Sounds of Black Britain
Sounds of Black Britain Podcast
In partnership with Spotify, our Sounds of Black Britain podcast uses music as an educational resource to understand the Black British experience. This immersive podcast series celebrates the culture and education of Black Britain and the music it has brought us!
Episode 1: Sounds Of Carnival
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When we talk about the musical history of Black Britain, it’s only right we talk about a staple of Black British culture... Carnival!
To kick off this 10-part deep dive into the musical history of Black Britain, cultural powerhouse Julie Adenuga is joined by singer/songwriter Shakka and the UK’s very own Dancehall Queen, Alicai Harley!
Together, they explore the music, history, origins and soul of Notting Hill Carnival and how it looks in 2022 after a 2 year break.
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Episode 2: Afrorock to Afroswing
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Afrorock, Afroswing, Afrobeats… do you know the difference?
The music of young Africa is now part of Black British culture and identity. Julie Adenuga is joined by Hitmaker Jae5 and Amapiano diva Nqobile, as they reset the history of African music and its relationships with the UK.
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Episode 3: Racial Politics
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Coming together as one to enjoy music has to be the best thing about parties, clubs, concerts and festivals.
But what happens when that communal vibe is actively attacked and denied by the authorities? Due to the colour of the skin of those coming together.
This week, Julie Adenuga is joined by Grime MC Novelist and cultural curator Elijah, to discuss the racial politics from the estate to the dance floor.
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Episode 4: The Power of Ska
Episode 5: Black British Women In Music
Episode 6: Pirate Radio
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Volume 2 kicks off with a look at how Black pirate radio provided a platform for the sound of the underground in the UK.
It made icons of DJs and gave some of the biggest names in the game a place to cut their teeth.
Julie is joined by powerhouses in the game who pay nothing but homage to the birth and rise of Pirate Radio - DJ Target and D Double E.
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Episode 7: Sounds of the Black Atlantic: Soul, Funk and Jazz
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On this episode it’s all about the the sounds of the Black Atlantic - namely Soul, Funk and Jazz - and how these African American genres made their way to the UK and changed the game.
Who better to give us a breakdown than UK soul legend Omar alongside Birmingham born singer, songwriter and pianist Reuben James.
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Episode 8: Sounds of the Black Atlantic: Re-Routing Rap
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It didn't start with us, but we definitely brought our own UK sound and style to it.
This week, we're talking all about Hip-Hop. From its birthplace in the Bronx, New York - thanks to a young, immigrant Jamaican DJ - all the way through to its global takeover in popular culture.
Joining Julie this week is UK Hip-Hop royalty Cookie Pryce from legendary UK Hip-Hop group The Cookie Crew and pioneering Grime/Hip-Hop MC, Chip.
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Episode 9: Rise of Jungle, Garage & Grime
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Jungle, Garage and Grime are three original Black British music genres that have influenced sound and culture throughout the world.
Three innovative, Black-led EDM movements that changed the way we listened to music, raved to it and the fashion around it.
Digging into the crates with Julie this week to discuss are two men whose names have become synonymous with the sound. The incredible General Levy and BBK's Frisco.
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Episode 10: The Wrap Up
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For the final episode we look at what we've learned about the past, present and future of Black music in Great Britain and beyond with none other than the people who brought us The Sounds of Black Britain podcast: The Black Curriculum founder Lavinya Stennett alongside Addie Tadesse.
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