The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has congratulated UK Music and the Black Music Export Office (BMEx) on the publication of the Black Music Means Business report, which highlights the economic impact of Black music on the United Kingdom’s creative industry.

The report reveals that Black music has been a major driver of the UK music industry, contributing about 80 per cent and £24.5 billion of the estimated £30 billion generated over the past three decades.

It was unveiled at Speaker’s House in the House of Commons, Westminster, in a ceremony attended by industry stakeholders and policymakers.

NCAC Director-General, Obi Asika, led a Nigerian delegation comprising key music industry figures and government representatives to the event, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in the global music ecosystem.

Members of the delegation included Audu Maikori; Paul Okeugo, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Chocolate City; Adedayo Ayoade, Founder of Gbedu Labs; Alexander Okeke, Co-Founder of YBNL; Isioma Idigie, Legal Adviser to RELPI and MPAN; and Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President on Creativity and Entertainment.

Speaking at the event, Asika described the report as a validation of the cultural and economic power of Black music, noting Nigeria’s central role in shaping global music trends, particularly through Afrobeats.

He said: “From Afrobeats to the wider creative ecosystem, Nigerian artists, producers, and entrepreneurs are key players in this global movement. This momentum has been strengthened through diaspora collaboration and cultural exchange, especially in the UK.”

Asika added that Nigeria’s presence at Westminster reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that the country’s creative output is recognised, valued, and effectively monetised on the global stage.

He also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector, including Basslines to Billions, a project developed in partnership with Regentstone Capital.

“This report reinforces the fact that Black music is not just a cultural expression but a serious business opportunity, with Nigeria positioned at the heart of its future,” he said.

Also speaking, Baba Agba described the report as a significant acknowledgement of the economic value of Black music and the ecosystems that sustain it.

“Our engagement aligns with a broader national objective of transforming cultural influence into economic strength, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global creative economy,” he said.

Chief Executive of UK Music, Tom Kiehl, said the report demonstrates the integral role of Black music in shaping the global music landscape and contributing significantly to economies worldwide.

He stressed the need to implement its recommendations to ensure sustainable growth and inclusivity within the industry.

Head of Diversity at UK Music, Eunice Obianagha, highlighted the enduring impact of the African diaspora on the evolution of Black music in the UK.

She noted that genres such as reggae, jazz, grime, and Afrobeats have played a major role in shaping the country’s cultural identity, with artists of Nigerian descent contributing significantly to this evolution.

Obianagha called for continued investment in the communities driving these contributions to sustain their impact.
Paul Okeugo commended the findings of the report, describing them as a powerful reflection of the global influence of Black music.

He urged stakeholders to focus not only on the economic value but also on preserving the cultural significance of the genre.