Britain’s ‘Queen of Soul’ Mica Paris has called for stronger support for emerging Black talent in the UK, saying the music industry needs to do more to nurture new artists outside of the mainstream.
“It’s hard for Black artists here,” Paris tells 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.”
Paris, who released her debut album So Good in 1988 and has remained a powerful voice in British soul ever since, says the racial diversity that exists in UK communities is not reflected in the way music is promoted or played.
“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.”
The acclaimed singer, who has treated King Charles to numerous private performances of Aretha Franklin songs over the years, has spent much of the past three decades living between Britain and the United States.
Drawing a sharp comparison with the American music industry, she said: “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. Here, it’s only Radio One, One Extra. And then you’ve got all the other ones that just play repeat music.
“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.”
Though the UK does have the MOBO Awards and an R&B chart, Paris - whose 1991 hit If I Love U 2nite was written by Prince - says they’re not backed by commercial radio or the major label investment needed to propel new acts forward.
“By support I mean when they get all of the brands, the label’s backing. It’s the whole thing. It needs to be not niche. You’ve got to take it out of that niche. It needs to be given that same push.”
Having grown up in South London, Paris — who received an MBE in 2020 for her service to music, entertainment and charity — said the country has come a long way, but more needs to be done to make sure black British talent is visible and valued.
“When I was growing up, the only black people I saw on TV were the Jacksons. And they were cartoons.”
Known to many not only for her music but also for her role in EastEnders and as cousin to boxing legend Chris Eubank, Paris wants to see a future where black British artists are no longer treated as exceptions, but as part of the mainstream.
“It shouldn’t just be that it’s only grime that’s supported,” she said. “There’s lots of other great, talented people. Where’s the new Mica Paris?”
