Black Music contributes 80% to the UK music industry

UK Music, together with industry partners, has released Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK, measuring the unique commercial, cultural and community impact of Black Music between 1994 and 2023.

The report focuses on the economics and infrastructure of Black Music in Britain using a large volume of music industry data, quantitative and qualitative methodology, one-to-one interviews and roundtable research with approximately 80 music industry executives and artists. It ends with eight recommendations to address challenges that Black Music faces and create a long-term commitment from the industry and government.

The study reveals that Black Music makes a commercial contribution of 80% and £24.5 billion out of a total £30 billion UK market across 30 years of recorded music, making Black Music a central force powering the UK music industry.

How does the report define ‘Black Music’?

The report officially defines Black Music 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.”

Black Music genres are defined in the report 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.”

These definitions were formed in the report with the hope that they can be adopted as a standard definition across the industry.

For the analysis of market data and identifying growth opportunities, the report also establishes a framework of Black Music’s genres using three tiers. Tier one, Black British genres, consists of 29 genres, with Black British artists contributing £1.24 billion to the UK music industry through this tier of genres.

Tier two, Core Black music genres, is made up of 37 genres, with British artists contributing £4.83 billion. Tier three, genres originating from Black Music, is made up of 72 genres, with British artists contributing £11.94 billion - 40% of the total UK market over the 30 years of recorded music.

Black representation in the UK music industry

The report also highlights an opportunity gap; despite the global success of artists such as Little Simz, Central Cee, Dave, RAYE, Stormzy, and more, only 22% of senior industry professionals 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 a documented 20% pay gap, as well as disparities in contracts, funding and support (Black Lives in Music, 2021). Interviews and roundtables with Black creators and professionals confirmed these patterns of inequity and barriers to progression.

“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 of UK Music Diversity taskforce. 

“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.”

The study recommends eight actions to address challenges that Black Music faces and to create a long-term commitment from the industry and government. Firstly, the report advocates for the support of performance spaces, recording studios, Black Music archives and cultural landmarks through the use of institutional funding, co-designed with the government. Secondly, it supports the backing of the collective use and definitions of the term “Black Music.”

The report also calls for the recognition of Black Music genres as a core part of the school curriculum, as well as for a proportion of the government’s £30m Music Growth Package to support Black Music genres, Black-led organisations and enterprises. The report also calls on the Department for Business and Trade to back Black Music internationally.

In addition, the report requests that Black music be integrated into local regeneration plans, as well as for there to be an increased investment in research on Black music, and advocates for the development of equitable partnerships between industry and Black Music practitioners.

“This first-of-its-kind report provides the evidence that can strengthen the industry through better data and increased understanding,” said Eunice Obianagha, head of diversity at UK Music. 

“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 was initiated by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and commissioned by UK Music. It was spearheaded by Taskforce Chair Ammo Talwar MBE, Co-Chair Paulette Long OBE and Eunice Obianagha, Head of Diversity, UK Music, with funding support from multiple partners. The study also consulted with the Black Music Means Business steering group.

The research and analysis were undertaken by Counterculture, which had a team working under Wendy Cave and Vick Bain. The research explores the cultural impact of Black Music, the commercial impact of Black Music and community - the infrastructure and key players in the Black Music community in the UK.