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Black British talent has never shone brighter, but at every level the UK music industry can be a difficult maze to navigate with many additional roadblocks along the way for artists of colour
In a year where the live music industry has taken a sizeable hit, and creators are struggling to stay afloat, sometimes an extra purchase or donation there can save artists from doom. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic Black businesses, labels, venues and artists to support.
Nova Twins: The London-based grunge-punk duo would normally be spending their time on the road taking over city by city, but instead are treating their fans to exclusive new merch, including a Christmassy Nova Twins jumper for the winter season.
Buy here
Bob Vylan: The grime-punk act is making a name for themselves with their latest release We Live Here, a bruising reflection on racism and police brutality in the UK.
Buy here
Deep Medi Musik record label: Browse through the back catalogue of the British Dubstep label and find your new favourite Sunday morning meditations.
Download here
Coby Sey: If it’s sombre piano pieces and unusually groovy industrial house tracks you’re after then this South-East London musician and producer has the goods you need.
Download here
Nubya Garcia: Garcia dances between joyful dub overtones, reggae beats, and jazz horns to great effect. Download her latest release Source, to support her directly.
Download here
The Jago: With the live music circuit at a standstill, Black-owned venues such as The Jago in Hackney are accepting donations to keep the lights on during this period.
Donate here
CLF Art Lounge: With a luxurious rooftop bar and an exquisite Dominican-inspired menu, the Peckham bar has everything you could want to tempt you out of the house.
Book in advance
Jordan Mackampa: Soul singer Jordan Mackampa’s Islington Hall gig will be livestreamed.
16 Dec, Islington Hall
The Miles Experience: Depending on whether live performances are permitted at this time, the Essex-based hip-hop artist will kick off 2021 with his debut album ‘MILES’ and a live date at the Hoxton venue.
Folklore, 9th Jan 2021
Cozy Chorus presents: Kadeem Tyrell & Friends: Join the South London singer on home turf as he brings his particular brand of alternative soul and new wave r&b to the people.
Peckham Levels, 23 Jan 2021
Arlo Parks: Named as the breakthrough act of 2020 in BBC’s Sound of 2020 poll, the gen Z singer-songwriter’s star is only set to rise further. See her up close in a small venue while you can.
Village Underground, 2-3 June 2021
We’re all about championing the people, communities and businesses that make London such an incredible city. And that’s just one of the reasons why we’ve created this hub dedicated to some of the Black-owned businesses we love, in partnership with Google. Here you’ll find everything from profiles of business owners to a very cool interview with Ashley Walters – the guest editor of our latest mag, which is dedicated to Black-owned businesses. We think you’ll like it. And remember: just because we may not be able to visit these businesses right now, there are still plenty of ways you can show your love. Click-and-collect, order takeaways, buy online and give them a Google review.
