The major record companies will suspend their activity on Tuesday to show their support against police violence against African-Americans in the United States, an initiative with which several artists have joined.
Sony Music, Warner Music Group and Universal Music will participate in "Black Out Tuesday", " a day to observe, make contact and organize ", according to a message published Monday by Universal Music. Subsidiary companies of these three giants of the music industry but also numerous independent labels have indicated that they will also participate in it. Sony Music announces " a day of action devoted to significant changes in our society, now and in the future . "
Read also: Our report in Minneapolis, in the epicenter of the riots that ignite the United States
The initiative, which uses the keyword #TheShowMustBePaused (the show must pause, lag with the phrase "The Show Must Go On") was launched by two black executives from the music industry, including Jamila Thomas, of Atlantic Records, a subsidiary of Warner Music Group and Brianna Agyemang. It echoes the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police and the protest movement that followed. The two women present it as a call to the music industry, " which has benefited predominantly from black art ", to protect and enhance the black community.
Several artists, including the Rolling Stones, David Guetta, Massive Attack and Quincy Jones have announced that they are joining forces. " It's hard to find the words, because I've faced racism all my life ," producer and musician Quincy Jones tweeted. That said, it is resurfacing and, damn it, it's time to tackle it once and for all. "
Read also: In Minneapolis, under curfew, residents organize their defense
Many podcast producers, musical and otherwise, have also said they will suspend their programs on Tuesday. " It is not a 24-hour initiative ," announced the two women behind the movement on their dedicated site. “ We will fight this fight for the long term. An action plan will be announced. "
Since the beginning of the demonstrations which followed the death of George Floyd, several artists have taken a public stand against the police violence targeting blacks in the United States, in particular Beyoncé or Rihanna.