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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.

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MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack

The MU stands in solidarity with Jewish communities, and reaffirms its commitment to opposing discrimination, prejudice and hatred in all their forms.

Published: 02 October 2025

Read more about MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack
Silhouette of an orchestra on a white background.

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

Read more about David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There
Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Read more about MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025
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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