CELEBRATING BRITISH BLACK MUSIC MONTH AND INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY

We support British Black Music/Black Music Congress (BBM/BMC) and their targeted events to mark British Black Music Month (BBMM), the annual June-July window used to highlight domestic black music, create networking spaces and provide music industry education since 2006.

One of the highlights of BBMM 2023 is on Wednesday June 21, which will mark Make Music Day and British Black Music Month (BBMM) programming with 80 Years Of British Black Music 1943-2023 – a widely varied 6-hour DJ set by Kwaku BBM, which will display the depth and breadth of British black music, spanning over 80 years, from the World War 2 era to present day!

Talking about British Black Music Month, our patron Heather Small, soul singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead singer of the band M People, said: ‘This is a momentous occasion for documenting and celebrating the rich and varied contributions of Black British musicians from Pop, Soul to Lovers Rock and Grime. This will be a musical endeavour like no other.’

BBM/BMC is also the UK co-ordinator of International Reggae Day (IRDUK) which the PRS Members’ Fund is delighted to support, and it takes place on the 1^st of July.

IRDUK 2023 returns to in-person at Goldsmiths University of London, bigger and better, with two outstanding commemoration conference themes “Marking HipHop@50: Reggae’s Influence?” and “Bristol Bus Boycott@60: The Law & Music”, plus community stalls.

For details of the events and bookings click here.

John Logan, PRS Members’ Fund general secretary, said: “This month we honour black songwriters and composers by raising awareness and appreciation of their contribution to the music industry and cultural life in Britain. These artists and songs challenge us to stand up to injustice, think critically, and provide equal opportunities for all.”