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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.

Little Simz performing on stage.

UK Music Report Reveals Economic Power of Black Music

Black music is a major cultural and economic force, driving innovation and powering most of the UK music market, according to new research by UK Music. The study also outlines eight actions to tackle ongoing inequalities in the industry.

Published: 30 March 2026

Read more about UK Music Report Reveals Economic Power of Black Music
A placard at a march against the far right.

Together Alliance March: Join the MU in the Fight Against the Far Right

Join us on Saturday 28 March for what’s expected to be the UK’s largest anti‑racist march. Find out how to join the MU delegation and explore our new Anti‑Far Right Hub to learn how far‑right movements operate and how to challenge them.

Published: 17 March 2026

Read more about Together Alliance March: Join the MU in the Fight Against the Far Right
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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