The Barbican Music Library is currently hosting an exhibition that celebrates 100 years of Black British music. Titled “Black Sound London,” the exhibition delves into the rich history of Black British music, starting from the arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra in London in 1919 to the present day. It explores various genres that have played a significant role in shaping British Black music, such as jazz, lovers’ rock, jungle, grime, and more, spanning a century-long timeline.
Co-curated by Lloyd Bradley and Scott Leonard, “Black Sound London” opened on March 10 at the Barbican Library and will be on display until July 19. According to Leonard, the exhibition aims to present Black cultural heritage from the perspective of the British Black music community, allowing them to share their stories and experiences that have often been overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives. Leonard emphasized the importance of capturing and preserving these stories before they disappear forever.
In addition to showcasing the work of artists who have carved out their own spaces and audiences in the music industry, the exhibition also encourages public participation. Two “heritage collection days” will be held at the library, where members of the public can share their memories and have items related to their experiences 3D-scanned. “Black Sound London” features a range of artifacts, including sound installations, magazine covers, vintage mixtapes, and fly-posted walls, offering a multi-sensory journey through 100 years of Black British music history.
For more information about “Black Sound London” and to explore the exhibition further, visit the Barbican Music Library website. Join in the celebration of Black British music and contribute to the preservation of this rich cultural legacy
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