Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team (GIT) has expanded the company’s Sounds of the Future (SotF) program into the UK. The program is described as “an international initiative supporting Black creativity and the preservation of Black music history.”
The company’s Global Impact Team, which launched in 2024, timed the UK launch to coincide with Black History Month with an archival exhibition, a new internship scheme, and a gathering of Black cultural leaders, creatives, tastemakers and executives from across music, fashion, art, sport, film & TV, and theater.
The highlight of the launch was Black Frequencies, a gallery installation at Universal Music’s UK offices that explored themes of Black British identity, liberation and creativity through music. Dr. Aleema Gray, a historian who curated the 2024 Beyond the Bassline exhibition at The British Library, selected recordings, photographs and documents tracing Black music’s development in Britain. Gray founded HOUSE OF DREAD, which describes itself as an “anti-disciplinary heritage studio.”
Dr. Gray said: “It was a true honor to collaborate with Universal Music Group on this project. Universal holds a rich and diverse archive of Black artistry that speaks to the depth and brilliance of our musical heritage.
“Black Frequencies emerged from a desire to think differently about how we listen, remember, and celebrate these histories — not as static artefacts, but as living frequencies that continue to shape the sound and spirit of our future.”
“Universal holds a rich and diverse archive of Black artistry that speaks to the depth and brilliance of our musical heritage.”
Dr. Aleema Gray, HOUSE OF DREAD
Universal Music UK also announced a partnership with the Black Music Coalition, an organization working to address racial inequality in the British music industry. The collaboration involves a two-year internship position for one executive. The program allows the intern to rotate through three different divisions during the first year before selecting a specialization for the second year.
The Black Music Coalition’s executive committee, said: “Creating sustainable pathways into the music industry is vital for shaping the culture of the industry. Through this two-year internship, the Black Music Coalition partners with Universal Music Group to identify, invest in, and nurture emerging Black talent who are at a pivotal point in their creative and professional journey.”
“The initiative represents both organizations’ commitment to equity, access, and the cultivation of the next generation of talent to drive diversity within the industry forward.”
UMG hosted a dinner at BAFTA’s Piccadilly location as part of the launch events. The company screened four short films created by students from the BRIT School’s Film and Media Production program. Josh-Moses Amasse, Aaron Bony, Kyrah Knowles McKellop and Ali Suleiman Morgan produced the films using footage from Universal’s video archive.
“Through this two-year internship, the Black Music Coalition partners with Universal Music Group to identify, invest in, and nurture emerging Black talent who are at a pivotal point in their creative and professional journey.”
Black Music Coalition’s executive committee
During the screening, musicians from Chineke! Orchestra performed. The string quartet played classical arrangements of songs by Miss Dynamite, Soul II Soul, Courtney Pine and Dina Carroll.
Sharlotte Ritchie, Senior Director of Global Impact & Communications at UMG, said: “Launching SotF in the UK builds on the important legacy of the program – shining a light on Black British artistry. Black British music and creativity have carried rhythms and messages across time and borders, influencing our culture and artistry today, and providing light and possibility for the future.”
“partnering with the BMC on creating more access and opportunity for emerging leaders is just one example of our commitment to ensuring Black British artistry is supported purposefully and authentically.”
Sharlotte Ritchie, Universal Music Group
Added Ritchie: “Black Frequencies is a reminder of the importance of preserving Black art and uncovering stories that still need to be told, and we thank Dr Aleema Gray for sharing her passion and vision with us. Partnering with the BMC on creating more access and opportunity for emerging leaders is just one example of our commitment to ensuring Black British artistry is supported purposefully and authentically, and that the leadership of tomorrow is equitable, creative, and broad in perspective.”
“To end the month connecting with so many talented and dedicated creatives and executives at our dinner was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and collective voice – I’m so grateful for the time shared and energy exchanged.”Music Business Worldwide
