Artist News Awards

Limitless Live launches Black Influence Awards

By | Published on Tuesday 14 March 2023

Limitless Live

Limitless Live – an annual event described as “a music festival with social purpose at its core” – has announced that it will launch the Black Influence Awards as part of this year’s edition at the Roundhouse in London on 8 Apr.

Organisers say that the new awards, sponsored by whisky brand Ballantine’s, will “celebrate black influencers and change-makers throughout a variety of industries”. Shortlists have been put together by a panel of judges with the final winners due to be selected by public vote.

Alongside the new awards, Limitless Live will also “highlight pay disparity for black influencers”. Organisers explain that a 2021 survey conducted by communications firm MSL found a that on average the monies generated by influencers differs depending on race, with “the gap between white and black influencers at 35%”. To that end, Limitless Live will “challenge brands to pay equitably and showcase those who are having a positive impact on their industry”.

Limitless Live founder Tolu says: “The Limitless Black Influence Awards is an extension of the Limitless Live brand, which is focused on having an equitable impact on communities, societies and business. While we are excited about celebrating and highlighting the achievements of the black influencers nominated, we also want to go further and advocate through data around the pay disparity they face”.

Ballantine’s is supporting the venture via its True Music initiative. The firm’s Senior Global Brand Manager, Dan Maurice, says: “Ballantine’s are very excited to be supporting Limitless Live’s Black Influence Awards. For us, supporting initiatives that are focused on championing those worthy of celebration, participation and representation is the very key to what we do as part of our True Music platform”.

“Music should be accessible and inclusive for everyone”, he adds, “celebrating and representing those who our fans relate to. We are proud to be supporting an award that not only recognises black influence in music culture but continues to elevate it, which for us is the heart of True Music”.

Krept & Konan, K-Trap and DJ Cuppy are among those due to play this year’s Limitless Live – info here.



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