Black music means business A London university is launching a course to help black music artists and entrepreneurs get a better deal out of the industry. The year-long course, at City University, is aimed at followers of the black music scene who want to make money as well as music. Course organiser Adeboye Adefolalu feels that while there are plenty of talented black British musicians, their talents were not being recognised by the music establishment. People are told there isn't a market for black music. Students on the Business of Black Music course will learn how to develop sustainable business strategies.
Emphasis is placed on marketing and the legal pitfalls of the industry.
The success of the Mobo awards, set up to recognise black-influenced music, has encouraged a greater awareness of black audiences in the UK music industry. Des'ree and Seal, who acheived large album sales in Europe and the US, are two examples of successful black British exports. The Business of Black Music course, for which no formal qualifications are required, will sit alongside the university's existing programmes for people who want to work in the music industry.