Big Dada relaunch as a label run for and by Black, POC and minority ethnic people

Big Dada this week announced a shakeup in its structure in that, going forward, it will relaunch as a record label run for and by Black, POC and minority ethnic people.

Big Dada was formed in 1997 by the writer and novelist Will Ashon as an imprint of Ninja Tune. It is known as a pioneering hip hop label, and have put out records by the likes of Roots Manuva, Mercury Prize winner Speeche Debelle, Run The Jewels and Wiley.

On Monday January 25, the label put out a statement, saying, ‘Big Dada is relaunched as a label run by Black POC and Minority Ethnic people for Black, POC and Minority Ethnic artists, for lack of a better term.

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‘A team of like-minded individuals working together to form a community that champions, shines a light on, supports and nourishes the music and artists. Working to amplify Black and racialised artists’ voices, Big Dada looks to shift the narrative around this music, bypassing stereotypes to allow and encourage freedom to express oneself for who they are and want to be.

‘Big Dada has a long history and heritage which will be built upon whilst deepening its cultural identity by supporting and offering resources to a new generation of artists.’

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To accompany the relaunch, Big Dada have sourced new merch from sustainable clothing company Rapanui, finished by London-based and Black-owned independent embroiderers.

The new Big Dada website is set to feature a resource section offering tips to those looking to start out in the music industry, from music legal advice to distribution and offering mental health resources. There will also be an editorial section curating think pieces and long reads exploring different aspects of the music industry specific to Black and POC artists.

Big Dada’s current roster includes Hype Williams, Kae Tempest, Sampa The Great and Young Fathers.

Jemima Skala is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor. Follow her on Twitter