A new initiative focused on the representation & support of
South Asian artists & music professionals in the UK music industry.
Who We Are
In recent years, the UK music industry has made important strides towards greater diversity and inclusion, with a growing number of initiatives supporting underrepresented communities across creative and industry roles. These efforts have helped spark real momentum and awareness of the need for change. Lila was set up to ensure that South Asian communities are part of this progress.
We do this by focusing on:
• Community development and collaboration across South Asian-led music initiatives
• Supporting access to funding, resources, and industry knowledge
• Encouraging education, mentorship and career development opportunities
• Improving visibility and representation in both creative and behind-the-scenes roles
• Building a stronger evidence base to understand experiences and shape solutions
Our latest initiative — the South Asian Music Soundcheck — is the UK’s first dedicated research project focused on South Asian music creators and professionals. Supported by leading industry bodies, it is a step towards ensuring that the industry’s growing commitment to diversity is inclusive of all communities.
A deficit in community development among South Asian supportive projects and organisations
Insufficient funding for South Asian-led and supportive music initiatives
A lack of resources for artist and career development for South Asian musicians and industry professionals
A lack of educational and mentorship programs focused on South Asian communities
A lack of opportunities for South Asian individuals to thrive, across both performance and industry roles
A lack of data, evidence & research that understands the realities of South Asian artists & professionals in the commercial music industry
A lack of representation of South Asians in UK music festivals
In partnership with the Center for Music Ecosystems and a team of advisors and professionals, Lila’s mission is to fill this gap. Lila recognizes the lack of meaningful support for Asian individuals attempting to break into the music industry, whether as artists and performers, or industry professionals. This includes but is not limited to:
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Global Opportunities
Foster global opportunities for South Asian artists, including at all showcase events that feature UK artists.
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Increase % of South Asians in the music industry
Increase the percentage of South Asian workers in the music industry. We want to quantify the amount of South Asian professionals in the industry and then significantly increase it.
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Develop Research & Monitoring Tools
Develop research and monitoring tools to better understand our impact in real-time, as we go. This will include quantifying the current makeup of South Asians working in music, and developing a nuanced understanding of the challenges South Asian artists and emerging professionals face.
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Support Cultural Heritage
Support the cultural heritage of South Asian music in the UK. There is no centralised place for South Asian music to be supported. We want to be a catalyst in developing this.