The IYS x Musicians’ Union: Black History Month 2023 playlist is available to listen to on Spotify now. Image credit: Shutterstock.
October was Black History month and to celebrate, the MU partnered with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS).
Along with a special guest blog from IYS member Ash Harper on the relationship between Black British Music and activism, we also shone a spotlight on the theme of 2023's Black History Month magazine, Saluting Our Sisters.
This year the magazine, which you can read online, highlighted the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. MU member and activist Lady Nade was also on the inside cover.
The playlist is available to listen to on Spotify now
The IYS x Musicians’ Union: Black History Month 2023 playlist is a compilation of Scottish Black artists curated by IYS communities, their wide networks and through a public call out.
It features classics like Young Fathers, rising stars like Bemz and some new faces like Grace and the Flat Boys.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer said: “This year our partnership with Intercultural Youth Scotland has been about giving our platform over to people from Black and Global Majority communities to share the music and perspectives they think are important.
“The playlist showcases and celebrates new music from Scottish Black artists and the richness they contribute to the Scottish music landscape.”
Want to hear more?
Musician, activist and MU ED&I Committee Chair Linton Stephens has also shared his Blacktober playlist, which features over 13 hours of music by Black and ethnically diverse composers. Listen now on Spotify.