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We use the term musicians who experience racism to collectively describe Black, Asian and minority ethnic musicians. Black, Asian and minority ethnic musicians face structural barriers such as racism, assumptions about capabilities based on stereotypes and a lack of representation across the music industry. These are just some of the issues musicians who experience racism face.

Guidance & resources

News & features

Explore the latest on the issues of racial discrimination in music.

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Read more about Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

The playlist, which is available to stream now via Spotify, showcases Scottish Black artists and celebrates the partnership of the MU and IYS for Black History Month.

Published: 02 November 2023

Read more about IYS and MU Release Black History Playlist

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Read more about Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently
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Representing and advocating on behalf of musicians experiencing racism

Our network for members who experience racism is a space where people with shared identities and backgrounds can connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join our member network

The network ensures that the voices of members who experience racism are heard and that opportunities for activism and leadership are created.

Sign up if you are a musician from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to get your voice heard.

Sign up now

Representing and advocating on behalf of musicians experiencing racism

Allyship

What we do

Your Union

MU Equality Action Plan

The MU's action plan created in consultation with our members, as a way of implementing our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

Read more about MU Equality Action Plan
Linton Stephens

We need to educate people as to why the playing fields are so uneven in the first place, and teach everyone to understand why a lack of diversity is an issue.

Linton StephensBassoonist & Chair of the MU EDI Committee
Chi-chi Nwanoku

Chineke! aims to be a catalyst for change and increase the representation of Black and ethnically diverse musicians in British and European orchestras.

Chi-chi NwanokuThe Chineke! Foundation founder
John Shortell

At the MU we lobby on a more diverse curriculums and syllabi, Ethnicity Pay Gap reporting and a Fair and equal representation.

John ShortellMU Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion

Organisations we work with