Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE, a London-born producer, composer, 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.

In 2001, he co-founded the globally acclaimed hip-hop dance company Boy Blue, which holds the distinction of being Olivier Award-winning associate artists at London’s iconic Barbican arts venue, they recently created the live show FREE YOUR MIND: THE MATRIX NOW with Danny Boyle. 

In addition to his artistic pursuits, he serves as a fellow and Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 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. Alongside Brian Eno, he crafted the score for the groundbreaking Netflix Original series TOP BOY. His documentary work includes original scores for the Sky/BBC Studios feature documentary MICHAEL X: HUSTLER, REVOLUTIONARY, OUTLAW, 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’.

Of particular note is his recent work composing the original score for the critically acclaimed film KNEECAP, winner of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Audience award. Additionally, he co-composed the Apple TV+ drama series CRIMINAL RECORD, starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo.

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