The report also found that Black artists and professionals face disparities in contracts, pay, funding and support
A newly released report has found that Black music plays a major role in driving the UK music industry, accounting for 80 per cent of its commercial value and contributing £24.5billion to a £30billion market.
The statistics come from a major study titled ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’. Commissioned by UK Music and launched through the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, the report is the first project of its kind in Europe. It examines the commercial, cultural and community influence of Black music over three decades of recorded music between 1994 and 2023.
Ammo Talwar, Chair of the UK Music Diversity Taskforce, explained that the goal of the project was to serve as a “rallying cry that is a catalyst for ongoing analysis, growth, increased representation, equity and stronger collaboration”, with the wider aim of “building confidence in Black music”.
Among the most striking conclusions from the research is the claim that Black music is “the central force powering the UK music industry”, responsible for 80 per cent of the market’s commercial value. Over the 30 year period analysed, that represents £24.5billion from a total £30billion market.
The report also provided a clear definition of what it describes as ‘Black Music’, explaining it 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.”
Credit: Black Music Means Business
The study also encourages the industry to adopt this description more widely and defines Black music genres as styles marked by distinctive rhythmic patterns and melodic structures influenced by African musical traditions. It highlights how these genres often reflect the stories, identity and social realities of Black communities around the world.
Looking more closely at the numbers, the report states that 29 Black British genres generated more than £1.24billion in value across the last three decades. It also identified 27 core Black music genres that produced £4.83billion in revenue. In addition, 72 genres that originated from Black music traditions are estimated to have contributed around £11.94billion, representing roughly 40 per cent of the total market.
Despite the clear growth and influence of Black music over the past 30 years, the research highlights that representation and equity for Black talent have not increased at the same pace. The findings point to continued challenges for Black creators and executives in the industry, even as artists such as Little Simz, Central Cee, Dave, RAYE, Stormzy, Sault, Ezra Collective and Michael Kiwanuka achieve global recognition.
The report notes that only 22 per cent of people working in senior roles across the industry identify as Black, Asian or from minority ethnic backgrounds, compared with 46 per cent of London’s population. It also found disparities in contracts, pay, funding and professional support for Black artists and industry workers, including evidence of a 20 per cent pay gap.
“Black Music has shaped the sound and global success of British music for decades, yet its true commercial value has never been fully recognised,” said Paulette Long OBE, Vice Chair UK Music Diversity Taskforce.
CREDIT: Black Music Means Business
“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,” Long continued. “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, added that he hopes the report will become “not only a point of reference but also a basis for facilitating change and positive action through its recommendations”. UK Music’s Head Of Diversity, Eunice Obianagha, also said the research highlights 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.”
After outlining Black music’s role as a powerful creative force and an important cultural export for the UK, the report proposes eight key actions designed to help create a more balanced and inclusive industry.
These suggestions include recognising Black music genres within education systems, allocating part of the government’s Music Growth Package to support Black led organisations and initiatives, and several other measures. The full recommendations are listed below.
Legacy – Phil Meadows. CREDIT: Jonathan Ferro/Black Music Means Business
The eight steps outlined by UK Music for more balanced representation are:
- Institutional funding & co-design – Support performance spaces and recording studios, Black Music archives and cultural landmarks with institutional funding, co-designed with government.
- Language & genre authenticity – Back the collective use and definitions of the term “Black Music”.
- Music Education review – Recognition of Black Music genres as a core part of school and tertiary education curricula.
- Growth investment – A proportion of government’s £30m Music Growth Package to support Black Music genres, Black-led organisations and enterprises.
- Export development – Call on the Department for Business and Trade to back Black Music internationally.
- Inclusive community access – Integrate Black music into local regeneration plans.
- Robust data collection – Increase investment in comprehensive, evidence-based research on Black Music.
- Develop equitable partnerships between industry and Black Music practitioners.
Check out the full ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’ report here.
CREDIT: Black Music Means Business
The conclusions of the new report echo findings from the ‘Being Black in the Music Industry’ study published by Black Lives In Music in 2023. That research revealed that 86 per cent of Black musicians believe there are barriers preventing them from advancing in their careers.
The same study also found that 63 per cent of Black music creators had experienced racism directly or indirectly while working in the industry, with 71 per cent reporting experiences of racial microaggressions.
The following year, BLIM launched a new survey focused on addressing bullying and harassment across the music industry. The initiative received support from artists including Nova Twins and V V Brown. It came shortly after V V Brown released a track exploring the idea of being ‘Black British’ on her fourth studio album, ‘Am I British Yet?’.
