Union Black: Influenced

This is Influenced, a documentary telling the story of how Black music culture travelled and evolved into the rich tapestry of art and artists we know and love. Starting with the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948, Influenced will map the journey of Black British music through the decades, from ska to lover’s rock to grime. Hearing from experts such as Mykaell Riley and Lloyd Bradley, to icons in the game like Pauline Black and Desi G, Influenced will show just how limitless the music is, and how the impact of Black British music has influenced genres
across the board - and it’s only just getting started.

In Part 1, hear from music historians about how the arrival of the Empire Windrush ushered in a new wave of sound in the form of Calypso, and how these related styles and musicians were both embraced by British music but also used as a form of protest.

In Part 2, hear from artists such as Pauline Black about how the Caribbean sounds that travelled on the Empire Windrush began to evolve, as it became more embraced by British culture and music alike, and current musician Hollie Cook about how the new generation are keeping these genres alive to this day.

Part 3: while making a huge impact on home shores, the rise of clubbing culture, pirate radio and, more recently, the birth of social media, allowed Black British music to travel to and influence internationally. And, in turn, empowered Black British music creators to freely express themselves and their music more than ever before.

In Part 4, hear how Black music has influenced iconic British music subcultures like acid house, and the many modern genres that can trace their roots back to genres pushed forward by Black British artists. It’s time to celebrate the limitless power and influence of Black British music, and the exciting predictions for the future.

The Pauline Black interview can be found in full in The Last Bohemians: https://www.thelastbohemians.co.uk/pauline

Produced by Broccoli Productions, in partnership with YouTube and Google Arts & Culture

This content is part of ‘Union Black: Sounds of a Nation’, which is an online exhibition from YouTube and Google Arts & Culture, featuring a collection of videos, photographs, documentaries and podcasts which celebrate the powerful contributions of Black British music artists, creatives, professionals and movements. The collection demonstrates the significant influence and impact of Black British music in the UK and beyond and tells the stories of some of the change makers who have helped shape the fabric of British music and culture.

Learn more at goo.gle/unionblack on Google Arts & Culture