With its deep roots, Zenith Cafe has long served as more than a record label, but a creative sanctuary where songwriters, producers, and musicians come to grow. Paul Turner, whose early work in live music production with Zenith Lighting saw him tour with legends like Bob Marley, Thin Lizzy, and Dire Straits, co-founded the label alongside Nikki Turner, an internationally acclaimed lyricist with a gift for storytelling and mentoring emerging talent.
Now, the baton is being passed to the next generation of the Turner family, ushering in a new era while maintaining the heart and soul that built the label’s legacy. The shift in leadership marks a confident step forward for Zenith Cafe, which continues to champion artist-first values and a fiercely independent spirit.
Recent years have seen the label thrive on multiple fronts. Zenith Cafe’s artists have gained critical acclaim and international recognition, with Gareth Dunlop’s Welcome to the House of I Don’t Know earning a 2024 Northern Ireland Music Prize nomination for Album of the Year. Meanwhile, Nathan O’Regan’s Uncovered Vol. 1 EP brought fresh attention to Northern Ireland’s musical heritage with soulful reinterpretations of classic tracks.
On the publishing side, Zenith Cafe’s catalogue has found a home in major films, television shows, and global sporting broadcasts. From The River King and Hollyoaks to Olympic coverage on the BBC and cycling highlights on ITV, the label’s music continues to resonate across borders and formats.
With a strong focus on expansion and innovation, the newly female-led leadership is setting ambitious goals for 2025. Plans include growing the artist roster, deepening sync licensing partnerships, and pushing further into international touring—all while staying true to the label’s core mission of nurturing creativity and independence.
Zenith Cafe Records stands as a beacon of what an independent label can achieve when rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and vision. For fans, artists, and industry insiders alike, the future looks bright—and loud—for this Belfast and Cambridge institution.