A new report from UK Music, alongside industry partners, has calculated that Black music has contributed £24.5 billion to the UK economy over the last 30 years.
The ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’ report was published by UK Music, which includes AIM, BPI, FAC, The Ivors Academy, MMF, MPA, MPG, MU, PPL, PRS for Music. UK Music also has an informal association with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment).
The report details the overwhelming disparity between Black music contributions and the equity that Black music creators have in the industry. According to the report, Black music made up around 80% (£24.5billion) of the UK music industry over 30 years of recorded music. Despite that, around 80% of Black music creators and professionals reported experiencing “persistent patterns of inequity and barriers to progression”.
The report continues, pointing to the industry’s leadership levels, where just 22% of senior music industry professionals identify as Black or of other global majority backgrounds. It also identified a shocking 20% documented pay gap for Black artists and industry workers. Artists like Stormzy, RAYE, Sade, Central Cee, Little Simz, SAULT and others are named elsewhere in the finding as real success stories, but the report qualifies that these are outliers and not indicative of their overall findings.
The definition of Black music is outlined in the report 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.”
It goes on to add to that definition, describing Black music as being “characterised by distinct rhythmic melodies and harmonic structures that are deeply rooted in African musical traditions, and the storytelling and consciousness of Black communities globally, reflecting their historical, cultural, political and social experiences.”
Eight specific solutions are outlined in the report, much of it on a state and institutional level. These include a state-supported network of cultural institutions, meaningful shifts in industry language, music education, dedicated funding, a nationwide music export office and support for Black British music on an international level, inclusive community access to support grassroots Black music orgs and communities, robust data collection to make sure Black music creators are paid, and equitable partnerships for Black music creators.
Paulette Long OBE, Vice Chair UK Music Diversity Taskforce, said: “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. The data shows that Black music is a central commercial driver of the UK music industry, but it also reveals a clear opportunity gap. If we want continued growth and global competitiveness, we must invest in the infrastructure, talent, and leadership behind it. This report is both a celebration and a call to action.”
Tom Kiehl, Chief Executive of UK Music, said: “This groundbreaking report demonstrates the integral role that Black music plays in powering music in the UK. It generates pivotal economic success to both the industry and UK economy as a whole. UK Music wants this report to not only be a point of reference but also a basis for facilitating change and positive action through its recommendations. We must not just recognise this fantastic achievement, but use it to meet our intention to achieve an industry that is genuinely reflective of the full diversity of the UK.”
Eunice Obianagha, Head of Diversity, UK Music, said: “This first of its kind report provides the evidence that can strengthen the industry through better data and increased understanding. It demonstrates both the scale of Black music’s commercial contribution and highlights that some barriers persist. The report shares recommended practical actions that are an opportunity to work collaboratively to help close inequities, unlock further growth and work to ensure the UK music industry is fair and reflective of the rich diversity of the talent that powers it.”
Read the full report and list of recommendations here.
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