written by Cils Williams, agent & coordinator ATC Live

As someone born and raised in one of the most diverse cities in the world, this experience - though completely normal in my personal life - was entirely new in my working environment. I thought to myself: “Wow, the only other times I’ve been in a room full of people who look like me were at weddings and funerals”. This moment was so powerful. I was overwhelmed with joy. It was the first time in my career that I felt safe, seen, and understood. I could be myself - unapologetically.

As I said, “Hi, my name is Cils”, I began to cry in front of the whole room. Showing that level of vulnerability, especially in a room where I knew no one, was incredibly liberating. I felt as though I was healing from traumas I had carried throughout my career. In that moment, I gained a new level of strength, one that I still carry with me in all aspects of my life. It was a truly special experience, and I don’t think I would have ever had it in my career if it weren’t for POWER UP.

POWER UP is a long-term initiative that supports black music creators, industry professionals, and executives while addressing anti-black racism and racial disparities in the music sector. Now in its fourth year, POWER UP has welcomed 120 cohort members through its doors, providing them with tools and support to amplify their work and accelerate change. The POWER UP Movement continues to break down barriers, set targets, and apply industry pressure to increase black representation in all aspects of the music industry.

Across the European live sector, the representation of black heritage professionals working behind the scenes significantly lags behind their representation on stage - which itself falls short of reflecting society or acknowledging the critical contributions of black music creators and executives to popular culture.

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, POWER UP and Black Lives in Music will join forces to make their ESNS panel debut with the presentation Powering Up Black Talent in the Live Sector: The Art of Equitable Programming.

Conversations about increasing black participation in live music and improving the experiences of artists, professionals, and audiences are long overdue. This panel brings together experts from across the European live sector to explore the art and logic behind diverse programming. It aims to share experiences, highlight the incredible work being done to drive change and challenge the rest of the sector to actively embrace anti-racism and support black employees.

This session brings together black executives from the UK and the Netherlands to discuss the realities of being black in the European live sector. Topics will include the barriers faced, potential solutions, and personal experiences as black executives, while also highlighting the incredible work being done to drive change within the industry.

The aim is to provide ESNS delegates - particularly those working in the European live sector - with a deeper understanding of the current state of the sector and to emphasise how embracing active anti-racism and fostering diverse teams behind the scenes are essential for meaningful progress and visibility. Joining the panel are:

• Cils Williams, agent & coordinator ATC Live (UK) (Balming Tiger, Leesuho, Sailor Honeymoon)
• Elvin Usidame, booker/promoter Friendly Fire (NL) (Coloray, Iris Jean; Programmer, Hit The City; ADE Supervisory Board Member)
• Adem Holness, head of music SXSW London (UK) (Formerly head of contemporary music, Southbank Centre)
• Dr. Charisse Beaumont, CEO Black Lives in Music (UK) (Music Week Women in Music Campaigner of the Year, chair of the LIVE Group’s EDI Workforce Committee)