GoFundMe launched for techno producer Ciarra Black following MS diagnosis

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Berlin-via-Brooklyn DJ and producer Ciarra Black after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2023.

Black, who has been DJing and making music solo and with others for more than a decade, is currently undergoing treatment for the neurological disease, but this and its progression since her diagnosis has meant that her “life has been put on hold”, a note on the GoFundMe page said.

Friends of Black have set up the fundraiser with the goal of raising enough money to cover her living costs so that she can “focus on healing while she continues to be unable to work, and eventually pursue her dreams while living with the reality of MS.”

The GoFundMe note added: “The past year 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. Unable to work, she’s spent her time going to doctor’s appointments and trying to focus on healing and staying positive. Still, the stress of not having a safety net has really affected her wellbeing, since stress is a major factor in the progression of MS.

“Anyone who has had the privilege of meeting Ciarra 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!).

“She has DJed and made music in various bands and solo outfits for more than 15 years, and shortly before her diagnosis, was awarded a residency with the esteemed performance arts venue Pioneer Works, where she worked on advancing her knowledge of spatial sound design and passing her skills along to students.”

You can support the GoFundMe campaign here.

Black has released music on labels including No-Tech, Pendulum Recordings, Oramics and bizaarbazaar.