The Barbican Music Library’s “Black Sound London” exhibition explores a century of British Black music, showcasing its global impact and DIY culture. The exhibit runs from March 10th to July 19th and highlights key genres and the importance of local artists. Co-curated by Lloyd Bradley and Scott Leonard, it aims to preserve community narratives.
The Barbican Music Library is showcasing an exhibition titled “Black Sound London,” focusing on a century of British Black music and its global influence. Running from March 10th to July 19th, the exhibit emphasises the DIY culture within British Black music, highlighting genres such as jazz, lover’s rock, jungle, grime, and drill through various artefacts like mixtapes and flyers.
Co-curators Lloyd Bradley and Scott Leonard explore the evolution of Black British music, starting with the 1919 arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra in London. Their work underscores the importance of local artists who built their platforms independently, often without mainstream backing.
Leonard remarked on the traditional representation of black cultural heritage, stating that this exhibition allows the community to share their narratives meaningfully. He emphasised the need to capture and preserve their stories to prevent them from fading away.
As part of the Destination City initiative by the City of London Corporation, this free exhibition aims to position the area as a premier destination for culture and leisure. Further details about Black Sound London can be found online.
The “Black Sound London” exhibition at the Barbican Music Library highlights the significant contributions of British Black music to global culture, showcasing its history and DIY ethos. It empowers the community to share their stories, ensuring their cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. The exhibition runs until July 19th and is part of an initiative to enhance cultural engagement in the City of London.
Original Source: ra.co