THE V&A EAST IS HOSTING THE MUSIC IS BLACK, A BRITISH STORY EXHIBITION, TELLING THE STORY OF THE HERITAGE OF BLACK BRITISH MUSIC

By Georgia Chapman | @georgia_chapman99 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Black influence has played an integral part in the British tapestry of music.

From Dame Shirley Bassey to Sade.
From Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to Stormzy and Skepta.
From Big Mama Thornton to Little Simz.

Where would we be without the giants of British music?

THE ARCHIVES

It would be remiss to speak about Black music in Britain without outlying the atrocities that the slave trade and the further prejudice caused. The archives displayed the ‘Charter of Royal Adventurers of England Trading into Africa, 1663’ in which King Charles II signed, making the trade of African people legal. Through this very ominous and devastating beginning, exhibition-goers can understand the gravity and triumph of what they are about to experience.

As you flow through the space, you come across different fragments of Black history, with “Great’ Britain 1900-1969, which discussed Black history during both World Wars and the Windrush era. British-Born Black Music highlights the specific sounds we have grown up with, from Reggae, to Lovers Rock and Brit Funk. From 2-Tone to Jungle and Drum and Bass. All displaying Black excellency through artefacts such as the steel pan owned by Russell Henderson, and clothing worn by superstars such as Seal and Sade. Clips of jazz bars decorate the space and encourage audiences to imagine they are part of that history. Not only does the exhibition salute Black British music, but also television series with the Top Boy coat on display, demonstrating its power in portraying the experience of Black people.

Music compliments the space as the headphones V&A provide, play tracks that mirror moments of the time. With 120 tracks designed to honour and reflect, as you move so does the track, ensuring the exhibition go-er is fully engrossed in the moment.

WHERE IS IT?

The fantastic array of artwork, sound and musical paraphernalia is displayed at the V&A East Museum (Stratford) – not to be confused by the V&A Storehouse or the Original V&A in South Kensington. If you do happen to accidentally go to the Storehouse like myself, fear not, it is just a short 10 minute walk over, the V&A South Kensington however, is a much further detour.

WHY SHOULD YOU GO?

If you want to learn more about heritage, influence and expression – The Music is Black is the place for you.

My friends excitedly accompanied me to this exhibition. Kemi describes that “I like the fact that there was a mixture of things. There were the videos with archives, and live artefacts with captions. I would definitely go again.”

Fran explained “I enjoyed how the exhibition showed the connection between music, fashion, identity and wider culture. I liked seeing the links between different genres and generations, and how the sounds have changed over time.

“The headphones, video footage, outfits and personal items made it feel really engaging. Rather than just walking around and reading about the history, you actually got to experience it through the music and visuals.”

The Music is Black is evidently one of the most profound exhibitions you can visit in London.

The Music is Black: A British Story closes at V&A East on Sunday 10 January 2027.

WEBSITE

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