An exhibition titled Black Sound London at the Barbican Music Library marks 100 years of black British music, aiming to empower the communities it represents. It highlights the evolution of the genre from its underground roots to mainstream recognition, beginning with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra’s arrival in 1919 and concluding with contemporary influences like Fuse ODG.

The City of London library invites anyone with memories of the black music scene to participate in two “heritage collection days”. During these events, stories can be shared, and related items will be 3D scanned for preservation.

Curator Scott Leonard, alongside author Lloyd Bradley, emphasised the importance of allowing the black music community to share their narratives: “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.” He noted that while music genres have evolved, core cultural elements remain consistent across artists such as Lord Kitchener and Dizzie Rascal.

This free exhibition is part of the City of London Corporation’s strategy to enhance the Square Mile’s appeal as a cultural and business hub, with over £130 million invested annually in heritage activities. Chris Hayward from the Corporation highlighted how the exhibition reflects the significance of niche record shops, pirate radio, and community venues in shaping the music scene.

Black Sound London runs until 19 July, offering a comprehensive look at the rich history of black British music.

The Black Sound London exhibition celebrates a century of black British music, focusing on its roots and evolution while empowering the communities that contributed to it. By enabling individuals to share their experiences, the exhibition preserves vital cultural narratives. It underscores the ongoing influence of both historical and contemporary artists in the genre, supported by a substantial commitment to cultural heritage from the City of London Corporation.

Original Source: news.bbc.co.uk

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