At this year’s We Out Here Festival, acclaimed artist Yaya Bey delivered a powerful speech on racism in the UK and the urgent need for active anti-racist allyship.
The Brooklyn-based musician took a moment during her performance to speak candidly about systemic racism and the historical context behind it, drawing attention to colonial legacies and their impact on Black and brown communities worldwide.
“The UK is America’s Mother”
“The UK specifically is the most racist place I’ve ever been,” Yaya Bey declared to the crowd.
Comparing racial dynamics in the UK and the United States, she stressed the deep-rooted history of colonialism that shapes global systems of oppression.
“Black and brown people have a different relationship to England than Black people in America,” she explained, referencing the UK’s colonial past. “England would not be anything without these… quote-unquote immigrants that people are mad about. You went to Africa, you went to the Caribbean, you went to Asia, you did those things. And people wouldn’t be here if you would give them their shit back.”
A Call for Meaningful Allyship
Yaya Bey didn’t just highlight the problem—she urged the audience to take actionable steps in dismantling racism.
“You cannot be an ally if you are a passive ally,” she said, challenging her listeners to engage directly in anti-racist efforts. “Jump in front of the fight or some shit. Use your body, do something meaningful—not just like, ‘It’s a shame what you lot are going through.’”
A Festival Moment to Remember
Yaya Bey’s unapologetic remarks earned widespread praise from attendees and social media users alike, with one festival-goer describing her speech as “10/10 no notes🙌🏾.”
Known for her fearless artistry and thought-provoking lyrics, Yaya Bey continues to use her platform to spotlight social justice issues, making her performance at We Out Here Festival an unforgettable highlight of the event.
