The Music is Black: A British Story
125 years of Black music-making in Britain. Spanning four continents, this is a story of excellence, struggle, resilience and joy.
125 years of Black music-making in Britain. Spanning four continents, this is a story of excellence, struggle, resilience and joy.
Step into The Music is Black: A British Story and travel through time as over 120 tracks from every era play directly through your headset. More than an exhibition, this immersive sound experience explores the power and impact of Black British music.
Exhibition
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Our partners at the BBC have created a season of content across iPlayer and Sounds inspired by The Music is Black.
Exhibition highlights
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India Fleming, Skin performing in Clit Rock suit made by Daniel Pollitt at Glastonbury, 2022 -
Stagewear customised and worn by DJ Paulette, 1992. Made by Knickerbox -
Acoustic guitar, 1964. Donated by Joan Armatrading -
So Solid Crew, Battersea Park, 2001 -
Big Mama Thornton for Arhoolie Records, about 1958 – 70 -
Skepta and Jammer, Run the Road, Fabric, 2005, London, England -
Sign for The Blue Note club, made by Tom Hingston, 1993 -
Mis-Teeq, 2003 -
Against Racism during The Specials’ set, gelatin silver print (printed 2012), 1981, Potternewton Park, Leeds
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Features
Five things to know about The Music is Black: A British Story
Five things to know about The Music is Black: A British Story
The Music is Black Playlist
The Music is Black Playlist
Every song featured in the audio soundscape for The Music is Black: A British Story at V&A East Museum
The voices behind the hits – spotlighting British backing and featured singers
The voices behind the hits – spotlighting British backing and featured singers
Spotlighting 14 talented British singers you might have never seen but will almost certainly have heard
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The Music is Black: A British Story
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With further support from
Sound experience supported by
In collaboration with
Header image:
Photography by Nathan Shadrach, featuring Chloe Carterr and Malik Henry