The British Library has announced a new exhibition focused on the history of Black British music which will run from April 26th to August 26th. Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music will be the first exhibition of its kind and document the people, spaces, and genres that have helped shape British music over the past five centuries. The exhibition will explore the influence of Black British creatives, entrepreneurs, and musicians, delving into musical genres including classical, gospel, jazz, reggae, jungle, and afroswing.
Through soundscapes, artwork, and film, the exhibition aims to shine a light on the trailblazers and innovators who brought new music to the UK, as well as exploring the layered Black experiences that created a thriving musical culture and history. It will feature 200 displays, including interviews with Fela Kuti and Shirley Bassey, jazz musician Gary Crosby’s musical instruments, visual art by Errol Lloyd, and costumes worn by singer Patti Flynn.
Alongside the exhibition, there will also be various events such as performances and talks from DJ Paulette, Jamz Supernova, George the Poet, and Ezra Collective. Additionally, a ‘Late at the Library’ party, organized in collaboration with the online radio station No Signal, will be held.
Dr. Aleema Gray, the lead curator of the Beyond the Bassline exhibition, said that “Black British music is more than a soundtrack. It has formed part of an expansive cultural industry that transformed British culture.” Tickets for Beyond the Bassline are available now from £15, and there will also be “Pay What You Can” days on the first Wednesday of each month. For those who can’t make it in person, some of the events taking place will be streamed online and available to view on catch-up for 48 hours afterwards. More information about the exhibition and its events can be found on the Beyond the Bassline website
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