Messielia Bangura
Messielia "Messie" Bangura
Founder · THE HARMONYXCOLLECTIVE · Mtwntysix Co.
“My mission is to create a new way artists and audiences relate to each other — and inspire a more symbiotic and authentic way for both artists and music companies to utilize their fanbases.”

Roots, Rhythm & Culture.

Raised in Upstate New York by Sierra Leonean immigrant parents, Messie grew up immersed in the sounds, cultures, and art of the world beyond U.S. borders from a very young age. Her love for music began with her father’s extensive vinyl collection and grew into performing for her family in their living room.

When she moved to Los Angeles, her goal was clear: learn everything she could in the music industry, make an impact, and bring her love for music along with her.

Since 2007.

Messie’s K-pop journey began in 2007 with SS501 and BoA — but it was the moment she heard Replay by SHINee that she knew K-pop would have a permanent place in her life. What began as a deeply personal passion evolved into a professional lens through which she would observe, analyze, and ultimately work to address the cultural gaps the industry has consistently failed to close.

Nearly two decades later, that fan perspective remains one of her most powerful and distinctive tools.

Built from the Inside.

Messie has built her career at the intersection of music, culture, and artist development. Her first A&R credit came on Jackson Wang’s Magic Man Part 1 — a milestone that marked the beginning of a career defined by cross-cultural storytelling. She also had the distinction of being mentored by Vanessa Angiuli, former Sr. Director of A&R at Interscope Records and current VP of A&R at Runner Music, who has spearheaded the careers of Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, BLACKPINK, and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Her project work spans a wide range of global artists, including BIBI (FheelGhood), Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae, Chungha (MoreVision), Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Ylona Garcia, MILLI (PARADISE Rising), Joji, NIKI, LOONA, EAJ, DPR, August 08, Luna Li, Stephanie Poetri, and Seori. During her time at Sony Music Publishing, she also assisted in cultivating relationships and securing deals for artists including Sabrina Claudio, Lucky Daye, Daniel Caesar, Tiwa Savage, Harmony Samuels, and more.

She currently manages a small roster including Jenny Lyric, a Black artist who rose to prominence as a member of Coco Avenue, recognized as the first Black K-Pop group. Under Messie’s guidance, Jenny has been signed in Korea, booked as a supporting act for Hyolyn (SISTAR), featured on playlists including K-Pop Cross on TIDAL, and has steadily grown her crossover presence across K-Pop and Global Pop. Messie has also hosted panels and stages at KCON, where she served as a cultural guide for K-Pop artists and music professionals throughout panels, performances, and fan interactions.

View LinkedIn Profile →

The Foundation.

AMDA
BFA in Performing Arts
Berklee College of Music
Master’s in Music Business
Graduate Thesis, 2023
Cultural Competency in Global Music Markets — with a focus on K-Pop and its expansion into Western markets.

Building the Bridge.

Throughout her career, Messie encountered communication gaps in both the K-Pop and global music markets with striking consistency. She always wanted to be the bridge — but never found herself in a position where she was truly heard, or given the space to voice her concerns and offer real solutions.

So she built that platform herself.

THE HARMONYXCOLLECTIVE exists because the industry keeps getting it wrong — and the fans who love this music most deserve better. So do the artists.

Messielia Bangura
Messielia “Messie” Bangura
Founder · THE HARMONYXCOLLECTIVE · Mtwntysix Co.
“My mission is to create a new way artists and audiences relate to each other — and inspire a more symbiotic and authentic way for both artists and music companies to utilize their fanbases.”

Roots, Rhythm & Culture.

Raised in Upstate New York by Sierra Leonean immigrant parents, Messie grew up immersed in the sounds, cultures, and art of the world well beyond U.S. borders. That early exposure shaped the way she listens, the way she moves through the industry, and the lens through which she sees music as a connector across cultures. Her love for music began with her father’s extensive vinyl collection and grew into performing for her family in their living room.

When she moved to Los Angeles, her goal was clear: learn everything she could about the music industry, make an impact, and never leave her love for music behind.

Since 2007.

Messie’s K-pop journey began in 2007 with SS501 and BoA — but it was the moment she heard Replay by SHINee that she knew K-pop would have a permanent place in her life. What began as a deeply personal passion evolved into a professional lens through which she would observe, analyze, and ultimately work to address the cultural gaps the industry has consistently failed to close.

Nearly two decades later, that fan perspective remains one of her most powerful and distinctive tools.

Built from the Inside.

Messie has built her career at the intersection of music, culture, and artist development. Her first A&R credit came on Jackson Wang’s Magic Man Part 1 — a milestone that marked the beginning of a career defined by cross-cultural storytelling. She also had the distinction of being mentored by Vanessa Angiuli, former Sr. Director of A&R at Interscope Records and current VP of A&R at Runner Music, who has spearheaded the careers of Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, BLACKPINK, and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Her project work spans a wide range of global artists, including BIBI (FheelGhood), Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae, Chungha (MoreVision), Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Ylona Garcia, MILLI (PARADISE Rising), Joji, NIKI, LOONA, EAJ, DPR, August 08, Luna Li, Stephanie Poetri, and Seori. During her time at Sony Music Publishing, she also assisted in cultivating relationships and securing deals for artists including Sabrina Claudio, Lucky Daye, Daniel Caesar, Tiwa Savage, Harmony Samuels, and more.

She currently manages a small roster including Jenny Lyric, a Black artist who rose to prominence as a member of Coco Avenue, recognized as the first Black K-Pop group. Under Messie’s guidance, Jenny has been signed in Korea, booked as a supporting act for Hyolyn (SISTAR), featured on playlists including K-Pop Cross on TIDAL, and has steadily grown her crossover presence across K-Pop and Global Pop. Messie has also hosted panels and stages at KCON, where she served as a cultural guide for K-Pop artists and music professionals throughout panels, performances, and fan interactions.

View LinkedIn Profile →

The Foundation.

AMDA
BFA in Performing Arts
Berklee College of Music
Master’s in Music Business
Graduate Thesis, 2023
Cultural Competency in Global Music Markets — with a focus on K-Pop and its expansion into Western markets.

Building the Bridge.

Throughout her career, Messie encountered communication gaps in both the K-Pop and global music markets with striking consistency. She always wanted to be the bridge — but never found herself in a position where she was truly heard, or given the space to voice her concerns and offer real solutions.

So she built that platform herself.

THE HARMONYXCOLLECTIVE exists because the industry keeps getting it wrong — and the fans who love this music most deserve better. So do the artists.