Challenging Misogyny in Music: Black Lives in Music Joins Soho House Panel with Cheer Up Luv
On Tuesday 14 October 2025, Black Lives in Music joined a powerful and timely panel discussion at Soho House London, hosted by Eliza Hatch, photographer, activist, and founder of Cheer Up Luv, a movement raising awareness of sexual harassment and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces for women and marginalised genders.
The panel brought together leading voices from across the music and media landscape to discuss the systemic barriers and biases that persist within the industry, and how collective action can drive meaningful change.
Joining Eliza on stage were Eve Horne, founder of We Are The Unheard, Innovative artist and performer Moonchild Sanelly, Glamour UK’s Purpose Editor Lucy Alexandra, and Mica Sefia, Project Lead at Black Lives in Music.
Bridging Two Worlds: The Artist and the Advocate
Speaking on the panel, Mica reflected on her experience at the intersection of artistry and advocacy.
As a singer, songwriter, and Leeds Conservatoire alumna, and now Project Lead at BLiM, Mica has first-hand understanding of both the creative and structural challenges facing women and underrepresented people in music.
“Being both a musician and someone working to promote inclusion gives me a full view of the challenges people face, from the rehearsal room to the boardroom. It also makes me hopeful, because I see the tangible difference that organisations like BLiM are making every day.”
Through her role at BLiM, Mica works to translate the organisation’s data and research into real-world impact, creating policies and initiatives that make music safer, fairer, and more inclusive.
Speaking on the panel, Mica reflected on her experience at the intersection of artistry and advocacy.
From Research to Reform: Addressing Misogyny in Music
The discussion reflected on the landmark moment earlier this year when BLiM CEO Charisse Beaumont presented evidence to the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Select Committee (WEC) on Misogyny in the Music Industry. Drawing on BLiM’s research, Charisse highlighted widespread bullying, harassment, and misogyny, calling for stronger government intervention and systemic reform.
At Soho House, Mica expanded on those recommendations:
“Our research shows that change won’t happen through statements alone. We need enforceable policies, accountability systems, and equitable access to support and funding. It’s about transforming the culture, not just the conversation.”
Culture, Accountability and the Power of Platform
The panel tackled some of the most pressing questions facing the industry today: Why do artists with histories of abuse allegations still fill arenas? How do we change a culture that so often protects power rather than people?
“The music industry can’t claim progress while ignoring harm,” Mica said. “We have to redefine success to include ethics, care and accountability. Cultural change begins when we stop excusing misconduct and start centring the wellbeing of our communities.”
The panel also discussed corporate responsibility in moments of public backlash, such as LIVE’s recent announcement that £1 from every ticket sold on Marilyn Manson’s UK tour will go toward a new LIVE Trust supporting the grassroots music sector.
Mica noted that while such funding can support important work, true accountability must go deeper:
“Investing in the grassroots is vital, but it can’t be a substitute for responsibility. The focus has to be on prevention, ensuring that those who cause harm are not continually platformed.”
The Path Forward: Collective Responsibility
The evening ended on a note of collaboration and resolve. All panellists agreed that progress requires the collective effort of individuals, organisations, and the wider industry to foster equity and safety for all.
“The work we do at BLiM is about transforming the music industry from the inside out,” Mica concluded. “That means listening, learning, and taking action together to make this a space where everyone can thrive, free from harm and full of possibility.”
About Mica Sefia
Mica Sefia is a singer, songwriter and Leeds Conservatoire alumna, where she also worked as EDI Project Coordinator. She now serves as Project Lead at Black Lives in Music, using her lived experience in the music industry to educate others and create safe, equitable spaces for underrepresented creatives. Her work focuses on developing inclusive policies and opportunities that ensure everyone can enjoy, participate and succeed in music, no matter their background.
Images by @caryshuws