The Music is Black

Black British music has been the
soundtrack to periods of profound political, social, cultural and demographic
change. It is the music of identity, indefatigability, resistance, anger,
celebration, love, loss; it is the music of possibility and hope.

Opening with an exploration of the sound and identity of the
African diaspora as shaped by the tumultuous forces of British imperialism and
colonialism from the 1400s to 1900, Jacqueline Springer then surveys the black
musical landscape in Britain from 1900 to 1970. Two major imports – American rap and Jamaican ragga
- are singled out for their vital contributions to the homegrown
genres central to the publication: Lovers Rock, Brit Funk, 2 Tone, Jungle,
Drum & Bass, Trip Hop and UK Garage and Grime.

Each genre is then considered with an academic framing of
its social and political landscape and artist interviews that include, Carroll
Thompson, Neville Staple, Kenny Wellington, Bluey
Maunick, Fabio and Grooverider, Skye Edwards and Ross Godfrey of
Morcheeba, Megaman, DJ Target and Slimzee. Epic in scope and personal
recollection, The Music
is Black bears witness
to the resilience, ingenuity and heart of all those who create.

Author Biography

Jacqueline Springer is Curator, Africa and Diaspora: Performance at the V&A