skip to main content

Afghan Musicians Seeking Asylum in the UK to Receive Years Free MU Membership

As well as voting to donate to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action, the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

Published: 16 December 2021 | 12:51 PM
A guitarist faces out into a crowd, lit with warm purple and yellow lighting.
Giving musicians access to legal support including a non-work related legal helpline, amongst other benefits. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following an approach by the Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians the EC has agreed to provide a year’s free membership to Afghan musicians seeking asylum in the UK.

This gives the musicians access to legal support including a non-work related legal help line, a community of musicians to connect with, access to professional networks and advice and guidance on building a career in the UK

This follows donations to Rainbow Railroad and Refugee Action.

The Campaign to Protect Afghanistan’s Musicians have launched the Give A Little Bit of Life — Save Afghanistan’s Musicians GoFundMe campaign in partnership with Daanish Foundation UK, Interplay Theatre and South Asian Arts-uk.

To raise money for the campaign and awareness, they are co-producing a number of Feed the Soul Winter Benefit Concerts including two upcoming in London and Leeds, with both streamed online.

All donations and profits from ticket sales will go via Daanish Foundation UK directly to Afghanistan to musicians identified by CPAM who are in the most desperate need of support.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

A person at a lectern speaking to a room of people in the background out of focus. In the foreground a sign says

UK Music Launches Our BBC, Our Music Campaign

The campaign, led by UK Music and backed by the music industry, calls on Government to protect and strengthen music’s place at the heart of the BBC and deliver a sustainable funding model for generations to come.

Published: 27 October 2026

Read more about UK Music Launches Our BBC, Our Music Campaign
Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference