UK study shows racial diversity in music has fallen since 2020

Culture
28 Nov 22

The study has found that those who identify as BAME account for a mere 21.04% in 2022.

UK Music’s newly-published report for 2022 has found that in the past two years, the number of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people (BAME) in the music industry has fallen dramatically.

The numbers in entry-level positions fell by a staggering 10% - from 34.6% in 2020 to 23.6% this year, and those in positions of seniority, from 19.9% in 2020 to 18.3%.

UK Music Diversity Taskforce’s chair, Ammo Talwar stated that, “Our 2022 survey shows how those from Black, Asian and other diverse communities have been hardest hit by the impact of Covid-19,” echoing a much wider sentiment that has been felt by the music industry globally.

“The drop in the percentage of employees in several sectors of the industry is further evidence of why we must not take our foot off the accelerator when it comes to driving positive changes on diversity and inclusion as swiftly as we can.”

Interestingly, the number of women working in the industry was found to have risen with 52.9% cited in 2022 compared to 49.6% in 2020. A similar trend was found amongst women in mid and senior-level roles over the past two years rising from 40.4% in 2020 to 45.1% this year, and from 51.2% in 2020 to 53.3% respectively.

ICYMI "It's critically important we all do what we can to create an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed."

UK Music Chief Executive @jnjokugoodwin in @MusicWeek discussing the UK Music Diversity Report 2022.

Read here: https://t.co/3ObJTwZ368 pic.twitter.com/uEMNOb5wdu

— UK Music (@UK_Music) November 27, 2022

This year’s study also included, for the first time ever - data relating to women experiencing menopause, and the impact this could be having on their career. With more than one in ten having experienced menopause, almost half of those (47.5% to be exact) have confirmed that their work has been affected by its symptoms, with more than three-quarters of those not having taken time off work.

Here at home, the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has played a crucial role in establishing equality and diversity in the Irish music industry, as has groups like Why Not Her? led by Linda Coogan-Byrne.

By partnering up with international organisations like Keychange, these groups have helped pave the way for opportunities for women. The international initiative encourages festivals and music organisations to achieve at least 50% women and under-represented genders in their programming and staffing.

Singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy, speaking at the announcement of the partnership in 2021 stated that, “Enabling more women access to international networks and new markets at critical stages in their career will help them realise their potential as future leaders of an industry that is ready for and will benefit from change.”