New report reveals Black Music contributed 80% (£24.5bn) to the UK recorded music market

Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK

UK Music together with industry partners has released ‘Black Music Means Business: Driving Economic Growth In The UK’ - a landmark new report that is the first of its kind in Europe, measuring the unique commercial, cultural and community impact of Black Music across 30 years of recorded music, from 1994 to 2023.

The study focuses on the economics and infrastructure of Black Music in Britain, supported by the largest volume of commercially robust music industry data ever analysed for economic calculations of music, as well as quantitative and qualitative methodology, one-to-one interviews and roundtable research with approximately 80 key music industry executives and artists.

The outcome is a renewed and inclusive understanding of the value of Black British Music, celebrating its deep roots, rich history and ongoing legacy. The report closes with eight recommendations to provide a roadmap for a fairer, more sustainable and globally competitive UK music industry.

Key findings include:

• Black music contributed 80% (£24.5bn) to the UK recorded music market across 30 years
• British artists making music originating from the full spectrum of Black Music genres contributed 40% (£11.94bn)
• Yet representation and equity in Black Music does not match its impact

The report celebrates the legacy of Black Music - and sets out clear actions to future-proof the UK’s world-leading music industry.

👉 Find the full report here

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About Handle Recruitment

We opened the doors in 1978 and built our reputation in the music industry. We quickly realised that a great brand is not always a household name. A great brand is something people connect with, not just a place they work. Somewhere that helps them become better at what they do. It could be a record label, it could be in media, it could be a tech start-up.

• Supporting Great People in Marketing | Finance | HR | Office Support | Sales | Legal | Event Operations | Post-Production.

• The Talent Solutions we provide, Permanent, Temporary and Interim Recruitment | People Consultancy | Outsourced Freelancer Payroll & Compliance.

• The Industries we support: Music | Film | TV | Entertainment | Fashion | Live Events | Sport | Publishing | Post-production.

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