V&A East Museum launches inaugural exhibition 'The Music is Black' exploring 125 years of Black British music
On April 18, 2026, V&A East Museum will unveil 'The Music is Black' exhibition, which will be open until January 2027. This display will feature over 200 artifacts that chronicle 125 years of Black British musical heritage. Jacqueline Springer, the lead curator, emphasizes how music mirrors cultural identity. The exhibition is divided into two sections: one focuses on African roots and transatlantic influences such as Jazz and Reggae, while the other highlights eight Black British styles, including Grime and Jungle. Notable pieces include Raymond Steth's 'The Evolution of Swing' and Denzil Forrester's 'Police in Blues Club.' Technological innovations on display comprise Metro's pre-amplifier and JME's Nintendo console. The exhibition reflects on the V&A's colonial past and celebrates music's ability to unite, marking Dizzee Rascal's performance at the 2012 Olympics as a significant highlight.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'The Music is Black' runs from April 18, 2026 to January 2027
- Features over 200 objects across multiple media including fashion, music, painting, film, and sculpture
- Explores 125 years of Black British music history
- Organized in two halves: African origins/transatlantic imports and eight Black British genres
- Includes works by artists like Raymond Steth, Denzil Forrester, Sonia Boyce, and Syd Shelton
- Lead curator Jacqueline Springer emphasizes music's reflective quality and celebration worthiness
- Personal audio headsets provide location-responsive soundtracks throughout the gallery
- Highlights technological improvisation with items like Metro's pre-amplifier and JME's Nintendo console
Entities
Artists
- Dizzee Rascal
- Syd Shelton
- Jacqueline Springer
- Raymond Steth
- Denzil Forrester
- Sonia Boyce
- Daniel Newman
- DJ Paulette
- Adrian Boot
- Tricky
- JME
- Harry Hammond
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe
- Sam White
- Skepta
- Jammer
- Teshome Douglas-Campbell
- Olayinka Burney-Nicol
- Sokari Douglas Camp CBE
- Fowokan George Kelly
- Tam Joseph
- Vicky Lindo
- Bill Brookes
- Zak Ové
- Frank Bowling
- LR Vandy
- Winifred Atwell
- Stormzy
- Banksy
- Joan Armatrading
- Grooverider
- Jme
- Little Simz
- Seal
- Dame Shirley Bassey
- Sade
- Skin
- Dame Sonia Boyce
- Sir Frank Bowling
- Dennis Morris
- Bob Marley
- Eddie Otchere
- DJ Kemistry
- DJ Storm
- Laura Hyperfrank Brosnan
- Shortee Blitz
- Beat A Maxx
- Larry Achiampong
- Claude Cahun
- Shadi Ghadirian
- Sofonisba Anguissola
- Alexander McQueen
- Vivienne Westwood
- Keith Khan
- Tania Bruguera
- Rene Matić
- Carrie Mae Weems
- Marion Davies
- Debra Rapp
- Gus Casely-Hayford
- Thomas J Price
- Poly Styrene
- Michael Jackson
- Jerry Dammers
- Tony 'Gad' Robinson
- Newton Dunbar
- Billy Ocean
- Mel & Kim
- Rowetta
- Omar
- The Cimarons
- UB40
- Aswad
Institutions
- V&A East Museum
- V&A
- London Olympics
- Drury Lane Theatre
- Fabric
- Knickerbox
- Wallpaper.com
- BBC
- Ford Foundation
- V&A East Youth Collective
- JA Projects
- Mayor of London
- Glastonbury
- Sotheby's
- ITV
- UK Music
- Four Aces
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Coventry
- Shepherds Bush Green
- Africa
- US
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- East Bank
- Britain
- East London
- Olympic Park
- Trinidad
- Jamaica
- Chicago