Social Media Influencer Simone Umba Sparks Debate on UK Media’s Treatment of Black Female Creators

by Gee NY

Simone Umba, a prominent social media influencer known as a “Pop Culture Librarian,” has reignited conversations about how the UK media treats Black creators, particularly Black female artists.

Her comments, originally shared on Instagram, dissect ongoing disparities in media coverage, critique, and recognition for Black talent within the UK entertainment industry.

Umba’s remarks come on the heels of discussions about Float, a UK-based R&B group, and their debut album Access All Areas. While the album has received widespread acclaim in the United States, it faced harsh criticism from some UK media outlets.

The Independent, for example, dismissed the album as a “flop,” giving it a mere 2 out of 5 stars. The publication further criticized the group’s inability to match the “magic” of US artists and questioned their ability to carve out a distinct identity in the R&B landscape.

The US vs. UK Media Divide

Fans of Float and other UK-based Black R&B artists have voiced frustrations, echoing Umba’s sentiments that UK media often fails to support homegrown Black talent.

This neglect frequently forces artists to seek success in the US, where their contributions are more celebrated.

Renee, a member of Float, had previously addressed this in their song I’m Just a Girl, Umba revealed in a riveting post on the matter recently.

According to the “Pop Culture Librarian”, the lyrics poignantly ask, “How many Black girls do you see on center stage now?”—highlighting the systemic barriers Black women face in the UK music industry. Umba used this as a key example of the struggles these artists endure, calling attention to their underrepresentation and lack of mainstream support.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCmmBAdyohc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cynthia Erivo and the Wicked Premiere

Umba also pointed out a glaring instance of media erasure involving Cynthia Erivo. During the London premiere of Wicked, UK coverage heavily focused on Ariana Grande while virtually ignoring Erivo, who stars alongside Grande in the much-anticipated film.

This oversight mirrors past criticisms Erivo has faced, where her contributions to major projects were sidelined in favor of lighter-skinned or more mainstream co-stars. Umba described this erasure as indicative of a broader issue within the UK media’s approach to Black artists.

A Call for Change

Umba’s post, which has since gone viral, strikes at the heart of systemic issues in the entertainment industry. By comparing the UK and US approaches, she underscores how Black talent often feels undervalued in their home country. Her commentary resonates not just with fans but with creators across the diaspora, who face unique challenges in gaining recognition for their work.

The debate has spurred calls for greater accountability within the UK media and entertainment sectors, with many demanding more equitable treatment for Black creators.

As Umba aptly noted, “Regardless of what part of the diaspora we’re from, we’re all Black—and we deserve better.”

Related Posts

Crown App

FREE
VIEW