Big Dada relaunches as a label run by – and for – black, POC and minority ethnic people.
Home to Roots Manuva and many others set to relaunch
Big Dada, the hip-hop offshoot of Coldcut’s Ninja Tune label, is relaunching as a label run by black, POC and minority ethnic staff and for artists of the same heritage.
The label was founded in 1997 by music journalist Will Ashon, who left in 2014, and has been home to many successful acts including Roots Manuva, Wiley and Mercury prize winners Young Fathers, alongside the likes of Kate Tempest and Run The Jewels.
Big Dada’s mission statement, released along with the news, reads as follows:
Big Dada is relaunched as a label run by Black, POC & Minority Ethnic people for Black, POC & Minority Ethnic artists*
A team of like minded individuals working together to form a community that champions, shines a light on, supports & nourishes the music & artists.
Working to amplify Black and racialised artists voices, Big Dada looks to shift the narrative around this music, bypassing stereotypes to allow and encourage freedom to express oneself for who they are and want to be.
Big Dada has a long history and heritage which will be built upon whilst deepening its cultural identity by supporting & offering resources to a new generation of artists.
*for lack of a better term
Alongside the relaunch comes a new look for Big Dada, including a refreshed logo and website revamp plus new merch sourced from sustainable clothing company Rapanui and finished by London based black owned independent embroiderers. A new website will also feature music industry tips, from general music legal advice, collecting agencies and distribution, through to mental health resources for black and POC artists.