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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.

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

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Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening.  The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

Read more about The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

Read more about Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Read more about DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

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 a Global Majority background 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

Organisations we work with