Shattering The Confined Perceptions Of Black British music
This story is a nod to the Black British artists who have so often been othered but have–and continue to–stretch the perceptions of expectation...
A image of a Club Night Party (2021) by Vishnu R NairTRENCH
The profound impact Black culture has had on Britain is undeniable, particularly when it comes to music. The spotlight, however, hasn’t always made room for the myriad of experiences lived by Black Britons to be heard.
In recent years, this monolithic portrait that was once painted, pigeonholing Black British artists, has had a more realistic restoration.
Arlo Parks by Alexandra WaespiTRENCH
...a new wave of musicians have found themselves receiving both critical acclaim and commercial appeal by ripping up the rulebook and offering unorthodox perspectives and sounds.
No longer on the periphery of what is accepted as “the culture” are the likes of singer-songwriters Arlo Parks, Michael Kiwanuka and Hak Baker.
Hak Baker performs in Camden (2022) by Alex WildTRENCH
Isle Of Dogs native Hak Baker challenges preconceived notions by describing his style as ‘anti-genre G-Folk’. Fusing together grime, rock, ska, reggae and folk, Hak's bold rejection of musical confinement speaks directly to the societal barriers explored in his lyrics.
The success of these influential artists, who were once othered for their indie-folk and pop-leaning sounds, prove that authentic stories allowed to exist without the strain of stereotypes have the ability to resonate with the masses.
Singer-songwriter Connie Constance backstage at Afropunk UK (2017) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
The Black British experience cannot be addressed without mentioning the intersectionality of identities, so it’s no wonder artists fail to be confined by the restraints of one genre.
Having burst onto the scene in 2012, FKA twigs has continued to defy boundaries, producing tracks that cross avant-pop, trip-hop and R&B. FKA twigs has worked with international and UK artists, from Rema to Central Cee, utilising these features to dip into unique genre pairings.
FKA Twigs' creative approach is super innovative, merging her original art form of dance with clever brand collaborations including Nike and Calvin Klein.
London artist Kesh (2006) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
London-born KESH built her name on the underground nu-wave and grime scene by selling her iconic custom clothing on MySpace. The D.I.Y pioneer is now a multi-disciplinary artist whose work continues to explore the boundaries between music, visual art, technology and design.
Kojey Radical and Gaika perform at AfroPunk UK in London (2016) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
Then there's GAIKA, an experimental rapper, producer and writer who integrates genre-bending tracks, influenced by his Caribbean heritage and South London upbringing, with poetry and sculptural installations.
No tick box was needed for these artists to find a home.
Hak Baker performs in Camden (2022) by Alex WildTRENCH
Type 'What is Black British music?' into your search bar and shock horror, 'rock' isn’t the top hit, yet Black artists are currently thriving within the genre.
After their open letter to the MOBO Awards which highlighted a lack of representation, the Nova Twins made history by influencing the introduction of a new 'Best Alternative Music' category.
The duo have pulled their own seats to the table by fiercely smashing the worlds of pop, punk and rock together.
Liverpool Heavy Metal Band Loathe (2023) by Jay ChowTRENCH
Liverpool-based Metalcore band LOATHE must also be celebrated. Their growing reach can be seen in their regular sold-out shows. In 2023, the band are reaching 1.3 million regular monthly listeners.
Their lead vocalist, Kadeem France, speaks openly about the lack of Black voices in the metal scene and the responsibility he feels to ensure Black fans feel welcomed and safe.
Master Peace at TRENCH party (2018) by Laura BrosnanTRENCH
Amplifying the lived experiences of these artists is vital, so that young Black people know their creative options are infinite.
A Music Studio session Part 1 (2021) by Blaz ErzeticTRENCH
The esteemed achievements accomplished by "alternative" artists push for a more inclusive musical landscape, where Black British culture can flourish as a testament to its dynamic reality.
Words by Renee Charles
Photography by Jay Chow, Anthony Wild, Alexandra Waespi, Laura Brosnan [Frank Archives]
Videos by Hak Baker, FKA Twigs, GAIKA, MOBO Awards, Nova Twins
Commissioned by TRENCH
