‘UNION BLACK: Sounds of a Nation’ is a new online exhibition from YouTube and Google Arts & Culture, featuring a collection of videos, photographs, documentaries and podcasts which celebrate the powerful contributions of Black British music artists, creatives, professionals and movements, The collection demonstrates the significant influence and impact of Black British music in the UK and beyond, and tells the stories of some of the change makers who have helped shape the fabric of British music and culture.
Through the dedicated online hub, audiences can access 200+ multimedia stories curated by 25 cultural partners. Plus 10+ new audio and video content pieces produced by collaborators ranging from YouTube creators to podcast hosts, music artists and tastemakers such as British icon Trevor Nelson.
The project was developed in collaboration with cultural organisations across the UK ranging from the Black Cultural Archives and the Horniman Museum and Gardens to POWER UP (PRS Foundation), Punch Records, and Notting Hill Carnival, as well as Black British artists, producers and figures of influence within the industry.
Themes across the project include;
Game Changers: Celebrating Black cultures, artists and moments in British history, recognising the pioneers and innovators who helped shape the landscape of music, both here and abroad.
We Run Tings: Exploring the movements that blossomed from the melting pot of Black Britain, influencing not only music, but also on film and entertainment, fashion, language and youth culture on a national and global scale.
Mixing, Migrating, Music: Looking at the social and cultural communities and migrations that have powered the creation of influential music, genres and cultures.
Express Yourself: This chapter highlights the musicians, individuals and sounds whose stories of resistance, triumph and fortitude have driven social and political change.
Today and Tomorrow: Examines the landscape as it exists today and what Black British Music looks like in 2023 and beyond.
Highlights of the project include;
Black Sound (1930 – 1990) by the Black Cultural Archives: An introduction to Black British music’s journey of creative independence. Showcasing a 60-year period of musical creativity and DIY ingenuity for Black music in Britain.
Black British Music and Style by Andrew Ibi and Somerset House – Exploring the links between fashion, style and music which has been critically established through decades of change and
innovation..
‘In Celebration of Stormzy’ by TRENCH: South East London writer Jude Yawson gives an overview of why we’re going to be celebrating multi-hyphenate Stormzy for a long time to come. Includes a newly produced film about #MERKY; which has left its mark on the country and a generation of youth seeking authenticity and passion.
‘In Memory of Jamal Edwards’: TRENCH executive editor, Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan, takes a moment to write from the heart, with this personal tribute to Jamal Edwards.
‘Black Women in Music’: a panel discussion led by influencer and host Wunmi Bello.
Dub London: Bassline of the city by the Museum of London: Exploring how Dub music is an expression of the African spirit, freedom and rhythm, passed on through generations.
The Union Black project is now live on Google Arts & Culture, on a dedicated Union Black page which brings all the materials together in one place and allows audiences to go on an extensive exploration of the history and depth of Black British Music and Culture.
“Being a part of the Union Black project has been an honour. It was a real experience to revisit so many incredible pioneers of the many scenes – some we know well, some that until now have stayed too far under the radar. This collection is an ode to what has made British music what it is today. Something that will live on and reinforce the incredible and powerful part that it’s played in shaping wider British culture.” Trevor Nelson, Union Black Ambassador
