As we enter the month of June, the PRS Members’ Fund is proud to join the nationwide celebration of British Black Music Month (BBMM) 2026.

Black music creators have long been the architects of Britain’s most defining cultural movements. From the foundational eras of Lovers Rock, Brit-Funk, and Jungle to the global dominance of UK Garage, Grime, Drill, and Afrobeats, Black PRS members have continually reshaped the musical landscape.

This month, as the landmark “The Music is Black” festival takes over the capital, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our Black music-making community through every stage of their lives and careers.

Our Services, Schemes, and Lifeline Support

The PRS Members’ Fund exists to provide a secure safety net for PRS songwriters and composers facing hardship. We understand that a career in music can be unpredictable. That is why we offer a comprehensive range of holistic services designed to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing.

A Legacy of Empowering Black Creators

Our support for Black PRS members is rooted in real, impactful action. Over the years, the Fund has stepped in during critical moments of crisis, providing emergency financial relief during the pandemic, funding vital medical rehabilitation for veteran musicians, and offering confidential mental health pathways for emerging creators facing industry burnout.

By removing financial anxiety and offering mental health diagnostics, we have helped ensure that pioneering Black voices can sustain their careers, protect their legacies, and continue creating.

Championing the Culture: Our Partnership with PowerUp

True equity requires systemic support. The PRS Members’ Fund is incredibly proud to be an official partner of PowerUp, the award-winning initiative managed by our sister charity PRS Foundation.

PowerUp specifically addresses racial disparities in the music sector. Through this partnership, we actively support Black songwriters, producers, and industry professionals, helping to dismantle barriers and amplify the next generation of Black executive and creative talent.

Our Commitment to EDIB: Serving All Minority Creators

The PRS Members’ Fund stands firmly behind the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB).

“Our mission is absolute: no music creator should ever feel left behind or unseen. The Fund is deeply committed to evolving alongside our diverse membership. We actively work to ensure our support structures are fully accessible, culturally aware, and inclusive of all minority and underrepresented creators across the UK. Whatever your background, your heritage, or your genre, the Fund is here for you.”

Get Involved: British Black Music Month 2026

This year marks a momentous double milestone: BritishBlackMusic.com @ 25 and British Black Music Month @ 20. To celebrate, a curated, low-key programme of community exhibitions, talks, and webinars is running from June through to October.

The official British Black Music Month 2026 Hub Page on Eventbrite serves as your information directory. While many physical events are walk-in friendly, please use the hub to book your spots for online webinars or to receive official event updates.

📍 Physical Events & Exhibitions (Harlesden Library & Brent)

• Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition (1 June – 31 October): A walk-in exhibition celebrating iconic cover art. No booking required.
• BBMM 2026 Launch & Curator Presentation (Monday 1 June, 4pm – 6pm): Opening talk tackling the topic: ‘Where Would Reggae Be If There Was No Harlesden Or Brent?’
• Conversations By The Reggae Tree (1 July, 4pm – 5:45pm): Gather at The Reggae Tree (opposite Hawkeye Records, Harlesden) for open-air community music discussions.
• International Reggae Day UK Presentation (1 July, 6pm – 8pm): A special curator session exploring: ‘Where Would Reggae Be On The Global Stage, If Not For Migration?’
• African History Season Finale (31 October, 6pm – 8pm): The exhibition closing presentation titled: ‘It Was Also About Other Black Musics’.

💻 Online Webinars & Industry Panels (Zoom)

• BBMM @ 20 Conversation 1 (Tuesday 2 June, 6pm – 8pm): An anniversary dialogue reflecting on two decades of Black music advocacy. Booking required.
• BBMM @ 20 Conversation 2 (2 July, 6pm – 8pm): Part two of the anniversary industry debates. Booking required.
• Talking Copyright: Black Music In The AI Age (13 July, 6pm – 8pm): A critical session for PRS members navigating the intersection of intellectual property, creator rights, and artificial intelligence. Booking required.

📚 Special Recommendations & Giveaways

• Recommended Book (June – July): ‘Black Music In Britain Vol. 2: Children Of The Ghetto’ by Kevin Le Gendre (Peepal Tree Press).
• Gig & Ticket Giveaway (20 June, 7pm): Tune in online for the BBMM 2026 recommended showcase, Jamaica Love, featuring an exclusive ticket competition.

👉 Head over to the British Black Music Month 2026 Eventbrite Hub to view full details and register for the Zoom links.

We Are Here to Help

If you are a PRS member experiencing hardship, or if you know a fellow creator who needs support, please reach out to us. Our services are entirely confidential, compassionate, and tailored to you.

• Apply for Support: Visit our PRS Members’ Fund Applications Page.
• Contact Us: Email us directly or call our support team.

Let’s celebrate the past, support the present, and invest in the future of British Black music.