Sociologist and Black Studies lecturer Dr Dionne Taylor met with pop star Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock to discuss issues of bias within the music industry and how pop culture is failing to represent Black British women.
Recorded footage of discussions has been published online, complementing Leigh-Anne’s ‘Race, Pop and Power’ BBC Three documentary, in which the singer-songwriter embarks on a personal journey to understand how she can use her platform and privilege to combat racism in society.
In a visit to Birmingham City University’s City Centre Campus, Dr Dionne Taylor and Leigh-Anne discussed issues of racism and discrimination facing female and male music artists, whilst also discussing Dr Taylor’s research exploring the impact of popular culture representations on young Black British women.
"I wanted to use my voice to address colourism because I am so aware of how awful it is and it is just something that needs to be spoken about,” said Leigh-Anne. "I wanted to speak about my experiences and the way I felt in the band, being the Black girl in the band and people identifying me as the Black girl. I really wanted to explore why I felt so overlooked, so shadowed and it was down to my colour.”
Leigh-Anne rose to fame in 2011 as part of Little Mix - the first group to win ITV’s ‘The X Factor’. Best-known for hits ‘Shout Out To My Ex’, ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Wings’, the girl-group has won three Brit Awards and sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
