A landmark report reveals that Black music has contributed 80 percent and £24.5 billion to the UK music market over 30 years from 1994 to 2023. Commissioned by UK Music and initiated by its Diversity Taskforce, the study highlights ongoing disparities in pay, contracts, and representation for Black artists and professionals. It urges industry action through eight specific recommendations.
The report, titled ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’, is the first of its kind in Europe. It defines Black music as “Music that has its roots and inspiration derived from the culture, beliefs, traditions and history of Black people and the African diaspora. Encompassing a diverse range of musical styles and practices that originated within the African diaspora, regardless of the ethnicity of the musicians creating and performing them.” Key figures include 29 Black British genres generating over £1.24 billion, 27 core Black music genres contributing £4.83 billion, and 72 genres originating from Black music adding an estimated £11.94 billion, or 40 percent of the market, out of a total £30 billion UK market share for Black music at 80 percent (£24.5 billion total contribution over three decades). Despite global success from artists such as Little Simz, Central Cee, Dave, RAYE, Stormzy, Sault, Ezra Collective, and Michael Kiwanuka, challenges remain. Only 22 percent of senior industry workforce identify as Black, Asian, or minority ethnic, compared to 46 percent of London’s population. Black professionals face a 20 percent pay gap and disparities in contracts, funding, and support. Ammo Talwar, Chair of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, described the report as a “rallying cry that is a catalyst for ongoing analysis, growth, increased representation, equity and stronger collaboration”, aiming to build confidence in Black music. Paulette Long OBE, Vice Chair, stated: “Black Music has shaped the sound and global success of British music for decades, yet its true commercial value has never been fully recognised. This report makes clear that its contribution is undeniable... a clear opportunity gap.” Tom Kiehl, UK Music Chief Executive, called for it to facilitate change through recommendations. Eunice Obianagha, Head of Diversity, emphasized collaborative efforts to close inequities. The eight recommendations include institutional funding for Black music spaces, adoption of the Black music definition, inclusion in school curricula, allocation from the government’s £30m Music Growth Package for Black-led organizations, export support, community integration, better data collection, and equitable partnerships.
