The study, which can be found here, focuses on the economics and infrastructure of Black Music in Britain, supported by the largest volume of commercially robust music industry data ever analysed for economic calculations of music, as well as quantitative and qualitative methodology, one-to-one interviews and roundtable research with approximately 80 key music industry executives and artists. The outcome is a renewed and inclusive understanding of the value of Black British Music, celebrating its deep roots, rich history and ongoing legacy. The report closes with eight recommendations to provide a roadmap for a fairer, more sustainable and globally competitive UK music industry.
Ammo Talwar MBE, Chair of UK Music Diversity Taskforce and instigator of report said: “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. The report should give us great optimism for the future of Black British Music. However, this phenomenal cultural force must be nurtured.”
The key findings are:
- Black Music is the central force powering the UK music industry – Making a commercial contribution of 80% and £24.5billion out of a total £30billion UK market, across 30 years of recorded music.
- An official definition of the term ‘Black Music’ and its genres – The report offers a comprehensive definition of the term, with the hope it can be adopted as a standard definition across industry and sectors. The report definition focuses on the broader cultural and historical context
- “Black Music”: “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.”
- “Black Music genres”: “These genres are 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.”
- The first mapping of Black Music’s multitude of genres –– Establishing a framework for analysis of market data and identifying growth opportunities. With three key Tiers and commercial contribution of British artists over 30 years:
Tier 1: Black British genres with 29 genres – Black British artists contributing £1.24billion
Tier 2: Core Black music genres with 37 genres – British artists contributing £4.83billion
Tier 3: Genres originating from Black music with 72 genres – British Artists contributing £11.94billion (40%)
- Opportunity Gap – While Black music has grown significantly over the past 30 years, equity and representation for Black talent has not kept pace. There is a lack of support for Black music creators and executives, despite the global success and influence of artists including Little Simz, Central Cee, Dave, RAYE, Stormzy, Sault, Ezra Collective, Michael Kiwanuka, Soul II Soul and Sade. At senior industry levels, just 22% of the workforce identify as Black, Asian or minority ethnic, compared to 46% of London’s population (UK Music Diversity Report 2024). Black artists and professionals also face disparities in contracts, pay, funding and support, including a documented 20% pay gap (Black Lives in Music, 2021). Interviews and roundtables with approximately 80 Black creators and professionals confirm persistent patterns of inequity and barriers to progression.
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.”
The report demonstrates that Black music is at the root of virtually every strand of popular music, a cultural and commercial powerhouse, with an unmatched influence on global audiences, music consumption, sales and streaming. The study shows that Black music operates as:
- A rich and innovative artform proven to birth globally influential genres and internationally recognised artists.
- A cultural export that crosses borders via diasporic connections and new technologies.
- A creative industries driver; feeding streaming platforms, fashion, live performance, social media and youth identity.
- A valuable soft power asset for the UK, with clear scope to be amplified through investment and strategic focus.
The research and analysis has been undertaken by Counterculture, which had a team working under Wendy Cave and Vick Bain. The research explores three key areas:
- Culture – The impact of Black music to national identity through the development of Black music genres and successes
- Commerce – The economic structures of the recorded music sector between 1994 and 2023
- Community – The infrastructure and key players in the Black Music community across the country
The study recommends eight actions to address challenges that Black Music faces and create a long-term commitment from industry and government:
- 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
PHOTO CAPTION: Left-Right: UK Music Diversity Taskforce Vice Chair Paulette Long OBE, UK Music Diversity Taskforce Chair Ammo Talwar MBE, UK Music Head of Diversity Eunice Obianagha
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