Black music is riding high in summer 2025. From Recessland to Notting Hill Carnival and Wireless, genres of the Black diaspora: Afrobeats, Amapiano, grime, reggae, Dancehall and R&B dominate festival line-ups. It feels like a victory lap for Black music. But not long ago, things were very different. Black music in Britain was often criminalised,Continue reading “From Pirate Radio to Festival Headliners: How Black British Music Rose in the UK.”
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From Heartfelt Storytelling to Black Girl Magic: How Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Performance Redefined Representation, Empowered Dark-Skinned Women, and Made Music History
Doechii’s recent NPR Tiny Desk performance was nothing short of mesmerising—a heartfelt, powerful, and revolutionary moment that left audiences spellbound. Among the standout moments was her soul-stirring performance of Black Girl Memoir, a poignant and deeply personal ode dedicated to Black women. Through her searing lyrics and emotive delivery, Doechii captured her journey of growingContinue reading “From Heartfelt Storytelling to Black Girl Magic: How Doechii’s NPR Tiny Desk Performance Redefined Representation, Empowered Dark-Skinned Women, and Made Music History”
Black Music as a form of Protest
By Michelle Aboagye What makes protest so impactful and so effective is its versatility. Protest comes in many shapes, forms and mediums, and as seen through history it can be inspired from even the smallest events. Protest is a human response to unpleasant and unfavourable conditions. Protest can be something as unifying as taking toContinue reading “Black Music as a form of Protest“
Dance cultures of the Caribbean
By Rianna Wilson We all love a good boogie. The Electric Slide at the end of a family party (that’s the Candy Dance for those who are not familiar with the official title), a Zanku in the middle of an Afrobeats set or maybe just a simple two step at a work party. Once theContinue reading “Dance cultures of the Caribbean”
Jungle Music & Gentrification
The emergence of jungle music in the early 1990s deserves a special spot on the timeline of Black British music. The unique blend of reggae, reggaeton, dancehall, hip-hop, soul and funk sounds was built on a foundation of Black British artists, yet enjoyed commercially by the masses. Jungle music and the surrounding community marked a safe space for young Black people to partake in their own ‘rave-style’ events.
BLAM UK CIC 