Beyond the Bassline at the British Library

The British Library's latest exhibition (on until 26 August) is 'Beyond the Bassline: 500 years of Black British Music' and it's an extraordinary collection of artefacts and art that celebrates this vital contribution to our collective culture.

I would argue that the influence of black British music extends far beyond our shores, with music and artists from this island spreading their influence and their output around the world. For many years, we seemed to believe that the best music (especially popular music) came from the United States, but this exhibition proves the falsehood of that assertion.

Divided into clear sections, the exhibition is curated to take the visitor from Tudor musician John Blanke (the earliest recorded black musician in Britain) through to the present. Ending with the five-channel film and sound installation iwoyi: within the echo, the exhibition includes photographs and music clips (most of which comes through headphones).

If you're black and British, there is so much to celebrate. If, like me, you're white, then there's much to be thankful for. Our music scene, politics and wider culture would be nothing without this influence. Go and see this exhibition if you can.

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