News & Stories for Musicians

Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.

Published: 02 April 2026

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

A red dartboard painted on a wooden block with the outline of a rocket launching upwards. Next to it are other wooden blocks with black targets.

Introducing our MU Future Leaders for 2026

The Musicians' Union announces the first cohort of members to take part in our MU Future Leaders activist development programme in 2026.

Published: 23 March 2026

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

A person in a crowd holds up a handmade cardboard sign reading “Refugees Welcome” in large green letters with a small red heart. Other protest signs are visible blurred in the background.

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

Join Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day March Against Racism and Fascism

March with the STUC in Glasgow on Saturday 29 November to show your solidarity and stand united against racism and fascism in Scotland.

Published: 05 November 2025

Panel at this year's Classically Black event.

Celebrating Five Years of Black Lives in Music

This Black History Month we’re shining a spotlight on our partners, Black Lives in Music (BLiM), as they celebrate five years of championing equity and representation in the music industry.

Published: 29 October 2025

Dike Okoh, Lily Beau who is holding the award, and Andy Warnock, on stage.

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

The MU congratulates Lily Beau, winner of our sponsored Best New Artist Award, and applauds all nominees and participants who helped showcase the diversity, creativity, and talent of Wales’ music scene at this landmark event.

Published: 27 October 2025

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

Rap artist, educator, and MU member Xidus Pain marks Black History Month 2025 by reflecting on a year of musical growth, community impact, and an evolving journey within the Union.

Published: 23 October 2025

A collection of bright tealight flames against a dark background.

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

A Democratic Republic of the Congo flag on a map.

MU Supports Congo Week

Following a motion to Delegate Conference 2025, the MU shares its support for Congo Week.

Published: 02 October 2025

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

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

A closeup of two violinists playing as part of an orchestra.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

A group of music professionals standing in front of a backdrop to take a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 5 Programme Participants

41 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fifth year.

Published: 04 August 2025

A South Asian musician holding an electric guitar and playing a midi keyboard while sat at a desk.

Lila Launches First Survey on South Asian Experiences in UK Music Industry

South Asian music creators, managers, executives, and behind-the-scenes professionals are encouraged to contribute their experiences to the new survey - and be in with a chance of winning AKG K271 headphones or free studio time!

Published: 15 May 2025

A full conference room with a screen in the middle of the back wall that says

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

Folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian standing in front of a tree and wearing bright clothes and jewellery.

Satnam Galsian for Women’s History Month: "My Journey Through Music as a South Asian Woman"

In our first blog for Women’s History Month 2025, British-Punjabi folk singer-songwriter Satnam Galsian shares her recent work to challenge traditional ideas about women’s roles in society, the importance of representation, and educating young people about careers in the music industry.

Published: 06 March 2025

Close up of young, Black male musician, singing into a microphone on a stage.

New Survey Launched to Investigate Discriminatory Licensing Practices in London

A survey by Black Lives In Music, the Musicians’ Union, UK Music, LIVE, and the Mayor of London, has been launched to investigate reported race inequality, bias and over-policing of music events in London. 

Published: 07 February 2025

A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Close up of two microphones on a mixing desk in a studio.

CIISA Launches Open Consultation of Standards for Creative Industries

The MU is encouraging all members to take part in the consultation (which runs until 27 January), to help set out the minimum standards of behaviour expected across the UK’s creative industries, to enable safe and inclusive working environments.

Published: 02 December 2024

An activist holding a Love Music Hate Racism sign as part of a protest in the UK.

This Black History Month: Pledge Your Support for Love Music Hate Racism

Join the Love Music Hate Racism campaign this Black History Month and show your support for the antiracist movement.

Published: 22 October 2024

Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening. The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

A female at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Musician, composer and songwriter Sarah Sayeed shares her experience of joining the MU and what her role on the Members' Assembly means to her as a British South Asian female artist.

Published: 16 October 2024

Motions on Mental Health and ULEZ Policies Passed at STUC Black Workers’ Conference

The MU called on the STUC to lobby Government to remove baseline financial barriers for creative workers, recognise the link between low mental wellbeing and low income, and review ULEZ policies across Scotland’s major cities to assess the impact on different creative communities.

Published: 16 October 2024

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Golden glitter and confetti caught in a spotlight on stage.

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

The celebrated composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen, is first the Black woman to become Master of the King’s Music, and has been appointed by King Charles III to compose for special royal occasions.

Published: 30 August 2024

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

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

Wooden figures in a circle to represent equality.

TUC Midlands Statement on Racist Riots Supported by MU

TUC Midlands has released a statement against the racist riots taking place across the UK.

Published: 08 August 2024

Close up of crowd with hands draped over a metal stage barrier, wearing yellow festival wristbands.

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

All 40 participants, smiling in a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 4 Programme Participants

40 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fourth year.

Published: 20 June 2024

Silhouette of two sound engineers, in front of empty stage at a mixing desk.

UK Music Reveals Findings Of 2024 Workforce Diversity Survey in New Report

The report findings show significant improvements in the areas of gender and ethnicity, but also highlights areas where more progress is needed, such as breaking down barriers for people from working class backgrounds.

Published: 19 June 2024

MU delegates and visitors standing outside of the Congress Centre in London for TUC Black Workers' Conference 2024.

TUC Black Workers’ Conference Carries MU Motion to Support Art Not Evidence

Our motion for the TUC to support Art Not Evidence and promote the restricted use of creative expression in court was passed at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference.

Published: 14 June 2024

A violinist playing as part of a live orchestra performance.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Landmark Agreement to Diversify UK Orchestras

The MU has partnered with Black Lives in Music (BLiM) and the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) to launch the 10 Point Orchestral Plan. The plan will enhance opportunities for all orchestral musicians across the UK, driving change for more inclusive recruitment.

Published: 30 April 2024

DJ Paulette on a stage behind some DJ decks.

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Manchester based DJ Paulette is an MU North of England Regional Committee member, and has been named ‘DJ of the year’ at the inaugural Northern Music Awards.

Published: 29 April 2024

Young female Black musician, wearing headphones sat in front of a keyboard in a recording studio.

Black Lives in Music Launch YourSafetyYourSay Survey on Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry

The survey will inform government legislation, the work of the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and the wider music industry. It will also be used to support BLiM’s forthcoming Anti Racist Code of Conduct. Members are encouraged to share their experiences.

Published: 19 April 2024

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