UK Music together with industry partners has released ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’ – a landmark new report that is the first of its kind in Europe, measuring the unique commercial, cultural and community impact of Black Music across 30 years of recorded music, from 1994 to 2023.

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.”

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.

Click here to read the full report