The Visual Cultures of Black British Music

From early broadcast aesthetics to contemporary digital production, music videos have played a central role in shaping how Black British music is seen, understood and remembered. 

Focusing on iconic and influential works from the past 50 years, the panel will examine how visual languages, from styling and choreography to cinematography and narrative, have amplified the cultural resonance of Black music. Together, speakers will unpack the creative decisions behind key videos, exploring how they construct, challenge and reimagine representations of Black British identity.

This panel forms part of a wider series of talks and screenings presented in collaboration with UCL and curated by Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka for The Music is Black Festival from East Bank at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.