The “Black Sound London” exhibition at the Barbican celebrates 100 years of black British music, showcasing its progression from underground roots to mainstream success. Curators aim to empower communities by allowing individuals to share their stories. The free exhibition runs until 19 July, part of a broader cultural initiative by the City of London Corporation.
An exhibition titled “Black Sound London” at the Barbican Music Library is celebrating 100 years of black British music. It aims to empower ethnic communities by showcasing the genre’s evolution from underground music to mainstream recognition. The exhibition starts in 1919 with the Southern Syncopated Orchestra’s arrival in London and ends with Fuse ODG’s contemporary contributions.
The City of London-owned library will host special “heritage collection days” for individuals to share memories of the city’s black music scene. Participants can be interviewed and have relevant items 3D scanned for historical preservation.
Curator Scott Leonard, alongside author Lloyd Bradley, emphasised the importance of representation in cultural heritage, stating that the exhibition allows the community to share their narratives. He noted that while music genres have changed over time, the cultural processes remain consistent, pointing out figures like Lord Kitchener and Dizzie Rascal as examples.
The free exhibition is part of Destination City, an initiative by the City of London Corporation to enhance the Square Mile’s cultural offerings. They invest over £130 million annually in heritage and cultural activities, supporting institutions like Tower Bridge and Guildhall Art Gallery.
Chris Hayward from the City of London Corporation remarked that the exhibition will resonate with lovers of British black music. It runs until 19 July, encouraging visitors to explore the impact of local music, record shops, and community spaces on the genre’s success.
The “Black Sound London” exhibition at the Barbican celebrates a century of black British music, highlighting its cultural significance and evolution. With initiatives for community storytelling, it empowers individuals to preserve their musical memories. The City of London Corporation supports this endeavour by investing in cultural activities, enhancing public engagement and appreciation of black music history.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk