The Black Curriculum Presents: Sounds of Black Britain, a podcast where we use music as an educational resource to understand the Black British experience. Cultural powerhouse Julie Adenuga and special guests deep dive into the musical history of Black Britain. She’ll be joined by the people who have all contributed to the scene's evolution and huge rise: Chip, Estelle, General Levy, D Double E, Tiana Major9, DJ Target, Jae 5, Omar, Dennis Bovell, and Novelist to name a few. This immersive podcast series celebrates the culture and education of Black Britain and the music it has brought us!
Episode 10: The Wrap Up
We have been on a journey!
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
11/4/2022 • 37 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode 9: Rise of Jungle, Garage & Grime
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
10/28/2022 • 52 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode 8: Sounds of the Black Atlantic: Re-Routing Rap
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
10/21/2022 • 46 minutes, 53 seconds
Episode 7: Sounds of the Black Atlantic: Soul, Funk and Jazz
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
10/14/2022 • 39 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode 6: Pirate Radio
We're back for Volume 2, and kicking 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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
10/7/2022 • 47 minutes, 49 seconds
Episode 5: Black British Women In Music
We couldn’t wrap Volume 1 of the Sounds of Black Britain without focussing on the brilliant and talented Black women, that have helped change the face of UK music and culture.
Julie is joined by rising star Tiana Major9 and all the way from LA, Estelle!
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
9/16/2022 • 47 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode 4: The Power Of Ska
This episode looks at Jamaican musical culture's influence on UK scenes and styles through Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and Dancehall.
Julie takes us on a journey with one of the most iconic producers in British music history, Dennis Bovell MBE.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
9/9/2022 • 40 minutes, 58 seconds
Episode 3: Racial Politics
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
9/2/2022 • 38 minutes, 47 seconds
Episode 2: Afrorock to Afroswing
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
8/26/2022 • 39 minutes, 41 seconds
Episode 1: Sounds Of Carnival
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.
Check out our Spotify playlist where we've added some of the tunes discussed in the episode, our favourite tracks from the star guests, and general vibes from the genre... LISTEN HERE
8/25/2022 • 47 minutes, 9 seconds
Introducing: The Black Curriculum Presents: Sounds of Black Britain
The Black Curriculum Presents: Sounds of Black Britain, a podcast which explores history and identity through Black British music.
Join Julie Adenuga and special guests, every Friday for a deep dive into the musical history of Black Britain.
Sounds of Black Britain launches on Friday 26th August 2022. Follow and be part of the conversation on https://www.instagram.com/theblackcurriculum/?hl=en.