Black Music Means Business: Driving UK Economic Growth

Landmark report reveals Black Music’s £24.5 billion contribution to the UK music industry

A groundbreaking new study, ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth in the UK’, highlights the commercial, cultural, and community impact of Black Music across 30 years of recorded music (1994–2023). The report shows that Black Music has generated 80% of the UK music market, contributing an estimated £24.5 billion to the industry.

Download the full report here.

UK Music Unveils First-of-its-Kind Black Music Report

Released on 17th March 2026 by UK Music and industry partners, this is the first European report to fully measure Black Music’s influence in the UK. Using the largest dataset ever for UK music economics, alongside interviews and roundtables with 80+ Black artists and industry professionals, the study highlights both successes and persistent barriers in the sector.

The report focuses on three pillars:

• Culture – Black Music’s influence on UK identity, genres, and artistry.
• Commerce – Economic impact of Black Music in recorded music and the wider creative economy.
• Community – Infrastructure, networks, and key players supporting Black Music across the UK.

Key Findings

• Black Music powers the UK music industry: £24.5 billion contribution over 30 years.
• Official definitions introduced: “Black Music” and “Black Music genres” established for industry-wide clarity.
• Genre mapping: Three-tier classification of 138+ Black Music genres, revealing growth and commercial opportunities:
  • Tier One: Black British Genres – £1.24 billion in 30 years
  • Tier Two: Core Black Music Genres – £4.83 billion
  • Tier Three: Genres originating from Black Music – £11.94 billion (40% of market)
• Equity gap persists: Just 22% of senior UK music roles are held by Black, Asian, or minority ethnic professionals. Black artists face pay gaps (20%), funding disparities, and barriers to leadership, despite global successes by Stormzy, Little Simz, Central Cee, Dave, RAYE, Sault, Ezra Collective, Michael Kiwanuka, Soul II Soul, and Sade.

Why Black Music Matters

• A cultural and creative powerhouse, influencing genres, fashion, youth culture, and global music trends.
• A UK export asset, connecting diasporas and boosting soft power.
• A driver of economic growth, feeding streaming, live events, and creative industries.

Recommendations for Industry and Government

The report outlines eight actionable steps to strengthen Black Music in the UK:

• Institutional funding for Black Music spaces, archives, and cultural landmarks.
• Support collective use and definition of “Black Music.”
• Integrate Black Music genres into school and tertiary curricula.
• Direct government Music Growth Package investment toward Black Music enterprises.
• Support Black Music export initiatives internationally.
• Integrate Black Music into local regeneration plans.
• Invest in robust research and data on Black Music.
• Build equitable partnerships between industry and Black Music practitioners.

Voices Behind the Report

Ammo Talwar MBE, Chair, UK Music Diversity Taskforce said: “The aim of the report is to act as an advocacy tool and rallying cry that is a catalyst for ongoing analysis, growth, increased representation, equity and stronger collaboration, thereby building confidence in Black Music. The report should give us great optimism for the future of Black British Music. However, this phenomenal cultural force must be nurtured.”

Paulette Long OBE, Vice Chair said: “Black Music has shaped the sound and global success of British music for decades, yet its true commercial value has never been fully recognised. This report makes clear that its contribution is undeniable. The data shows that Black Music is a central commercial driver of the UK music industry, but it also reveals a clear opportunity gap. If we want continued growth and global competitiveness, we must invest in the infrastructure, talent, and leadership behind it. This report is both a celebration and a call to action.”

Tom Kiehl, CEO, UK Music said: “This groundbreaking report demonstrates the integral role that Black Music plays in powering music in the UK. It generates pivotal economic success to both the industry and UK economy as a whole. UK Music wants this report to not only be a point of reference but also a basis for facilitating change and positive action through its recommendations. We must not just recognise this fantastic achievement, but use it to meet our intention to achieve an industry that is genuinely reflective of the full diversity of the UK.”

Eunice Obianagha, Head of Diversity, UK Music said: “This first of its kind report provides the evidence that can strengthen the industry through better data and increased understanding. It demonstrates both the scale of Black Music’s commercial contribution and highlights that some barriers persist. The report shares recommended practical actions that are an opportunity to work collaboratively to help close inequities, unlock further growth and work to ensure the UK music industry is fair and reflective of the rich diversity of the talent that powers it.”

Black Music Means Business proves that Black Music is not just a cultural force, it is a central economic driver of the UK music industry. Explore the full findings, definitions, and recommendations in the full report.

Download the full report here.