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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.

Multiple raised hands against a bright, white sky, each holding a piece of a wooden jigsaw puzzle. A teamwork, problem-solving concept.

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

Read more about New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time
Wooden meeple figures in varying colours, concept of diversity and equality in society.

Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

We actively oppose all forms of racism and Islamophobia, and we are here for all our Global Majority and Muslim members affected by recent events. Any members with concerns regarding safety in fulfilling engagements are advised to contact their regional office for advice.

Published: 08 August 2024

Read more about Statement from the MU on Far-Right and Racist Riots

MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals

Our ED&I team contributed as consultants on YOUROPE’s diversity and inclusion toolset for festivals, utilising a range of the Union’s resources. MU Officer Dr Diljeet Bhachu is also listed on the project’s advisory board, specifically contributing to items on anti-racism and diversity.

Published: 02 July 2024

Read more about MU Partners with YOUROPE for Launch of its New Diversity Toolset for Festivals
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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 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
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