Why Community Is The Music Industry’s New Gatekeeper
Key takeaways
- Hollywood & Entertainment Why Community Is The Music Industry’s New Gatekeeper By Desjah Altvater,
- That belief is at the center of the music industry organization founded by Kadijat Salawudeen, a 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
- For Salawudeen, the mission was never simply entrepreneurial.
Hollywood & Entertainment Why Community Is The Music Industry’s New Gatekeeper By Desjah Altvater,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Desjah is an entertainment contributor, focusing on music.Follow Author Jul 01, 2026, 04:13pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Kadijat Salawudeen poses in front of a Forbes 30 Under 30 sign, reflecting her growing impact as a music industry leader and advocate for women in entertainment.(Photo Courtesy of Kadijat Salawudeen)In an industry often defined by gatekeepers, algorithms, and shifting trends, one truth remains constant: access changes everything. For the next generation of women entering music, success is increasingly shaped not only by talent, but by community, mentorship, and the people willing to open doors—an ethos reflected in organizations like Girls Who Listen.
That belief is at the center of the music industry organization founded by Kadijat Salawudeen, a 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. What began as a graduate school panel discussion has grown into a broader ecosystem supporting women as they build and sustain careers in music. Through mentorship, education, networking, and international outreach, the organization seeks to expand access and opportunity in a field where women—particularly women of color—have long had to navigate without institutional support.