Story of Black British music writ large in first exhibition at V&A East
SkimNews Take
The exhibition's focus on Black British music as central to the national cultural narrative, alongside its economic impact, challenges historical omissions that have relegated these contributions to the periphery.
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- Jacqueline Springer curated 'The Music is Black', gathering 200 items from African drums to drill, including Pauline Black’s iconic outfit (temporarily loaned).
- Gus Casely‑Hayford says the show repositions Black British music as a central thread in the UK’s cultural story, moving it from marginal to major.
- British Library and Barbican previously hosted Black music surveys, but V&A East’s exhibition is larger in scope and institutional backing.
- Mobo Awards marked their 30‑year anniversary, underscoring Black British artists’ mainstream dominance.
- Industry research reports Black music generated about 80 % of UK music industry revenue in the past three decades.
- Pauline Black’s 2‑Tone outfit and Ben Enwonwu’s drum sculpture are among the highlighted artifacts, linking past and present.
- Rene Matić, a Turner prize nominee, contributes a contemporary piece, showcasing the exhibition’s artistic range.
Why it matters: The V&A East exhibition adds 200 Black British music artifacts to its collection, granting them permanent institutional recognition.
