Stormzy: Diversity isn't just a buzzword

Image source, AIM Awards
Stormzy has urged the music industry to take diversity more seriously, as he has was honored Wednesday at the AI M Awards.
The rapper was named a Diversity Champion for his efforts to "level the playing field" through his charities Merky Foundation and Merky Books.
"I encourage everyone in the room today not to just use diversity as a word to fashion," he said in his speech.
"Whatever position you're in...let it be a factor determining, and not just seeing it as a quota or a checkbox."
Speaking to a room full of music industry executives , he highlighted "the value and value" of embracing a wide range of voices in the workplace.
According to the latest figures from UK Music,22% of people working in the music industry are of black, Asian and minority background; while women occupy 49.6% of positions in the industry.
However, career progression for these groups remains slow, with declining representation in highest age and income groups.
Stormzy's Merky Foundation has pledged £10 million over 10 years to organizations and charities "committed to fighting racial equality, justice reform and empowerment of black people in the UK".
He currently supports the Black Heart Foundation, which aims to improve access to justice. education for disadvantaged children, and is partnering with the University of Cambridge to award £20,000 scholarships to black students.

Entertainment Sep 29, 2022 0 75 Add to Reading List

Stormzy: Diversity isn't just a buzzword

Stormzy has urged the music industry to take diversity more seriously, as he has was honored Wednesday at the AI M Awards.

The rapper was named a Diversity Champion for his efforts to "level the playing field" through his charities Merky Foundation and Merky Books.

"I encourage everyone in the room today not to just use diversity as a word to fashion," he said in his speech.

"Whatever position you're in...let it be a factor determining, and not just seeing it as a quota or a checkbox."

Speaking to a room full of music industry executives , he highlighted "the value and value" of embracing a wide range of voices in the workplace.

According to the latest figures from UK Music,22% of people working in the music industry are of black, Asian and minority background; while women occupy 49.6% of positions in the industry.

However, career progression for these groups remains slow, with declining representation in highest age and income groups.

Stormzy's Merky Foundation has pledged £10 million over 10 years to organizations and charities "committed to fighting racial equality, justice reform and empowerment of black people in the UK".

He currently supports the Black Heart Foundation, which aims to improve access to justice. education for disadvantaged children, and is partnering with the University of Cambridge to award £20,000 scholarships to black students.