The UK’s first Black music export office has launched during this year’s Black History Month.

BLACMEX says it represents Black music genres such as hip-hop, R&B, jazz and gospel across the UK, enhancing opportunities for live music performers, advocating genre diversity and working with organisations globally.

Formed by long-term music industry execs Kwame Safo and Audrey Gray, the export office will work to “reposition the UK Black music sector within the competitive global market and decolonise how the commercial music industry has engaged with Black music genres and specialisms”.

“BLACMEX intends to level the playing field around international touring and showcase opportunities for UK Black music creators and organisations, already under threat from crippling touring costs,” said a statement. “Widening the market for the benefit of the UK’s Black music creators affirms the UK music industry as a global leader in the creative economy.”

“BLACMEX is a long time coming for the UK’s Black music industry,” says Kwame Safo, who is also Relationship Manager at British Council Music and an active DJ and music producer.

“BLACMEX is a long time coming for the UK’s Black music industry”

“It’s incredibly valuable both on a cultural and economical level and will add renewed confidence in a sector which has been the foundation for much of the popular music genres from the United Kingdom.”

Gray adds: “BLACMEX presents a great opportunity to review issues previously flagged by music creators, that can literally disable the careers of music creators, due to a lack of practical and cultural consideration around Black music genres. We hope to empower organisations in their pursuit to open accessible and new export opportunities, while building music ecosystems that resource music creators in a greater way.”

Gray is an active member of the Sector Committee for Live Performance, Education and Network Member for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion with Musicians Union and a grant assessor representing and advocating for music creators within black genres at PRSF.

The launch of BLACMEX has been applauded by UK organisations such as Music Managers Forum, Black Lives in Music, Ivors Academy, PRS For Music Member’s Council and UK Music.

Sir Chris Bryant, creative industries minister, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, comments: “From Shirley Bassey and Beverley Knight to Stormzy and Michael Kiwanuka, Black artists have long been at the forefront of the British music industry, creating hits enjoyed by millions. Our sensational Black artists and genres deserve their place on the international stage and I look forward to seeing how BLACMEX can help more talented musicians reach new audiences around the world and showcase the diversity that exists in Britain.”

BLACMEX is encouraging organisations to help map the UK’s Black music talent development by filling out a short form.

Enhancing Black representation was a key topic at the recent International Festival Forum (IFF). See what executives from UTA, Primary Talent, Ferocious Talent and Shangri-La had to say about the matter here.

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Live Nation Urban has launched a multi-event series across six US cities to mark Black History Month this February.

The series, Afro-Renaissance, will showcase and amplify Black artists working within the comedy, poetry and live music spheres.

The month-long event kicked off on 2 February with The Garden: A Soul Jam, a jam session amplifying emerging Black talent in soul, R&B, and hip-hop, with a focus on cultivating creative communities across industries.

Throughout the month, Afro-Renaissance will amplify Black voices, create spaces for Black creativity, and spotlight resources and industry executives for those looking to grow and learn more about the entertainment business.

Events will also act as a recruiting platform for HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) students from Clark Atlanta University and Howard University and will partner with local Black-owned businesses and organisations such as Uncle Nearest, Broccoli City, and Wtmove.app.

See the full list of Afro-Renaissance events below.

The Garden: A Soul Jam
February 2nd – Los Angeles, CA @ The Peppermint Club

Meet The Execs
February 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – Instagram Live @livenationurban
A series of conversations with Black executives across various industries such as Victoria Eady Butler, 4-time Master Blender of the Year and Nearest Green’s great-great-granddaughter, along with Stacy Muhammad, Director (The Wonder Years, The Best Man: Final Chapters, Power Book II: Raising Kanan, Queen Sugar), hosted by Brandon Pankey, VP of Business Development at Live Nation Urban.

Black Tour Directory Mixer
February 10th – Washington, D.C at Soundcheck
Presented by the Black Tour Directory, a listing of Black professionals and companies for those actively seeking to hire Black crew members on their tours and events, this mixer will feature Black creatives that specialise in live event production to create an authentic space for Black professionals interested in live music and an opportunity to network, apply for roles, and showcase their talent. This mixer will also feature a live performance by Zoney Sound, a Black-owned music collective based in the DMV/Baltimore area.

Black Love Mixtape
February 17th – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Chicago – Foundation Room
Extending Black Love Day and Valentine’s Day, this poetry mixer will highlight self-love, romantic love, and love for community featuring poetry from Justus Pugh, Soulah, and Matt Muse with a special DJ set from Sky Jetta.

Cocktails and Convos – Studio to Stage
February 23rd – Los Angeles, CA @ Live Nation LA
Black songwriters discuss their journey from songwriting for some of the hottest artists to setting the stage as performers themselves with a special performance from Farrah Fawx to end the night.

Black Joy Comedy Show
February 23rd – Atlanta, GA @ Live Nation Atlanta
Time to revel in some Black Joy! Join us for a night of comedy and drinks featuring comedians DJ Swole, Daniel Dellanno, Plug Chapman and Frankie Benz.

Diaspora: A Celebration of Black Dance Music
February 24th – New York, NY @ Live Nation NY
Black dance culture has always played an integral part in the way Black people express themselves. This happy hour mixer will highlight Black dance music with DJ No Brakes spinning Jersey Club, New Orleans Bounce, Afrobeats, and other dance genres all night, featuring a special guest performance from viral sensation and Jersey Club artist Cookiee Kawaii.

The Houston Mixtape
February 24th – Houston, TX @ HOB Houston
Happy birthday, Hip-Hop! We’re celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th birthday and Houston’s unique impact on Hip-Hop music and culture with LNE employees, emerging Houston artists, and Houston Hip-Hop legends for drinks, jams, and community.

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