Kurt Farquhar's powerful message at the HMMAs in Los Angeles

“There is another me out there times ten. I beg you to let him in. Please”

Kurt Farquhar during his acceptance speech at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards on November 16, Los Angeles. © Sophie Janinet

Saluted with an award for over 30 years of career during the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in Los Angeles on November 16, the composer called on Hollywood to be more diversified.

We owe him the soundtrack of the new Netflix series First Kill, but not only. Kurt Farquhar is indeed known to be the most prolific African-American composer in Hollywood for television. A reputation that is not to be made anymore, and yet, one seems to confine him to certain projects, and certain musical genres.

Awarded for his work at the HMMA ceremony, the composer took the opportunity to share his gratitude, but also to appeal to the profession with a very strong message:

“I would give back this award, and give back every job that I ever had if (it meant) more people in Hollywood would look in a different way to somebody who might not be the obvious choice.

Everytime a brother come in, you ain’t got to have him do the hip hop.

Hell my favourite movie is country and western and I’m never playing none of that.

I wrote my first symphony when I was twelve years old. I don’t have anything to do with that. But I got a job doing urban music because I was black.

Let’s try to open up and allow the possibility that somebody, some woman, some man, people of color, people who are different then you, they might have a different take and broaden you beautiful artwork.

Please I’m begging you. Expend. Let some more in. There is another me out there times ten.

I beg you to let him in. Please. Please.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate this, from the bottom of my heart. I love you, I love you all.”

The audience, mainly composed of the greatest talents of music in Hollywood, gave a warm response to his speech.

Even if the issue of diversity is increasingly taken into account in American cinema, it seemed to focus mainly on actors and directors until now.

With this message, Kurt Farquhar urges his profession to reflect on the issue, not only from the skin color perspective but also when it comes to people’s backgrounds. Reminding everyone that the talent of African American musicians is not limited to one musical genre.

Kurt Farquhar accompanied by his family on the red carpet of the HMMA 2022 in Los Angeles © Sophie Janinet