While there has been a huge row over in the US about the state of Hollywood and the lack of diversity within the nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards this year, it seems that there is a debate of its own happening over in the UK, this time involving music. The Brit Awards is a big music event in the UK but, much like the Oscars, it seems that there is a huge row going on over the lack of diversity in the Brit Awards.
The Brit Awards took place earlier in the week and a lot of stars have come out to criticise the way the nominees are chosen, due to the extreme lack of diversity among the nominees. Now, Marina and the Diamonds star Marina Diamandis has become the latest star to complain about the awards, insisting that it is all about money and nothing to do with the actual music talent that is in the industry today.
The singer explained, "Reading about artists talking about BRIT Awards + lack of diversity. I just looked at the nominees and it's kind of sickening. The truth is the BRIT Awards is a CORPORATE award ceremony. Representing diversity is not a priority. Money is the priority. This doesn't always mean the artists getting the awards aren't deserving of them. We just need to realise what this award ceremony is for."
She continued, "To sell records. Particularly in what would normally be considered a lull-period for the music industry. (FEBRUARY) So, I don't if it's just plain racism or if it's down to (e.g.) grime artists not being as financially exploitable to them on a global scale I think what we need is an award ceremony somewhere in between the commerciality of the BRITS and the left-field Mercury's."
These latest comments come off the back of other music stars including Lily Allen, Stormzy, Krept and Konan.
