Completing this month’s line-up, Platoon’s global head of music, Linda Ayoola, shares her top career tips in Mentor Me – brought to you in partnership with Carla Marie Williams and Girls I Rate – while Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Davyd outlines why we need to join up grassroots geography.
Lastly, in our expanded monthly charts section, we present the Top 75 Singles and Albums of the previous month, accompanied by revamped analysis pages, plus a host of new listings. These include specialist genre Top 20s for Americana, Classical, Hip-Hop & R&B, Jazz, Country, Dance, Folk and Rock & Metal. The issue is also home to streaming, compilations and vinyl charts.
The new issue of Music Week is available from March 17.
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PHOTO: Bryan Derballa/Contour Getty
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