The exhibition will cover music from older styles such as jazz and lovers rock, to more recent genres such as jungle, grime and drill, honouring the DIY spirit of Black British music.

The exhibition starts with the arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra in London from the U.S in 1919, continuing through to Fuse ODG’s afrobeat response to ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ in 2024.

The history will be told through “vintage mixtapes, iconic magazine covers, and fly-posted walls”, exploring how Black British genres have impacted music as we know it, and the spirit of resistance that made them possible.

Scott Leonard, one of the UK’s experts in black music, has curated the exhibition with author Lloyd Bradley. Talking to the BBC, Leonard stressed the need for an authentic retelling of Black British music history: “Too often in this country, black cultural heritage is packaged presented to the people by those that weren’t there, so this type of exhibition at Barbican Music Library and the ‘heritage collecting’ days reverse the lens.

“They enable and empower the British black music community to tell their stories of what it was, and what it meant to them, because they must be captured and preserved before these stories disappear forever.”

Mr Leonard said the exhibition shows how the genres may have changed “but the culture and process didn’t”, drawing comparison between notable artists – “So Lord Kitchener, Eddy Grant, Carroll Thompson, The Cookie Crew, Jazzie B, Ms Dynamite, and Dizzie Rascal all followed the same guidelines,”

The free exhibition is part of Destination City, the City of London Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile as a dynamic, world-leading hub for business, culture and leisure.

The organisation invests over £130m every year in heritage and cultural activities in the UK, also managing other institutions such as Tower Bridge, Guildhall Art Gallery and The London Archives.

In a press release, Chris Hayward from the City of London Corporation shared his enthusiasm for the Black British museum project: “With its many styles and charismatic performers, Black Sound London will strike a chord with everyone who enjoys listening to British black music and is keen to find out how LP sales in niche record shops, air time on pirate radio stations, and community spaces played a key role in its success.”

Black Sound London will run at the Barbican Library from March 10 to July 19 – more details can be found here.

In the heart of winter, on January 22 and 23, 2025, Bristol’s Beacon Hall and London’s Barbican Hall will resonate with an unprecedented musical collaboration. Jacob Collier, the Grammy-winning musician celebrated for his genre-defying artistry, is set to perform with a UK orchestra for the first time, joining forces with the 50-piece Britten Sinfonia.

Sharing the stage is Chris Thile, a virtuoso mandolinist whose prowess spans bluegrass to classical, and whose collaborations range from Yo-Yo Ma to Brad Mehldau.

Adding a familial touch, the ensemble will be conducted by Suzie Collier, Jacob’s mother and an esteemed violinist, conductor, and professor at the Royal Academy of Music. 

The evening’s repertoire promises a symphonic journey through Collier and Thile’s eclectic compositions, interwoven with orchestral works by Anna Meredith and Arturo Márquez. Highlights include Meredith’s electro-classical piece ‘Nautilus’ and Márquez’s ‘Danzón No. 2,’ alongside solo Bach from Thile and Piazzolla’s ‘Spring’ from ‘Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.’

Collier’s signature audience choir experience, which has entranced crowds from Glastonbury to the BBC Proms, will also feature, inviting attendees to become active participants in the musical tapestry.

What makes these audience choirs so remarkable is Collier’s ability to coax beauty out of collective participation. It doesn’t matter whether someone is a trained vocalist or a self-described bad singer; under his direction, the sheer weight of the crowd’s voices transforms into something cohesive, pure, and transcendent. There’s also an alchemy at work here—Collier is not just creating music; he’s fostering a sense of connection. For those few minutes, the divisions of the crowd—by geography, age, or ability—disappear. They are no longer individuals but one voice, one collective sound. 

This approach has been a staple of Collier’s live shows, from intimate venues to massive festival crowds and hallowed stages like the BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Most recently he executed his audience choir at the O2 to a surprise appearance from Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay – a longtime friend and collaborator – where the crowd united to harmonise to ‘Fix You.’ 

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Videos of these moments have gone viral, not only because of their sonic beauty but because they capture something rare in modern live performance: an experience that is completely unrepeatable. The audience becomes part of the art itself, co-creators in a musical tapestry that will only ever exist for that one, singular moment in time.

In a Jacob Collier concert, the audience doesn’t merely witness a performance—they become the performance — and in that fleeting moment of harmony, they are reminded of music’s ability to unite, uplift, and transcend. It is an art form that speaks not just to the ears, but to the very core of what it means to be human.

These concerts in Bristol and London not only mark a milestone in Collier’s career but also embody a convergence of family, friendship, and multi-genre music, promising an evening that transcends traditional concert experiences. 

Tickets for this singular event are available through Bristol Beacon’s and Barbican’s official websites. 

The jazz scene in London is now richer than ever, flourishing with the sounds of world class artists and rising talent as well as crossover blues and soul artists making their mark.

The musically adventurous and genre-bending Veronica Swift is in town presenting her self-titled third studio album. With previous albums giving a heavy nod to her jazz roots, album number three presents Swift in a new light. From industrial Rock to Bach inspired fugues, the vocalist will be sure to dazzle audiences at the world-renowned jazz club, Ronnie’s. 

Where: Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT   

When: Friday 10th November

How much: £35

https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/find-a-show/veronica-swift

This year, the spell-binding Avishai Cohen will be enchanting audiences at Cadogan Hall. The globally recognised bassist originating from Tel Aviv has made a name for himself as both leader, co-leader and side-man over 20 years. Parliamentary jazz newcomer award winner Emma Rawicz will be the support act. With Emma’s influences ranging from modern jazz and fusion to folk and soul, this gig will be one to watch.

Where: Cadogan Hall, 5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ            

When: Tuesday 14th November 

How much: £25-£35

https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/ljf23-avishai-cohen-emma-rawicz/

Global jazz pioneer and ECM Saxophonist, Charles Lloyd returns to EFG with his new ‘Ocean Trio’. The band includes pianist Gerald Clayton and guitarist Marvin Sewell. Expect the unexpected with this living jazz legend.

Where: Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 

When: Friday 17th November 

How much: £25-£50+

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/charles-lloyd-ocean-trio-mette-henriette

What else is on? Delve in to music: Three time grammy award winner – Ron Carter, Norah Jones, Madison McFerrin, ‘The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter’ ft Esperanza Spalding and lots more

Also not to miss: JazzYoga with Yoga Brunch Club 

60 minute flow, focused on the unity of movement and sound. Accompanied by cellist and multi-disciplinary artist, Francesca Ter-Berg. Think free jazz, dub and ethereal strings.

Where: Southbank Centre / Level 5 Function Room, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

When: Sunday 19th November 

How much: £25

Celebrating 15 years of EFG:

The EFG  works with sponsors, funders and individual givers to help bring this array of talent to London – changing lives and giving young artists a voice. Donate directly to the Serious Trust supporting young people and emerging musicians. 

The EFG Jazz festival runs from the 10th until the 19th of November this year. 

Efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk #WEAREJAZZ