(IN)VISIBLE ENTREPRENEURS: CREATIVE ENTERPRISE in the URBAN MUSIC ECONOMY Joy White
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(IN)VISIBLE ENTREPRENEURS: CREATIVE ENTERPRISE IN THE URBAN MUSIC ECONOMY Joy White A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Greenwich for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy June 2014 DECLARATION “I certify that this work has not been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not concurrently being submitted for any degree other than that of Doctor of Philosophy being studied at the University of Greenwich. I also declare that this work is the result of my own investigations except where otherwise identified by references and that I have not plagiarised another’s work”. Signed: Signed: Dated: June 2014 ! "" ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of my supervisors, Dr Gauti Sigthorsson and Dr Stephen Kennedy. In particular, for letting me know that this research project had value and that it was a worthwhile object of study. Also, Dawn, Maxine, Dean and Alvin who proofread the final drafts - without complaining and resisted the temptation to ask whether I’d finished it yet. Lindsey and Gamze, for their encouragement and support throughout all of the economic and social ups and downs during the life of this project. My mum, Ivaline White whose three-week journey in 1954 from Jamaica to London provided the foundation, and gave me the courage, to start and to finish this. My daughter Karis, who once she had embraced her position as a ‘PhD orphan’, grew up with the project, accompanied me while I presented at an academic conference in Turkey, matured and evolved into an able research assistant, drawing my attention to significant events, music and debates. Most importantly, when I almost fell at the finish line, Karis reminded me why I had started this and told me to get on with it – to use the vernacular - “another 20,000 words? – That’s calm”. The people at the centre of this research project, all of my respondents, who were so generous with their time, deserve particular attention. I hope I have done them justice. Thanks to them a whole world opened up and I now have even more questions that I would like to find the answer to. A special shout out though must go to Andrew, the 15 year old MC who came to my business on work experience in 2007, because it was his presence that made me look up and begin to take notice. ! ! """ ABSTRACT This thesis contends that the NEET category obscures the significant impact of the accomplishments of those who operate in the informal creative economy. Grime music, a black Atlantic creative expression, is used as a lens through which to explore and analyse the nature of entrepreneurship within this sector. East London, a site of poverty, movement and migration is the geographical starting point for the project. Over a five-year period from 2007 – 2012, ethnographic field research was carried out in London and Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants in the sector. In addition, participant observation was undertaken in various settings including pirate radio stations, nightclubs and music video shoots. The global reach of those who operate within the urban music sector is highly visible and this sector has a significant socio-economic impact. Practitioners utilise advances in technology as well as innovative business practice to create opportunities for self- employment on a local, national and international scale. Grime music and its related enterprise culture is a mechanism for social and economic mobility particularly for those from ethnically stigmatised communities. The findings disrupt existing strategies to deal with youth unemployment. Suggestions are made for a more differentiated approach to support the reduction of youth unemployment and the development of business start-up and self- employment. Finally, further research areas are identified including a more in depth study into the global economy for UK urban music and an exploration of the process and practice of business start-up. ! 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