LONDON (CelebrityAccess) – Black Lives In Music (BLIM) has unveiled a new board and task force, marking a significant step in the organization’s growing impact on the music industry. CEO Charisse Beaumont expressed excitement about the new appointments, emphasizing BLIM’s commitment to making the UK music industry a safe and equitable workspace.
Welcoming the new members, Beaumont stated, “We are thrilled to welcome our new board and taskforce to Black Lives in Music,” said Beaumont. “We are consistently expanding our activities and campaigns, ultimately with the aim of making the UK music industry a safe and equal place to work. Our collective strength lies not only in our leadership across music, charity, legal, finance, people and culture, and education but also in our unparalleled prowess in business and entrepreneurship.
“Our quest for exceptional leaders continues as we seek to expand our influence across the music sector. The sort of experience and influence that these talented individuals bring to us will be invaluable for projects like our Anti-Racism Code Of Conduct, 10 Point Orchestral Plan and the forthcoming Bullying and Harassment Survey. Our dedication stems from a deep-seated care for the music industry and its future.”
BLIM, established in 2020, gained recognition through its “Being Black In The Music Industry” survey, shedding light on racism experiences within the UK music industry. The organization has since partnered with over 100 entities, utilizing its data to drive meaningful change.
Beaumont highlighted BLIM’s commitment to redefining the industry, saying, “At Black Lives In Music, we’re not just challenging the industry, we’re redefining it.”
The board members include James Joseph as chair, Moses Oyediwura as vice-chair, Janeace Thompson, Dr. Kienda Hoji, Orphy Robinson MBE, and Treasurer Alex Spofforth.
The newly appointed Taskforce members comprise Paulette Long OBE, Dr. Mykaell Riley, Yvette Griffith OBE, Kate Miguda, Richard Henry, Shabaka Hutchings, Adem Holness FRSA, Faryal Khan-Thompson, Robert Mitchell, Victor Redwood-Sawyerr, Jamil Sheriff, and Cleveland Watkiss MBE.
Board chair Joseph said, “Black Lives In Music is an organization well placed to hear the voices of those integral in creating this rich universe of creativity. I am honored and excited to be an integral part of advocating a guided and informed response to offer effective change and much-needed support to make a difference for positive development in our musical community and wider cultural landscape.”
Janeace (Jay T) Thompson, director of talent, culture, and experience at PRS For Music, said: “Black Lives In Music is an incredibly important organization, setting the tone regarding inequalities for Black, Asian, and people from ethnically diverse communities in the music industry. As a newly appointed board member, I embrace the opportunity to amplify voices, compose change, and orchestrate a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
The BLIM board members are as follows:
James Joseph (chair) – founder of James Joseph Music Management
Moses Oyediwura (vice chair) – Sumaya Group investors
Janeace Thompson – director of talent & culture and experience at PRS For Music
Dr Kienda Hoji – music industry lawyer, artist manager, lecturer
Orphy Robinson MBE – multi-instrumentalist and composer
Treasurer: Alex Spofforth – chartered accountant
The members of its task force are:
Paulette Long OBE – music publisher/MPA chair
Dr Mykaell Riley – Senior lecturer, Univ. of Westminster/Director, Black Music Research Unit/Co-Founder, Steel Pulse
Yvette Griffith OBE – chief executive and executive director of Jazz: Refreshed
Kate Miguda – violinist/board member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland
Richard Henry – trombonist
Shabaka Hutchings – Sons Of Kemet
Adem Holness FRSA – head of contemporary music, Southbank Centre
Faryal Khan-Thompson – SVP, marketing and community engagement, CD Baby
Robert Mitchell – jazz musician and composer
Victor Redwood-Sawyerr – founder, Red 1 Arts music consultancy
Jamil Sheriff – jazz musician and lecturer
Cleveland Watkiss MBE – vocalist, composer, actor
