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On hiatus since 2017, the Music of Black Origin awards return next week with black British music stronger than ever – but the industry still unequal. Its founder explains the work that needs to be done
“It was almost like the world had woken up,” says Kanya King, the Mobos founder, who is discussing an open letter she sent to the culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, in June. Released in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests this summer, it was a personal account of the systemic racism she has faced since starting the music awards in 1996, from a hostile press to apathetic record labels.
After it was published, friends and industry connections got in touch, some to say how they were surprised at the extent of the discrimination, but also because they wanted to know more. “For the first time they felt comfortable wanting to listen to conversations about race,” she says. “It was one of those things where previously you didn’t really talk it about because you don’t want people to say you have a chip on your shoulder.” Continue reading...