Two journeys, one powerful conversion.
This summer, two of our champions, Jamal Akaya and Cyprian Nelson, were invited into the Soho Radio studios as guests on London Youth Voices, an hour-long segment where they shared their unique and inspiring journeys.
Watch the full episodes here
Jamal Akaya, Business Manager
Before joining DMS in 2022 as our very first Champion, Jamal was homeless and, at times, sleeping rough. Since then, he has been promoted twice within the company and now mentors other Champions who are following in his footsteps. Along the way, Jamal has completed numerous work experience placements with our agency partners, gaining exposure to every aspect of media and building a strong professional network early in his career.
His hard work and determination were recognised in 2024 when he won the Rising Star award at the European Video Awards, a huge achievement for those at the beginning of their media careers. Beyond his achievements at DMS, Jamal is also a talented musician who has been making his own music since his early teens. Recognising both his passion and his potential, DMS flew him to Amsterdam to meet with one of our suppliers, where he sat down with their CEO to discuss his music.
That collaboration led to Jamal’s tracks being featured on their platform, played alongside global names such as Central Cee and Drake.
Giving Back
He also co-founded Play4Peace, a community organisation that uses football to support men’s mental health and wellbeing, while also tackling gang violence in his local area. Using his network and connections to find and reach out to sponsors, the service remains financially accessible to its members, removing potential barriers to those in lower-income circumstances. Now in its fifth year, the organisation is growing in numbers, and its founders are now taking steps towards becoming a registered charity.
We’ve shared Jamal’s journey many times before, but this podcast captures him in his element, blending meaningful tracks with his story and sharing his path from hardship to hope in a way that is both raw and deeply inspiring.
Cyprian Nelson, Business Executive
Cyprian’s path has been no less remarkable. Coming from one of our charity partners, Carney’s Community, he grew up in a single-parent household where daily life was marked by uncertainty, worrying about his next meal, whether his clothes would be clean, or if he would even have the right school uniform. School was a struggle under these pressures, and without consistent support Cyprian spent five years in the care system and was frequently involved with social services.
After falling in with the wrong crowd, his turning point came through the support of Carney’s Community, where he found consistent mentorship, stability, and guidance. With their help, he secured his first job at The Feel Good Bakery, where proceeds from every sale were donated to charitable projects in Kenya.
Through this role, Cyprian had the chance to see the impact of his hard work firsthand during a trip to Kenya, where he witnessed how the funds generated from his coffee sales were making a meaningful difference.
Giving Back
Now, as an older member of Carney’s, Cyprian continues to give back by supporting younger members and serving as a powerful advocate for the organisation. His ability to share his story has made him a compelling speaker, including being invited to address the Wimbledon Foundation about his journey and the life-changing role Carney’s has played in it.
Building on this momentum, Carney’s Community recommended Cyprian for the DMS Champions initiative. Since joining us in early 2024, he has thrown himself into every aspect of media, eager to learn his craft and build a future for himself.
Together, Jamal and Cyprian’s conversation on London Youth Voices is a testament to what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity. It’s an hour of truth, hope, and inspiration told by two young men who have faced their pasts head-on and are now shaping brighter futures, not only for themselves, but for the next generation coming after them.