Honey Jam Hosts a Conversation with Ethiopia Habtemarriam

At a recent intimate gathering hosted by Honey Jam in Toronto, music industry executive Ethiopia Habtemariam shared the experiences, challenges and personal values that shaped her remarkable career. From starting as a teenage intern to becoming one of the most influential women in the global music industry, her journey offered an inspiring perspective on the importance of passion, perseverance and staying true to one’s purpose.

Photo Courtesy of Frame Five Media

The thoughtfully organized event brought together emerging artists, creatives and music industry professionals in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The evening began with a heartfelt introduction by Honey Jam founder Ebonnie Rowe, who shared that she had wanted to bring Habtemariam to Toronto for many years. Her visible emotion and genuine happiness at finally making it happen made the occasion feel even more special. Moderated by Vivian Barclay of Hot House Songs, former Chairwoman and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Canada, the conversation explored everything from mentorship and leadership to artist development, work ethic and the rapidly changing music industry.

Born to Ethiopian immigrant parents and raised in Atlanta, Habtemariam discovered her passion for music early. At just 14, she secured an internship at LaFace Records, beginning a career that would take her through Universal Music Publishing Group and to becoming Chairwoman and CEO of the legendary Motown Records and ultimately to her current role as President of Music at HYBE America.

Habtemariam spoke about the importance of remembering what brought her into the industry in the first place. “My passion and love for music and helping people is the reason why I do what I do,” she explained. “As you move up the ranks and get into more corporate roles, it becomes very difficult to stay close to the music and the talent. You have to make a real effort and be very clear why you’re doing what you’re doing.” Her message to emerging artists was equally direct. While talent may open doors, she emphasized that success requires discipline, responsibility and a willingness to put in the work. “You are the leader of your business, and all we want to do is be the people behind the scenes and support your vision and your gift,” she said, explaining the relationship between artists and record labels. “But we can only work as hard for you as you work for yourself.”

Photo Courtesy of Frame Five Media

Both Habtemariam and Barclay agreed how difficult it can be to work with exceptionally talented artists who lack the commitment and discipline needed to succeed. “The biggest heartbreak of this business could be when you meet incredibly talented people who don’t put in the work,“ Habteemariam said.

The discussion also turned to the realities of today’s music industry, where streaming platforms, algorithms and digital discoverability have transformed how artists reach audiences. Habtemariam acknowledged that even established artists are navigating this unpredictable territory. “The craziest and scariest part of today’s business is that there is no playbook. It’s all changed. You are now in a race to get to the algorithm,” she observed. She also emphasized that despite all the changes in the industry, the quality of the music and the ability to connect with listeners still matter most. “Quality and great songs matter. Songs with great melodies, songs that travel the world, it is the melody that connects people, and lyrics that people can connect to. I think we need songs that everyone can sing along to.”

Photo Courtesy of Frame Five Media

For Honey Jam, an organization that has spent more than three decades supporting and developing emerging female artists in Canada, the evening reflected the importance of mentorship and creating meaningful connections within the industry.

What made the gathering particularly memorable was not simply Habtemariam’s impressive career, but her willingness to share the lessons behind it. In an industry often defined by competition and constant change, her reflections offered a reminder that passion, hard work, generosity and genuine human connection remain essential to lasting success.