ARTISTS, U.K. MUSIC BIZ FIGHT RACISM

The British music industry has united to back a new anti-racism campaign titled Beautiful Resistance. It aims to take a stand against hatred, bigotry and division with a series of special events for two weeks beginning 3/8.

Launched by LoveMusicHateRacism, a long list of artists support the campaign, among them Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie (pictured), Liam Payne, Nile Rodgers, Paloma Faith, The Specials and The 1975.

Universal, Sony and Warner are all backing the campaign, alongside Beggars Group, Domino, Live Nation and many more. The brain child of Atlantic Records’ Paul Samuels, Step Music Management’s Ellie Giles and long-time campaigner Zak Cochrane, it launches on International Women’s Day (3/8) and the U.N. Anti-Racism Day March on 3/16. Alongside events, which will include peaceful marches, host gigs and concerts, the campaign will also be backed by a series of artist in-conversation pieces.

Other names involved are Bill Ryder-Jones, Craig David, Dermot Kennedy, Enter Shikari, Frank Turner, Grace Carter, Idles, Kaiser Chiefs, Kojey Radical, Labrinth, Lianne La Havas, Mahalia, Nitin Sawhney, Ray BLK, Royal Blood, Rudimental, Sean Paul and Sheku Kanneh-Mason and activist Saffiyah Khan. Founded in 2002, LoveMusicHateRacism was inspired by the spirit of influential 1970s Rock Against Racism campaigners.

“Since the advent of Rock Against Racism, our challenges have morphed,” Samuels, Giles and Cochrane said in a statement. “We now have to contend with not only far right intimidation and propaganda, but also with a growing trend for divisive and hateful language. None of this is OK with most of us, but we have to shout just as loudly with a positive alternative. Gathering the strength of music and the music industry, we can help to change the lives—and outlooks—of so many people across the country and beyond.

"Voices of inspiration are vital to kids growing up and the response to our industry reach-out so far has been so incredibly well received. We’re very excited at the potential for true, transformative change through our Beautiful Resistance campaign and we welcome anyone who shares our vision of a world free of prejudice to join us and get in touch via our website.”

Cochrane added, “Music is fundamentally a fusion of cultures which makes it a fantastic tool to tackle racism and division. Rock Against Racism brought together black and white music fans in the 70s and helped to inspire 2-Tone music. People danced together and it made sense. We are delighted that the next generation of artists are taking up this mantle and bringing people together around a shared passion for music.”