Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE, a London-born composer, producer, and DJ, has left an indelible mark as a pioneer in the UK hip-hop and grime scenes. Collaborating with notable artists such as Kano, George The Poet, and Estelle, he has honed his distinctive sound over the years. Recognised for his contributions, he was awarded an MBE in 2021 for ‘services to hip-hop’.

Mikey’s musical compositions, inspired by his innate cinematic sensibilities, uniquely blend elements of hip-hop, classical, and electronic music. His score for the critically acclaimed and 2024 Sundance Audience Awarded feature film KNEECAP, earned him the BIFA award for Best Original Music.

Alongside Brian Eno, he’s also known for creating the score for the groundbreaking Netflix Original multi-series TOP BOY and he’s the co-composer for the Apple TV+ drama series CRIMINAL RECORD, starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.

His documentary work includes original scores for the Sky/Lightbox docudrama series GUNPOWDER SIEGE, the National Geographic feature documentary CLOTILDA: LAST AMERICAN SLAVE SHIP, and the multi-EMMY award-winning docudrama series AFRICAN QUEENS, for which Mikey received a nomination for ‘Outstanding Music Direction and Composition’.

Beside his work as a film composer, Mikey is the co-founder of the globally acclaimed hip-hop dance company Boy Blue, which holds the distinction of being Olivier Award-winning associate artists at London’s iconic arts venue Barbican, and are known for their collaboration with Danny Boyle on the live show FREE YOUR MIND: THE MATRIX NOW.

His ongoing collaboration with theatre director Jamie Lloyd includes composing the score for Lucy Prebble’s, THE EFFECT, starring Paapa Essiedu and Taylor Russell; ROMEO & JULIET, starring Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers; and THE TEMPEST, starring Sigourney Weaver.