U.K. INDUSTRY UNITES IN FIGHT AGAINST RACISM

More than 700 artists, managers, producers and companies from across the U.K. music industry have issued an urgent rallying call for unity against division and hatred. An open letter urges everyone in the industry to take responsibility, speak out and eradicate racism.

The letter, accompanied with a social media campaign under the hashtag #NoSilenceInMusic, has been signed by nearly 200 artists, among them Lewis Capaldi, Lily Allen, Mabel, MNEK, Nile Rodgers, The 1975 and Yungblud. Among the company signatories are Universal Music, Sony, Warner, Beggars Group, UMPG, Sony/ATV and Warner/Chappell.

Here’s the letter in full:

We, representatives from the music industry, write to demonstrate and express our determination, that love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred, must and will always be our common cause.

In recent months through a series of events and incidents, the anti-black racists and antisemites, plus those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they clearly want us all to fail. Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division. We are at our worst when we attack one another.

Minorities from all backgrounds and faiths have struggled and suffered. From slavery to the Holocaust we have painful collective memories. All forms of racism have the same roots – ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating. We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.

There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender. Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. Through music, education and empathy we can find unity. We stand together, to educate and wipe out racism now and for our future generations.