Black music accounts for 80% of UK music revenue generated in last 30 years
UK Music's Ammo Talwar has praised the “phenomenal cultural force” of Black music, which equates to a huge £24.5 billion in revenue
This story was amended on 26/03 to highlight that music genres of Black origin make up the 80% figure included in this report.
Music genres of Black origin contributed 80% to the UK music industry over a 30-year period, according to a new report from UK Music.
Published yesterday (March 17), the Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK report is said to be a "first-of-its-kind in Europe", calculating the commercial and cultural influence of Black recorded music between 1994 and 2023 – a 30-year span.
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It found that music from Black genres made a commercial contribution of 80% in that period, equating to a huge £24.5billion, of a total £30 billion, across the UK market.
“The report should give us great optimism for the future of Black British music. However, this phenomenal cultural force must be nurtured,” says Ammo Talwar MBE, Chair of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce.
“The aim of the report is to act as an advocacy tool and rallying cry, that is a catalyst for ongoing analysis, growth, increased representation, equity and stronger collaboration, thereby building confidence in Black music.”
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Despite the significant impact of Black music, the report also found that “equity and representation for Black talent has not kept pace”, finding that there's often a lack of support for Black artists.
It found that, at senior levels, only 22% of music industry workers are Black, Asian or minority ethnic, with Black professionals also reporting disparity in contracts, pay, funding and support.
Speaking on the report, Chief Executive of UK Music Tom Kiehl explained: “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.”
Read the full report here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X
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