Up to £3,000 in financial support for emerging musicians making music of Black origin

Bespoke business mentoring, industry masterclasses, and networking opportunities

Applicants to be reviewed and selected by industry panel

London, UK – June 2 –

With a mission to remove structural barriers and foster sustainable careers, the initiative responds directly to findings from the 2023 Musicians’ Census, conducted by Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union. The data revealed that nearly half of UK musicians earn less than £14,000 a year from their craft. Musicians from global majority backgrounds, including Black artists, are particularly affected - only 32% are able to earn their full income from music, compared to 43% of their white peers.

The need for equitable access to opportunity is also clear: only 20% of musicians from ethnically diverse backgrounds feel they have equal access to career progression, compared to 36% of their white counterparts. These disparities highlight the importance of creating dedicated pathways for support and success.

Key features of the programme include:

• Financial support: Participants will receive up to £3,000 to invest in new music projects, from recording and production to visual content and marketing.

• Business & industry support: Tailored one-on-one sessions and masterclasses with experienced music professionals will provide essential knowledge in areas such as branding, distribution, and revenue generation.

• Networking & exposure: Artists will be introduced to influential networks to elevate their presence in the music scene.

• Artist wellbeing: Recognising the personal challenges of a music career, the service offers holistic wellbeing support with optional healthy practice sessions delivered by clinical partner BAPAM.

• Collaboration: The programme fosters collaboration across genres and disciplines, creating opportunities for shared creativity and innovation.

Amplified stands as a testament to MOBO and Help Musicians’ shared commitment to breaking down long standing career barriers. By equipping talented artists with the resources, connections, and care they need, this programme aims to fuel a new era of creative excellence, equity, and impact.

Applications are now open and will be reviewed by Help Musicians, along with a panel of experienced industry experts. For more information, visit the Help Musicians website here.

Laurie Oliva, Director of Services and Research, Help Musicians, said: “Our latest partnership with MOBO is about giving talented artists the support they need to take the next step in their careers. By offering financial backing, expert guidance, and wellbeing resources, we’re helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable music industry where all musicians have the opportunity to thrive.”

Kanya King, Founder and CEO, MOBO Group, said: “MOBO has always been about amplifying the voices and visions of Black music creators, not just recognising their talent, but investing in their journey. Our longstanding partnership with Help Musicians has already unlocked close to £1 million in direct support, and this new chapter takes our commitment even further. Together, we’re not just launching a programme, we’re helping to build sustainable careers, break down systemic barriers, and empower the next generation to turn their ambition into action. The future of music is diverse, bold, and brilliant, and we’re proud to be part of making it happen.”

For press inquiries and interviews please contact:

Help Musicians 

Patrick Fennelly
Ambassador and Media Relations Manager
[email protected]

MOBO

MOBO – [email protected] / [email protected] 

About Help Musicians
Help Musicians is powered by a love of music, which is why we empower and support those who create it.

For over 100 years, Help Musicians has been working hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK. With over 70% of the UK’s musicians working in a freelance capacity and 43% earning less than £14,000 a year from music, it’s a precarious profession often filled with ups and downs. Opportunities are hard-won whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues.

Today, the charity provides modern solutions to new and timeless challenges. From health services and business upskilling to financial grants that unlock opportunities, we’re here to help and support musicians to thrive in their careers and lives.

Help Musicians is entirely funded by music lovers. If you love music, join us to support all who make it possible. Donate today: www.helpmusicians.org.uk

About MOBO

Since 1996, the MOBO Organisation has discovered and supported talent in music, film and TV. MOBO operates 365 days a year to create events, content, partnerships and opportunities for young people in the entertainment industries and beyond. For close to 30 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British music industry, celebrating excellence in Black music and culture. Its enduring legacy as the premiere outlet for recognising and honouring the artistic achievement of exceptional British and international talent in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B and Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Electronic/Dance, Alternative, Gospel and African music has been unparalleled. Global superstars who have been part of the Awards include Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Sade, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Jay Z, Central Cee, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Usher, Rihanna, Cardi B, Tems, Davido and Stormzy — just to name a few. The Awards has proudly been hosted all over the United Kingdom over the years, including shows in London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle. Beyond the Awards, MOBO supports undiscovered talent in music via MOBO UnSung, and across the wider creative and tech industries MOBO supports and connects career opportunities for Black talent via MOBOLISE, a platform to empower diversity, excellence and transformation in the workplace. Through the MOBO Trust and our long-standing partnership with Help Musicians, we’ve invested nearly £1 million in funding, mentorship and development support — helping artists turn ambition into action.