*Mica Paris, Britain’s celebrated ‘Queen of Soul,’ has issued a critique of the UK music industry, arguing it fails to support young Black musicians adequately.
Paris, whose career spans decades since her 1988 debut “So Good,” emphasized the need for greater representation and resources for Black artists. “It’s hard for Black artists here,” she told The Standard. “We need to have more radio stations in the UK that cater to black music. Right now, we have to be squeezed into pop. There’s only one avenue, which is Radio One.”
Reflecting on her South London upbringing, Paris noted the disconnect between the UK’s diverse communities and its music platforms. “When you walk in any suburban area like Lewisham or Stoke Newington you’re going to find that there is a community. Everyone just gets on. But you don’t see it reflected in radio. That’s a problem,” she said.
Comparing the UK to the US, where genres like R&B and jazz have dedicated charts and airplay, she criticized the limited options in Britain, pointing to Radio One and One Extra as insufficient. “In the States, they have R&B, they have a jazz chart, they have a pop chart, they have a rock chart. And every one of those are pushed,” she added.
Paris, whose 1991 hit “If I Love U 2nite” was penned by Prince, stressed the need for commercial investment to elevate Black music beyond niche status.
Scroll to continue reading
“What we want is more support for music of black origin here. It needs to have more support in the commercial sense. That’s really all we need. And we shouldn’t have to wash it down and try and make it more a certain way for it to be played,” she stated.
Paris also argued that without robust label backing and radio support, young Black artists struggle to break through. She called for a future where Black British talent is fully embraced.
“It shouldn’t just be that it’s only grime that’s supported,” she said.
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
