MOBO and Help Musicians return with second year of MOBO Amplified

• Applications now open for the second cohort of MOBO Amplified
• Up to £3,000 in financial support for musicians creating music of Black origin
• Bespoke business advice, mentoring, industry masterclasses and networking opportunities
• Celebrating 30 years of the MOBO Organisation and entering ten years of partnership with Help Musicians

MOBO and Help Musicians today announce the return of MOBO Amplified for its second cohort, a 12-month career development programme designed to support UK-based musicians creating music of Black origin to build sustainable careers.

Building on the success of the inaugural cohort launched in 2025, MOBO Amplified returns in the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary year and as MOBO and Help Musicians enter a decade of partnership. The programme continues to address the gap between the cultural and economic impact of Black music and the lived experience of many of the artists behind it.

Findings from the Black Music Means Business 2026 report, supported by MOBO and Help Musicians, show that Black music drives over 80% of the UK’s recorded music revenue and has contributed £24.5 billion to the market between 1994 and 2023.

Despite this impact, structural barriers remain. The 2023 Musicians’ Census reveals that musicians from the Global Majority are less likely to earn a sustainable income from music, with only 32% earning their full income from their craft compared to 43% of their white peers. A third report that not knowing anyone in the industry is a barrier to progression, while 85% have experienced or witnessed discrimination, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Black music creators.

In response, MOBO Amplified continues to provide targeted support for artists at a critical stage in their careers. The programme combines tailored business advice, one-to-one mentoring, industry masterclasses and peer networking opportunities with financial support and wellbeing resources, helping artists develop the skills, knowledge and connections needed to progress sustainably.

Laurie Oliva, Director of Services and Research, Help Musicians, said:
​“Our continued partnership with MOBO is about addressing the real barriers faced by Black music creators. Amplified goes beyond funding — it’s about providing the business support, mentoring, and industry access that enable artists to build sustainable careers and thrive in the long term.”
 

Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Organisation, said:
​“We’re incredibly proud to continue building on our long-standing partnership with Help Musicians as we open applications for the next cohort of MOBO Amplified. Over the years, our shared commitment to supporting musicians creating music of Black origin has helped provide funding, mentoring, industry insight and career development opportunities to artists across the UK.

As the MOBO Organisation celebrates its 30th anniversary and our partnership with Help Musicians approaches its tenth year, programmes like Amplified have never felt more important. Together, we have helped create meaningful opportunities for artists to develop their craft, expand their networks and progress their careers. We’re excited to welcome a new cohort of talented musicians and support them as they take the next step on their journey.”

The inaugural 2025 cohort brought together a diverse group of artists from across the UK, providing funding, mentoring, business support and industry access designed to help participants strengthen their careers and expand their networks. Building on those foundations, the second cohort will continue to equip artists with the tools and support needed to navigate the music industry with confidence.

Key features of the programme include:

• Financial support: Participants will receive up to £3,000 to invest in their music and career development
• Business & industry support: Tailored one-on-one sessions and masterclasses covering branding, distribution, and income generation
• Mentoring: Personalised guidance from experienced industry professionals
• Networking and exposure: Access to influential networks and opportunities within the music industry
• Collaboration: Opportunities to connect and collaborate with a cohort of peers

Amplified reflects a shared commitment from MOBO and Help Musicians to support musicians creating music of Black origin. As the organisations approach ten years of partnership, they have invested nearly £1 million in funding, mentoring and career development support, helping artists unlock opportunities and build lasting careers in music.

Applications are now open and will be reviewed by Help Musicians alongside a panel of experienced industry professionals.