The Music Is Black: A British Story is a major cultural exhibition opening at V&A East Museum, offering a landmark retelling of how Black British music has shaped the United Kingdom’s cultural life over more than a century. Spanning jazz, reggae, two-tone, drum & bass, UK garage, grime and beyond, the show traces 125 years of innovation, resilience and creative influence. Grounded in both sonic heritage and lived experience, the exhibition places Black British music at the heart of Britain’s cultural narrative.
Using immersive displays, film, archives, sound installations and artefacts — including instruments, recordings and photographs — the exhibition walks visitors through decades of cultural exchange, spotlighting early pioneers alongside contemporary stars. Physical and sonic elements are woven together to create a rich narrative of struggle, joy, identity and artistic brilliance. Through its broad sweep, The Music Is Black aims to dismantle outdated assumptions about mainstream British culture and reveal a more inclusive account of this nation’s creative pulse.
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