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UK music reps sign anti-racism letter
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 3 August 2020
A letter signed by 900 representatives of the UK music industry pledging “to educate” and “wipe out racism now and for our future generations” has been published in the Sunday Times. Signees include artists, songwriters, producers, industry professionals, companies and trade bodies.
“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”, the letter begins.
It then notes that “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”.
This, it says, covers everything from “continued police brutality in America” to “anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks”, and that “we are at our worst when we attack one another”.
Stating that “all forms of racism have the same roots – ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating”, it goes on to say that the letter’s signatories “are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity”.
“There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender”, it concludes. “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”.
The publication of the letter obviously follows Wiley’s recent antisemitic social media outburst, and one of its signees is his now former manager John Wolff. Other names on the letter include all three majors and many independent record labels, plus a broad range of artists from the members of Little Mix to Biffy Clyro and independent acts like singer Violet Skies.
