In a significant cultural moment, the V&A East has launched its inaugural exhibition, *The Music is Black*, which seeks to illuminate the rich and diverse history of Black British music. Curated by Jacqueline Springer, this ambitious showcase features a remarkable array of over 200 artefacts that span decades, reflecting the evolution of music from its African roots to contemporary genres like drill and pop. This exhibition, which opens this weekend, is not just a display of artefacts; it embodies a concerted effort to place Black British music firmly at the heart of the nation’s cultural narrative.
A Journey Through Sound
Standing at the centre of this vibrant exhibition, Springer reflects on the significance of the items displayed, including a striking ensemble reminiscent of Pauline Black, the iconic lead singer of the 2 Tone band, The Selector. The curator’s journey over the past three years has culminated in a collection that includes both permanent acquisitions and temporary loans, with each piece telling a story of innovation and influence within the music industry. “She wants them back,” Springer quips about Black’s outfit, emphasising the personal connections artists have to their history.
The exhibition begins with a drum sculpture by Ben Enwonwu and culminates in contemporary works by Turner Prize nominee Rene Matić. Springer asserts that *The Music is Black* is not just another exhibition, but a significant endorsement of Black music’s place in institutional history. “The V&A has recognised that black music is worthy of this kind of coverage,” she insists, aiming for a lasting change in how these cultural contributions are perceived.
A Cultural Shift
This exhibition is part of a broader movement within the arts to highlight the contributions of Black artists, building upon previous showcases such as the British Library’s *Beyond the Bassline* and the Barbican’s survey of Black London’s musical landscape. However, Springer argues that *The Music is Black* presents these narratives with unprecedented scope and scale, making a bold statement about the importance of Black British music.
The exhibition arrives at a time when the music industry is experiencing a renaissance of Black talent. Recent research indicates that Black music has generated an astonishing 80% of the revenue within the UK music industry over the last three decades. Moreover, the Mobo Awards recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, while artists like Skepta and Sault have made significant inroads at prestigious events like the Brit Awards.
Gus Casely-Hayford, the artistic director of V&A East, reinforces this perspective, stating that the exhibition aims to reposition Black British sound as a central narrative in the UK’s cultural story. “What happens so often is that British music is presented as important but marginal,” he remarks. “What we have tried to do here is say this is our story, and it’s one of our major contributions to the world.”
Criticism and Controversy
While the exhibition is met with enthusiasm, it is not without its challenges. The design of the new V&A East building has drawn mixed reviews, with some critics labelling it “ugly” and likening it to “a reconstructed Toblerone bar.” Despite the polarising opinions, many have praised the architectural venture, describing it as a triumph of modern design.
In addition, the opening has been shadowed by economic realities, as advocacy groups have rallied to demand that all museum workers receive a living wage. An open letter directed to V&A director Tristram Hunt has garnered over 21,000 signatures, reflecting a growing awareness of wage disparity within the cultural sector.
Hundreds of eager visitors queued for the official opening, highlighting the anticipation surrounding this landmark exhibition. Among the attendees was Karen Gabay, a DJ and journalist, who praised the focus on underrepresented figures within the music scene. “There aren’t that many household names here, but there are a lot of pioneers,” she noted, exemplifying the exhibition’s commitment to showcasing the unsung heroes of Black British music.
Why it Matters
*The Music is Black* is not merely an exhibition; it stands as a crucial moment in the reclamation of Black British music’s narrative in the cultural lexicon of the UK. By honouring the contributions of both famous and lesser-known artists, the V&A East is setting a precedent for inclusivity and recognition in the arts. This bold initiative encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation for the profound impact of Black music, challenging traditional narratives and asserting its rightful place within the broader tapestry of British culture.
