Discover what a champagne bottle signed by Stormzy, Beethoven’s tuning fork, and a giant peacock Carnival costume have in common at the unique exhibition currently on display at the British Library.
“Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music” is a groundbreaking exhibition that showcases the rich history of music from the UK’s African and Caribbean communities.
This exhibition, running until August 24, offers immersive soundscapes and original commissioned artworks, setting it apart from traditional library exhibits.
The exhibition is divided into five sections, starting with “Ocean” which delves into the colonial history of black British music, and concluding with “Cyberspace” examining the modern impact of technology and the growing popularity of black British artists.
Each section features historical artifacts, such as the tuning fork gifted to George Bridgetower and the peacock costume by Hughbon Condor, along with soundscapes, moving images, and collaborations with community organizations from across the UK.
Lead curator Aleema Gray described the exhibition as a journey through time and space, targeting young people, music enthusiasts, and the African and Caribbean community to make them feel welcome at the British Library.
The exhibition, comprised of 300 artifacts, took over a year to assemble and aims to take visitors on a historical music journey spanning centuries.
– Community and legacy –
The theme of music as a community vehicle runs throughout the exhibition, focusing on regional narratives and London’s influence on the black music scene.
Various contributions include a dance video from Cardiff’s Jukebox Collective, a church-like installation celebrating the influence of faith on black British music, and an immersive short film, Iwoyi, by Tayo Rapoport and Rohan Ayinde, in collaboration with Touching Bass.
Gray highlighted the positive reception from musicians and young people towards the exhibition and is already planning to solidify its community legacy with a book and future events involving local artists.
“Beyond the Bassline” is not just about the past and present but also about shaping the future of black British music,” Gray concluded.
