V&A East Launches Landmark Exhibition: The Music is Black

The V&A East has unveiled its first major exhibition, The Music is Black, a landmark survey of Black British music. Curated by Jacqueline Springer, the exhibition spans from early African drumbeats to contemporary pop and drill music, showcasing 200 items that highlight the rich history and influence of Black British music.

The exhibition features iconic items such as Pauline Black's 2 Tone outfit, Stormzy's 2019 Glastonbury vest, and a drum sculpture by Ben Enwonwu. These artifacts are part of a broader narrative that aims to position Black British music as central to the UK's cultural story.

Gus Casely-Hayford, the V&A East's artistic director, emphasizes the importance of repositioning Black British sound as a core part of British cultural heritage. The exhibition is part of a larger trend of recognizing and celebrating Black British music, including recent events like the 30th anniversary of the Mobo awards and the dominance of Black acts at the Brit awards.

The V&A East's expansion is seen as a significant move to promote diversity and representation in cultural institutions. Despite some criticism of the building's design, the exhibition has drawn large crowds, with hundreds of people attending the launch events.

The exhibition also highlights overlooked figures in Black British music history, such as Hewan Clarke, the original Haçienda resident DJ. The V&A East aims to continue this innovative approach with its latest expansion.