Exhibition
The Music is Black: A British Story
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Journeys of the Drums of the African Diaspora - Livestream
Join an array of British drumming and percussive talent working in jazz, samba, rock, reggae, Acid Jazz and indie to explore the rhythmic route of travel of African descendant drum and percussion play
The first object on display in V&A East museum’s inaugural exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story exhibition is The Drummer, a bronze sculpture created by renowned Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu. Its preeminent placement pays tribute to the drum's importance across the African continent: it is more than a musical instrument. It is a tool of communication; a vessel of speech and a means of messaging shaped in its distinction by regional, faith and ethnic cultural practices and contexts.
Jazz drummer and composer Moses Boyd will lead an evening of conversation and musical demonstration with guests that will include Zeke Manyika (Orange Juice), Sola Akingbola (Jamiroquai) and young drumming sensation Nandi Bushell.
This talk will be held on Zoom, and ticket holders will receive a link to view live on the morning of the event. The talk will also be recorded, and available to view for ticketholders after the event.
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Header image: Ben Enwonwu, The Drummer. Courtesy of the Ben Enwonwu Foundation. Photograph courtesy of Sotheby’s