Exploring the Connection Between Black Music and Record Stores in the UK

A new project titled “The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History” aims to delve into the history of Black music in relation to independent record shops in the UK, and is seeking contributions from the public.

Curated by 2Funky Arts, an organization that celebrates Black music and supports new artists, the project is based in the Midlands and organizes festivals and events showcasing Black talent in the community.

The project is inviting individuals to share their experiences, which could be included in a film, publication, podcast, and more. They are particularly interested in stories from the Black, African, and Caribbean community, spanning from the 1950s to the present, and can include film, audio, and photographs.

The project aims to highlight how the early independent record stores became hubs for new music and cultural ecosystems, serving as vehicles of resistance against systemic racism for the Windrush generation and the Black diaspora.

Once compiled, “The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History” will serve as an educational resource exploring themes such as the pioneers of street sounds (1950s-70s), the influence on the UK charts (1970s-80s), and the impact of club culture and the birth of sub-genres (1990s onwards).

2Funky Arts, which previously produced the documentary “Spectrum” exploring the history of Black music in Leicester, will be working on the heritage documentary for this project. Funding has been secured to support this culturally significant endeavor.