Beyond the Bassline
read ( words)
Sep 11 2024
Inspired by the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline exhibition, there’s a new display coming to Aldershot Library, New Milton Library, the West End Arts Centre Gallery, and Forest Arts Gallery. In partnership with Hampshire Cultural Trust, we are excited to share the story of Black music in Britain. With events full of live music and history at the arts centres, there’s so much to be discovered and enjoyed.
What is Beyond the Baseline?
Earlier this year, Beyond the Bassline at the British Library was the first major exhibition to document the 500-year musical journey of African and Caribbean people in Britain. Curated by Dr Aleema Gray and Mykaell Riley, the exhibit highlighted six centuries of African musical contributions to the UK.
The exhibition shares 500 years of Black music in Britain and the people, places and genres that have formed a British soundtrack. The display also spotlights community hubs that have inspired a number of Black British music genres.
The exhibition will be at our venues on these dates:
New Milton Library: until 19 September
Forest Arts Centre: 19 September to 2 October
West End Centre: 2 October to 14 October
Aldershot Library: 14 October to 31 October
Events
Once you’ve visited the exhibition, why not enjoy one of these live music events?
Books
We’ve also created a Beyond the Baseline bookshelf on BorrowBox so you can get involved with the exhibition from home. These books are also available in both Aldershot Library and New Milton Library and will accompany the exhibition to West End Arts Centre Gallery and Forest Arts Gallery.
Find some of the books in the collection below.
African and Caribbean People in Britain: A History by Hakim Adi
Acclaimed historian Hakim Adi uses his research to disprove the idea that the history of African and Caribbean people in Britain began in 1948. He proves that there have been African and Caribbean men and women at the heart of Britain for centuries before the arrival of the Empire Windrush.
Live!: Why We Go Out by Robert Elms
Robert Elms’s memoir is a reflection on why live music matters. From pub rock to jazz funk, punk to country, and everything in between, Robert Elms explores new ways of listening and why live music is unlike anything else.
Inner City Pressure: The Story of Grime by Dan Hancox
In 2000, a group of teenagers raised on UK garage, American hip-hop and Jamaican reggae founded a new musical genre. Drawing on over a decade of in-depth interviews and research with key MCs, DJs and industry players, Dan Hancox tells the remarkable story how grime was created.
Beyond the Bassline: 500 years of Black British Music by Paul Bradshaw
Black musicians have been at the heart of British culture for over 500 years. In the last 50 years particularly, they have transformed the genre, with acts like Stormzy and Ezra Collective. Paul Bradshaw’s book accompanies the Beyond the Bassline exhibition and explores the people and spaces that formed part of this British soundtrack.
What Are You Doing Here?: My Autobiography by Floella Benjamin
Baroness Floella Benjamin is an actress, beloved children’s television presenter, and a member of the House of Lords. In her memoir, Floella describes arriving in London as a child, part of the Windrush generation and her experience of daily racism. She then charts her journey to becoming an acclaimed actress, presenter and parliamentarian.
Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain by Aniefiok Ekpoudom
Journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom travels around Britain to explore the social history of rap and grime. Moving from south London to the West Midlands and South Wales, he discusses how a history of migration and resistance has changed communities and music.
