You couldn’t possibly find a whiter man than Ed Sheeran, but somehow this hasn’t prevented the BBC from branding him the “Most Important Act in Black and Urban Music”. Yes, really.
BBC radio station 1Xtra revealed its “power list”, which is said to name the most important artists in black and urban music. Despite this, three out of the top four acts were white, with Ed Sheeran topping it despite having skin that looks like it’s made out of porcelain. He also grew up in not-urban-at-all rural Suffolk, as if his positioning atop the list could be any more ludicrous.
Speaking of the decision, the BBC said: “Artists were considered on variables such as sales statistics, quality of music and impact across the wider industry – it is not about the colour of someone’s skin”, which is fair enough, if you forget that the power list was intended to highlight the most impactful figures of the music “scene” that the radio station is intended to promote, which is urban. Having Sheeran as the number one artist on the station’s power list can definitely be considered a contradiction in that regard.
The music manager of 1Xtra, Austin Daboh, also spoke out following the announcement of the list, saying: “There is definitely a wider debate to be had around the mainstream support for black music. Legitimate concerns have been raised around the pressure some artists feel to compete commercially.” Yes, and placing the hugely successful but distinctly un-urban Ed Sheeran atop your list will certainly not add to that pressure… great stuff, BBC.
Anyway, here’s the power list in full.
1. Ed Sheeran
2. Disclosure
3. Tinie Tempah
4. Sam Smith
5. Rudimental
6. Emeli Sande
7. Naughty Boy
8. Katy B
9. Krept & Konan
10. Fuse ODG
11. Boy Better Know
12. Rita Ora
13. Lethal Bizzle
14. DJ Fresh
15. Jessie J
16. Wiley
17. Giggs
18. Laura Mvula
19. Wretch 32
20. Dizzee Rascal
Photo: Getty Images
