Fundraiser launched for techno DJ Ciarra Black following MS diagnosis

A GoFundMe has been launched to help alleviate financial stress for techno DJ and producer Ciarra Black after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2023.

Launched by the DJ’s close friends, the fundraiser is asking for donations to help Black with the financial costs of living with the life-long neurological condition that has gradually impacted her “walking and mobility, cognitive and motor functions, use of her hands and dexterity”, and caused “many other chronic debilitating symptoms”.

With a goal of reaching €25,000, the fundraiser would help the artist with living expenses and medical costs while she is unable to work.

Before her diagnosis, Black toured globally and ran her own label, Pendulum Recordings, whilst living in Berlin. Having started out in New York, she’d recently been awarded a residency at Pioneer Works, the city’s prestigious arts and cultural centre.

Sadly, Ciarra Black’s friends say that her life has been “put on hold” in the past year, which has been “isolating and scary for her as she’s reimagined new ways of navigating through life and coming to terms with an uncertain future”.

“Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Ciarra,” they write, “can attest to what a strong and vibrant force she is; not just a pivotal member of the global experimental and dance music community, she’s also a prominent and fierce voice for political justice and human rights, and on a personal level, an unwaveringly loyal friend (and dog mom!).”

They also note that Black maintains strong ambitions for the future, despite its “uncertainty”, with dreams to “return to the stage and the studio and promote accessibility tools for other disabled musicians as well.”

Speaking on Instagram, Black explained: “Please know I am grateful for you all and the vibrant community I’ve built through music, touring, space and time.”

“MS is not a disease you can “beat” but it is absolutely possible to slow it in its tracks and have an improved quality of life. Any contribution will help give me a great amount of financial relief in order to focus on rehabilitation and improve my overall wellbeing.”

Donate to the fundraiser here.

Meena Sears is Mixmag’s Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram