International agency BLACMEX debuts, devoted to championing UK music artists on a worldwide scale
UK Announces First Black Music Export Office: BLACMEX
The United Kingdom has taken a significant step forward in supporting its Black music creators and organizations with the launch of BLACMEX, the country's first Black Music Export Office. The office aims to reposition the UK Black music sector within the global market, providing a strategic roadmap for developing and promoting UK Black music talent on a global scale [1][2][3].
BLACMEX is a catalyst for representing, engaging, and developing global Black music communities. It intends to level the playing field for international touring and showcase opportunities, extending and highlighting UK Black music genres worldwide. Music creators can register their interest in talent export opportunities by completing a form available at https://blacmex.uk. Organisations can engage in BLACMEX's industry mapping initiative by completing a short form at the same link [4][5].
The launch of BLACMEX has been met with enthusiasm from key parts of the sector. Michelle Escoffery, president of PRS For Music Member's Council, views BLACMEX as a crucial platform for providing visibility for Black music creators on the international stage. Roger Wilson, director of operations at Black Lives in Music, shares this sentiment, seeing BLACMEX as a much-needed service that will contribute to the careers and opportunities for Black British music [6][7].
Among those expressing support for BLACMEX is Ammo Talwar MBE, chair of the UK music Diversity Taskforce. The launch of BLACMEX, announced during Black History Month, has been well received by the sector [8]. Sir Chris Bryant, Creative Industries Minister, has also expressed enthusiasm for BLACMEX's potential to help more Black musicians reach new international audiences [9].
BLACMEX is represented by Kwame Safo and Audrey Gray, long-term music industry professionals. They will work to empower organizations in their pursuit to open accessible and new export opportunities, while building music ecosystems that resource music creators in a greater way. Paul Bonham, professional development director of MMF, sees BLACMEX's specific focus as an opportunity to build on the recent market growth in Black music genres [10].
Charisse Oyediwura, chief executive of Black Lives in Music, believes BLACMEX will affirm the global significance of the UK Black music industry. Yaw Owusu, creative consultant at Nothin But The Music, shares this belief, stating that BLACMEX is a service that will provide invaluable support to Black British music creators [11]. Tom Gray, chair of the Ivors Academy, is also pleased by BLACMEX's development, as it addresses the unique needs of the British Black Music community [12].
For more information about BLACMEX and its initiatives, visit https://blacmex.uk.
- The launch of BLACMEX is expected to enhance the lifestyle and career opportunities of Black music creators, as it aims to level the playing field for international touring and showcase opportunities.
- With BLACMEX, UK Black music talent will gain more exposure in the global entertainment industry, providing a platform for engagement and development within global Black music communities.
