New Exhibition Explores Black Music’s Rich Heritage at Wilberforce House Museum

Black music has had an impact on the world that can’t be measured. From the drums of Africa to the hits of today’s hip-hop, these beats carry a rich history. Now for the first time ever the Wilberforce House Museum in Hull is showcasing this musical journey in a new exhibition called Echoes of Our Heritage. This show goes into the heart of Black music across time, across continents, across cultures.

Running from 4 October 2024 the exhibition is a key part of the Sound of Our Skin Festival, a two-day arts event to promote cultural understanding, combat racism and celebrate diversity. Let’s take a look at what’s in store.

A musical timeline

Echoes of Our Heritage explores Black music’s heritage, tracing the long journey of African rhythms like the clave beat. This simple five-beat pattern has travelled the world, influencing jazz, blues, reggae and hip-hop. From the drumming circles of Africa to the anthems of resistance the clave rhythm has proven to be more than just a beat – it’s a symbol of survival and invention.

But what sets this exhibition apart is its focus on music as a force for change. Black musicians have always used their art to speak to social justice, so the exhibition goes beyond the music itself to show how these artists have given voice to movements for equality and human rights. You’ll hear about icons like Bob Marley, Billie Holiday and Fela Kuti and a new spotlight on Hull based musicians who have been influenced by these traditions.

Rhythms of Rebellion: A soundtrack to revolution

One of the exhibition highlights is a short film called Rhythms of Rebellion, curated by Hull’s Kobby Taylor with Dave Gawthorpe. This spoken-word performance combines history, poetry and music to take the audience on a journey through the heartbeat of the clave rhythm. It shows how a simple beat can spark change, from the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the streets of 1960s America.

The clave rhythm is at the heart of it all, how it became the foundation of movements for freedom, dignity and unity. This will be a popular one and you’ll leave with a new understanding of music as a soundtrack to revolution.

Hull’s own music

The Echoes of Our Heritage exhibition is in partnership with the Black Heritage of Hull Collective, a group that preserves and celebrates Black culture in the region. The exhibition focuses on Hull’s own Black musicians who have drawn on the musical traditions of Africa and the Caribbean to create their own music.

As Stella Munthali, founder of the Black Heritage of Hull says,

"This has been a great project to work on. We’ve enjoyed researching the musicians to include and it’s lovely to celebrate our local artists who have been influenced by African music."

For Munthali this exhibition is not just about the past but about how Hull’s Black community is shaping the city’s culture today.

A festival with a message

The exhibition is part of the Sound of Our Skin Festival, a two day event that takes over Hull’s High Street. This festival is not just a music festival – it’s a statement. It challenges racial stereotypes in history, promotes anti-racism and creates a space for cultural collaboration in the heart of Hull.

What’s special about this festival is that it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz, reggae or hip-hop fan or just starting to explore the history of Black music there’s something for you. It’s a reminder that art in all its forms can bring us together and help us understand each other.

Local and global

Hull may not be the first place you’d think of to host a Black music festival but that’s exactly what makes this so special. By looking at global musical traditions and Hull’s own Black artists the exhibition shows just how connected the world is. The music born in the streets of Kingston or New Orleans can find new life in Hull where it becomes part of the city’s own cultural narrative.

When

The Echoes of Our Heritage exhibition will be on from 4 October 2024 to 26 January 2025 at Wilberforce House Museum in Hull. You can visit the exhibition during the Sound of Our Skin Festival which will be across multiple venues on High Street in Hull.

For more information visit www.hullmuseums.co.uk and check out the full programme of events for this music, culture and change festival.

Whether you’re a music fan or someone who wants to learn more about the social movements that have shaped our world this is an event not to be missed. Get involved.