An exhibition celebrating 100 years of black British music, titled "Black Sound London," is currently taking place at the Barbican Music Library. This event aims to empower the communities from which the music originates and to preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with this genre.
The exhibition begins with the historic arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra from the United States to London in 1919 and traces the evolution of black British music to contemporary artists like Fuse ODG, who provided his afrobeat response to the charity anthem "Do They Know It's Christmas?" These developments represent more than just musical milestones; they demonstrate the enduring influence and significance of black culture within the broader British music scene.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to engage with the past meaningfully. Two special "heritage collection days" will create unique opportunities for members of the community to share their memories of the capital’s vibrant black music scene. Participants can have their stories recorded and have items related to their memories 3D scanned to be preserved for future generations.
Scott Leonard, who curated the exhibition alongside author Lloyd Bradley, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, "Too often, black cultural heritage is packaged presented to the people by those who weren't there, so this type of exhibition at Barbican Music Library and the 'heritage collecting' days reverse the lens. They enable and empower the British black music community to tell their stories of what it was, and what it meant to them, because they must be captured and preserved before these stories disappear forever."
Leonard highlighted how the music genres may have transformed over time, but the underlying culture and process are constant. Key figures such as Lord Kitchener, Eddy Grant, Carroll Thompson, The Cookie Crew, Jazzie B, Ms Dynamite, and Dizzie Rascal have all contributed to the same cultural legacy—their journeys intertwined throughout the decades of black British music.
The exhibition is part of the City of London Corporation's "Destination City" initiative, which focuses on growth strategies for the Square Mile as not only a business hub but also as a cultural hotspot. The Corporation invests over £130 million each year to support heritage and cultural activities across the UK, positioning projects like this as part of their mission to enliven communities through cultural engagement.
Chris Hayward from the City of London Corporation commented, "With its many styles and charismatic performers, Black Sound London will strike a chord with everyone who enjoys listening to British black music and is eager to discover how LP sales at niche record shops, airtime on pirate radio stations, and community spaces have played pivotal roles in the success of this music." This speaks to the grassroots nature of the genre and its relationship with the communities it springs from.
Visitors interested in experiencing the exhibition are encouraged to attend before it concludes on July 19, 2025. By participating, attendees not only engage with historical music but also contribute to the continuous story of black British culture, ensuring the legacy lives on for future audiences to appreciate.
BLACK SOUND LONDON is more than just an exhibition; it serves as a cultural touchstone, reflecting the challenges, triumphs, and narratives of generations within the black British music scene. The hope is for everyone to not only listen to the music but also embrace the stories and histories intertwined with it, celebrating the diverse influences and contributions of the black community to Britain's rich musical heritage.