In the vast symphony of the creative industries, there exists a profound need to highlight and nurture emerging talent from all walks of life. While the creative landscape in the UK generally welcomes diversity, it’s no secret that systemic barriers have long quietened some of the most promising voices. 

Drum and bass and bass music are genres which stand as a testament to unity, innovation, and resilience, so it can seem a juxtaposition for mentorships to be created to only include some groups of people, but they are needed to balance periods of underrepresentation. Mentorship programs provide a means to challenge these barriers by offering guidance, connections, and opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Mentorship is not just about teaching skills; it’s about dismantling barriers, promoting diversity, and offering guidance and support to Black artists. Through mentorship, Black artists can overcome obstacles, realise their potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the creative industries, enriching our collective cultural tapestry.

As we continue to mark Black History Month, we chat to Degs and Winslow about how they would like to see Black History Month marked by UKF as well as other labels and brands. As with our previous piece, our conversations with these artists reveal why it is not only our privilege but our responsibility to educate ourselves about the best ways to honour and celebrate Black History Month within this vibrant, pulsating, and transformative subculture.

Words by: Catching Cairo

I would love to see an emphasis on unity while amplifying and acknowledging Black artists, producers, vocalists, songwriter, ravers contribution to the scene. Black history is embedded in drum and bass, factually in its roots and origin so reflecting and keeping the memory of it alive is always going to be a celebration. There’s a lot of untold stories, there’s a lot of listeners who don’t know a lot or even anything about black music and the soundsystem cultural influence on d&b. Using this month as a time to deeply highlight, educate, inform and inspire, that’s how I’d like to see Black History Month celebrated not just specifically for black communities during BHM but for all d&b lovers, always.

Representation and more collaboration can help to encourage diversity in the d&b community.  By actively encouraging diversity- for example curating lineups which reflect the spectrum of d&b acts, creating meaningful moments, spaces and events where people can be together and feel the beauty of a diverse environment. It feels like there has been more awareness of inclusivity recently but the work continues. Open and honest discussions need to be happening to combat the social dissonance that still exists. There’s so much to be gained from collaboration, it’s a massive part of creating drum and bass music. To collaborate you need to communicate, we need to be talking about changes, challenges and growth openly and as a community. It’s not a case of pointing the finger at who is wrong or right. It’s got to be a journey of embracing our differences, remembering the importance of inclusivity and showing up for every member of the scene; and to keep doing it until it becomes an effortless norm.

Words by: Doktor 

I believe Black History Month should celebrate the roots of drum and bass, acknowledging the crucial role of dub music and jungle in its creation. An event dedicated to honouring Black producers and MCs who pioneered this fusion would be ideal. Alternatively, a documentary or social media campaign can educate about the origins and evolution of drum and bass, emphasising the significant influence of dub and jungle music

I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that what makes drum and bass truly special is its remarkable fusion of cultures. It’s a genre that defies boundaries, seamlessly blending elements from various musical heritages and backgrounds.

To encourage diversity in the drum and bass community, consider implementing the following strategies:

Representation and Inclusion:

Actively promote diverse representation within the community, including artists, event organisers, and industry professionals. Encourage platforms to showcase a variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Support Emerging Talent:

Provide support and opportunities for emerging artists from underrepresented backgrounds. This could include mentorship programs, workshops, or platforms that spotlight new talent.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

Encourage collaborations between artists and organisations that promote diversity and inclusivity. Support partnerships with diverse festivals, clubs, or music collectives to amplify the reach and impact of diversity initiatives.

Recognise and Celebrate Diversity:

Celebrate the diversity of the drum and bass community by showcasing the stories, achievements, and contributions of artists from different backgrounds. Highlight their experiences and successes to inspire others.

A note from us 

There are multiple mentorship opportunities available to black artists but today we wanted to highlight the work of Black Lives In Music. Who will be launching their next mentorship scheme in January 2024. 

Black Lives in Music are here to empower aspiring artists to bring their musical dreams to life. They plan to actively dishing out real-world opportunities across the entire spectrum of live music. That means everything from technical production and live performance to management and administration. If you’re a black artist and are looking for some guidance in getting into the industry take a look at their website. 

Black Lives In Music