BLACK SOUND LONDON | Barbican Library

During my recent return to London, I had the chance to visit the Barbican for the very first time - a place I had heard so much about but never explored in person. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Barbican (derived from the Latin word ''Barbecana'', meaning "fortified gateway") is known for its striking Brutalist architecture. This architectural style emerged in the UK during the 1950s as part of post-war reconstruction projects, characterized by minimalist constructions that emphasize raw building materials and structural elements over decorative design.

Beyond its distinctive look, the Barbican features over 2,000 flats, home to more than 4,000 residents. It also includes a picturesque lake with a lakeside terrace, lush gardens, fountains, shops, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the City of London School for Girls, and the Barbican Library. At its heart lies the world-renowned Barbican Centre - a multi-arts cultural hub and nearby stands St. Giles' Church, Cripplegate, one of the few medieval churches to have survived the Great Fire of London.

  

With such a rich cultural offering, what better way to experience the Barbican for the first time than through 'Black Sound London', an exhibition celebrating the undeniable impact of Black British music?

The Barbican Music Library is currently home to 'Black Sound London', a compelling exhibition that chronicles 100 years of Black British music. It is running from March 10 to July 19, 2025, showcasing the profound influence of Black musicians on Britain’s soundscape. Curated by music historian and author of 'Bass Culture' and 'Sounds like London', Lloyd Bradley and exhibition designer Scott Leonard, the exhibition captures the journey from Jazz and Reggae to Grime and Drill, celebrating the artists and movements that have reshaped music culture.

Stepping into 'Black Sound London' is the finest timemachine to an essential part of musical history. The exhibition highlights the independent spirit that has propelled Black British artists to global recognition. Through rare mixtapes, historic magazine covers, and street-style posters, visitors gain insight into how genres like Grime and Lovers’ Rock evolved from underground movements into mainstream successes.

It fosters community involvement, encouraging attendees to share their personal experiences and contributions, ensuring these stories are not forgotten.

The exhibition unfolds through key moments in Black British music history:

1919: Jazz arrives in London. The Southern Syncopated Orchestra introduces jazz to Britain, setting the stage for future innovations.
1927: Parlophone Records licenses nine calypsos recorded by Trinidadians in New York and the first West Indian records released in UK.

1937: Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson's West Indian Dance Band is the UK's first all-black swing band with no American members.
1940s: Trinidad Calypso. It became popular in Britain from the late 1940's, led by singers such as Lord Kitchener.
1954: Jamaican Duke Vin sets up what is widely regarded as UK's first authentic Jamaican-type soundsystem, Duke Vin The Tickler, in Ladbroke Grove.

1960s: The rise of Lovers’ Rock. A London-born subgenre of reggae emerges, with artists like Janet Kay capturing the emotions of the diaspora.

1970s-1980s: Reggae and Punk collide. British reggae bands like Steel Pulse and Aswad thrive alongside punk acts like The Clash, blending influences.
1990s: Jungle and Drum & Bass take off. Underground raves give rise to a fast-paced genre and also UK Garage and 2-step evolve out of Jungle.

2000s: Dubstep plus Grime’s global domination.

Beyond this traditional footage, 'Black Sound London' offers a truly immersive experience. Visitors can experience sound installations, where era-defining tracks from different musical movements play, showcasing the evolution of Black British sound.
Also, various vintage mixtapes allow attendees to discover rare compilations that chart the journey of these unique genres, while magazine covers & posters offer a visual history of how Black artists have been portrayed in the media over the years.

In addition to the musicians, the exhibition also features portraits of influential personas who have made their own mark on the cultural landscape. Among them are Margaret Busby, UK's first Black woman publisher in 1967, Nigerian playwright and poet Wole Soyinka - the first African to win Nobel Prize in Literature, the renowned Kenyan politician and activist Yomo Kenyatta, and the prominent activist Claudia Jones, just to name just a few. Their inclusion serves as a reminder how their unique perspectives have contributed to the broader culture.

'Black Sound London' is not only an exploration of musical heritage but also a call to action to reclaim and redefine the narrative of Britain’s cultural history. It’s an opportunity for those who experienced, created, and enjoyed this music to ensure their voices are heard.

As part of this effort, 'Black Sound London' will host two Heritage Collection Days at the Barbican. These days will invite anyone who has contributed to or been part of London's Black music scene to bring in a meaningful item - whether a record, a flyer, an instrument, or even something as personal as shoes worn to a rave - to be scanned and added to a digital archive. Participants will have the chance to share their story, explaining its significance in their personal journey through Black music culture.

The Heritage Collection Days will take place at the Barbican Music Library on Saturday, June 14 and Saturday, July 5, from 11:00 AM to 3:45 PM.

Additionally, the City of London-owned library will offer attendees the chance to share their memories through interviews, preserving these personal stories for future generations. The items and memories will be digitally archived and 3D scanned, creating a valuable and enduring resource that documents the rich cultural history of Black British music.

Leaving the beautiful Barbican after experiencing 'Black Sound London', I felt a deep sense of cultural pride and somehow connected to the powerful history that was widely open in front of me. The exhibition offers a compelling cultural statement. It is undoubtedly a must-attend event.
For those passionate about music, heritage, and culture, this is an unmissable experience. Running until July 19, Black Sound London serves as a powerful reminder of how music has been a tool of identity, resistance, and expression - and why it must continue to be celebrated.

Last but not least, you can give a watch to the documentary below which highlights a previously-hidden history of England’s independent record stores that specialised in Black music. With valuable insight from those who worked and shopped in them through the decades. Featuring Jazzie B, Trevor Nelson, Marcia Carr, Claudia Wilson, Ammo Talwar MBE, DJ SS, DJ Rap, DJ Spoony, Wookie, Jeff Smith and Simon Dunmore.

Managed by 2Funky Arts and produced by Simon Phillips.

Watch here

  

  BLACK SOUND LONDON   

(10th March - 19th July 2025)

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/black-sound-the-story-of-british-black-music

Library Opening Times

Mon: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tue: 9:30am - 7:30pm
Wed: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thu: 9:30am - 7:30pm
Fri: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Sat: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Closed Sundays
Closed bank holidays
Also closed on Saturday 19 April.

Admission: free

Address:

Barbican Library
Barbican Centre
London
EC2Y 8DS

Additional useful links to check:

https://blackculturalarchives.org/

https://www.lloydbradley.net/

https://theblackmusicrecordshop.co.uk/

https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/events/black-sound-london

GLOWKiD w/ Amsterdam Junglists : Generation X [RadioShow] - Aaja Radio (11th March 2025)