Key Takeaways
- London’s live music industry faces racial inequality, with black and South Asian events facing higher cancellation rates.
- The REMEL report estimates financial losses of up to £141m annually for these events.
- Black Lives in Music led the two-year investigation into racial inequality in music event licensing.
A two-year investigation by Black Lives in Music has revealed significant racial inequality in London’s live music industry, with black and South Asian music events facing higher cancellation rates and more stringent licensing barriers compared to their white counterparts.
The Race Equality in Music Event Licensing (REMEL) report, which was the result of this investigation, highlights that these events are disproportionately affected by cancellations, restrictions, and licensing barriers, leading to substantial financial losses.
According to the report, the financial impact of these barriers is substantial, with estimated annual losses ranging from £127m to £141m, and projected losses exceeding £650m over five years.
The investigation, which was led by Black Lives in Music, found that many genres of music, particularly those associated with black and South Asian communities, are labeled as ‘high risk’ despite a lack of evidence to support this categorization.
This labeling often results in these events being subjected to more rigorous licensing processes, higher insurance premiums, and increased scrutiny from authorities, making them less viable and more prone to cancellation.
The report calls for urgent action to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to event licensing and a reduction in the barriers faced by black and South Asian music events.
The findings of the REMEL report have significant implications for the live music industry in London, highlighting the need for systemic changes to ensure that all music events, regardless of the artists or genres involved, are treated fairly and equitably.
Black Lives in Music, the organization behind the report, is calling on industry leaders, policymakers, and event organizers to take immediate steps to address these inequalities and promote a more inclusive and diverse live music scene in London.
