The PRS Foundation has launched a new initiative to combat anti-black racism in the music industry called Power Up. Power Up was launched on January 25 with more than 80 black music industry professionals, with the aim of supporting 40 black participants per year, including 20 creatives and 20 industry professionals.
Each participant will benefit from grants of up to £15,000, and partner support will be provided in the form of mentoring, marketing and other benefits.
The PRS Foundation has been able to create this project in partnership with YouTube Music, The Black Music Coalition and Beggar’s Group, but also personalities such as Kano, DJ Target and Link Up TV founder Rashid Kasirye.
Kasirye said: “As a Black professional in the UK Music & Media industry, I am well aware of the many challenges that people like me face and feel. So, I am happy to be supporting Power Up as an ambassador to create positive change for Black music creators and professionals within the industry as a whole”.
Ben Wynter, co-founder of Power Up, added “Rather than finger point and fight the industry, I wanted to be able to work with, help, encourage and guide the industry into a more inclusive, representative and equitable music industry. This is why industry participation in Power Up is so important”.
Power Up hopes to break down barriers for black music creators and industry professionals. Find out more here.
#Peace.Love.PowerUp
