Photo by Peter Anderson/PYMCA/Avalon/Getty Images
This spring, in the heart of London’s Barbican Music Library, a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing and celebrating the indelible mark that black British music has left on the world is taking place. Black Sound London isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a testament to the relentless spirit and global impact of Black British music over the past century. Running from March 10 to July 19, 2025, this showcase is a clarion call to acknowledge the significant impact of the Black British music community; a space to ensure that contributions are accurately represented and preserved.
From the audacious rhythms of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra’s 1919 arrival to Fuse ODG’s Afrobeat rendition of ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, the exhibition charts a course through time, illuminating the journey from underground beats to mainstream anthems. It’s a narrative of resilience, innovation, and unyielding passion.
Curated by the visionary duo of Scott Leonard and author Lloyd Bradley, Black Sound London is more than a collection; it’s an experiential tale of musical history. Leonard emphasizes the urgency of this endeavor, stating that it “empowers the British Black music community to tell their stories… before these stories disappear forever.”
The exhibition delves into the evolution of genres, showcasing how pioneers like Lord Kitchener, Eddy Grant, Carroll Thompson, The Cookie Crew, Jazzie B, Ms. Dynamite, and Dizzee Rascal navigated the ever-changing musical landscape, all while adhering to an unspoken code of authenticity and cultural fidelity. Through vintage mixtapes, iconic magazine covers, and fly-posted walls, visitors witness how genres like grime and lovers’ rock rewrote the soundtrack of Britain, transforming its musical landscape from the underground up.
Supported by the City of London’s Destination City initiative, this free exhibition is a testament to the city’s commitment to honoring its rich cultural tapestry. Chris Hayward of the City of London Corporation aptly notes that Black Sound London will strike a chord with everyone keen to find out how LP sales in niche record shops, air time on pirate radio stations, and community spaces played a key role in its success.
Black Sound London isn’t merely an exhibition – it’s a movement, a celebration, and a preservation of a legacy that has indelibly shaped the soundscape of Britain and beyond, and a long-overdue site for the Black British music community to honour their contributions to the industry. It’s a must-see for anyone who understands that music is never removed from its political climate.
The exhibition runs until 19 July. Follow the Barbican Music Library HERE.
