The Virgin Records founder Richard Branson and the Island Records owner Chris Blackwell have been urged by backers of a petition to financially support a permanent exhibition dedicated to Black British musical history. This petition, signed by artists and musicians such as George the Poet, Jazzie B, and Sonia Boyce, aims to create a new home that recognizes and celebrates African and Caribbean performances, recordings, and their contributions to the evolution of genres that have reshaped British culture. It also safeguards rare artefacts, recordings, memorabilia, and untold stories for future generations.

Why Private Sector Should Step Up

The sociologist Prof Paul Gilroy, who also signed the petition, believes that executives who have made significant profits from Black British and Caribbean music should contribute to this venture. He questions why the state is being squeezed for resources when there are private sector resources available. People like Richard Branson and Chris Blackwell, whose companies have reaped enormous amounts of capital from Black British music production and Caribbean music production, should be responsible for funding a building, a museum, and an architect. It's time to make a temple to honor this important music history.

Virgin Records and Island Records' Role

Virgin Records was one of the earliest backers of reggae music in Britain and ran a dedicated imprint called Front Line in the 1970s. Richard Branson sold the label for $1bn in 1992, leaving a significant mark on the music scene. Island Records was the home of Bob Marley throughout his career until his death in 1981. These two record labels have played crucial roles in the history of Black British music and should now contribute to the establishment of a permanent exhibition.

Integration into UK Classrooms

The petition also calls for the integration of Black British music into UK classrooms. As a government review into the national curriculum is underway, this is an opportune time to ensure that students have access to and learn about the rich history of Black British music. It is not just about celebrating the past but also about shaping the future through education.

Temporary Exhibitions and the Need for Permanence

Riley mentioned the success of temporary exhibitions such as 2 Tone: Lives & Legacies at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry, Dub London at the London Museum, Google's Union Black: Sounds of a Nation project, and the Beyond the Bassline show at the British Library. These exhibitions have shown that there is an appetite among Britons for something more substantial and permanent. The question now is how to turn this interest into a lasting tribute to Black British music.

Model from the US

Gilroy used the example of the Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen funding the Experience Music Project (EMP), which later became the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), as a model that the UK could follow. With private sector money, a public museum dedicated to Black British music could be created, preserving and sharing the history for generations to come.

Digital Possibilities

Riley and Gilroy suggested that the permanent exhibition does not necessarily have to be housed in a bricks-and-mortar institution. It could also exist digitally online, reaching a wider audience and making the history more accessible. This would allow for continuous growth and updates, ensuring that the story of Black British music remains alive.

Jazzie B's Perspective

Jazzie B, the founder of Soul II Soul and this year's recipient of the lifetime achievement award at the Mobos, believes it is "archaic" to be having this conversation in 2024. He emphasizes that the support should come from the community, with people allowed to pledge their support to make this happen. It is time for action to ensure that Black British music gets the recognition it deserves.

V&A East's Inaugural Exhibition

V&A East, which will open in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London next year, announced that its inaugural exhibition will be a survey of Black British music in the 20th century titled The Music Is Black: A British Story. This is a significant step forward in recognizing and celebrating Black British music on a larger scale.