The Music is Black
Release date: March 31, 2026
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.
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