Kanya King, the founder of MOBO, has penned a powerful letter on racism in music. Tara Pilkington reports.
Calling on the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, to tackle racism in the music industry, King has described music in racism as “the worst pandemic” and has criticised the industry for failing to sufficiently promote black music executives as well as ensuring that there is support for labels that have been integral in championing black talent.
In the open letter, King wrote: “The music industry, it is fair to say, could and should have dealt better with black artists, black run companies and taken on more black executives.
She added: “In many cases the black businesses, institutions and communities that give rise to black expression and talented individuals have not been able to benefit or partake in the financial rewards that have driven billions to the UK and global economies and helped create entire industries.”
King has also called for a constant focus on anti-racism in the wake of the music industry’s Black Out Tuesday, which took place on social media in response to the killing of George Floyd last month.
She has also mooted the idea of United We Stand, an event “with a powerful purpose to inspire unity and collaboration, educate viewers and listeners and raise funds to empower organisations in their fight for equal opportunities”.
- You can read the open letter at: http://mobo.com/news/mobo-inconvenient-truth