A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating 100 years of Black British music has opened at the Barbican Music Library. Black Sound London explores the evolution of Black music in Britain, from the 1919 arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra to the rise of contemporary stars. Spanning jazz, lovers’ rock, jungle, grime, and more, the exhibition showcases how these genres moved from underground scenes to international stages.
Co-curated by Lloyd Bradley and Scott Leonard, Black Sound London features rare sound installations, vintage mixtapes, magazine covers, and fly-posted walls that document a century of musical innovation. Leonard emphasises the exhibition’s role in empowering the Black British music community to tell their own stories, ensuring that their contributions are accurately represented and preserved. In addition, two special “heritage collection days” will invite the public to share personal memories and have related artifacts 3D-scanned for future archival.
Running until July 19, Black Sound London highlights the resilience and DIY spirit of Black British artists who built their own platforms and audiences without mainstream support. The exhibition not only honors the past but also highlights the continuing impact of Black British music on global culture, making it an essential experience for music lovers and historians alike.
Read more about the Exhibition here:
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/black-sound-the-story-of-british-black-music
