The Emergence of Black Britain

03. Rob Birch (Stereo MCs) - Memories Embedded in Music History

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Rob Birch, the vocalist of Stereo MC's - a hip hop and electronic dance group formed in 1985.

From leaving Nottingham for South London to making music and starting a label, working with Madonna and making all of his childhood dreams come true - this podcast covers it all. His enthusiasm for what he does is contagious as he jumps from memory to memory, sharing the moments when he felt he was making history.

In this podcast, Rob speaks openly about the music he grew up on, from Aretha Franklin to David Bowie, and highlights the importance of seeing musicians stand up for others and speak out against injustice. He also shares the pivotal role that black british musicians played in influencing the development of music, including his own, and how much of the music we listen to today wouldn't exist without it. 

Black History Month - The Story of Cheddar Man

The fossil of a human male was discovered in Golf Cave, Cheddar Gorge, England. These remains date back 10,000 years and are kept by London’s Natural History Museum in the Human Evolution Gallery.

 

Contrary to his name, Cheddar Man (given due to where he was discovered), he was unable to digest milk - the advent of dairy farming being after his death. His excavation in 1903 makes him Britain’s oldest completed human skeleton.

Black History Month - The Story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta

Sarah Forbes Bonetta was liberated from slavery and became a ward to Queen Victoria. It is believed she was a titled member of the Egbado Clan now called Yewa who are a subgroup of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. By the time she reached adulthood she had taken her place in Victorian high society, where she married and had three children with a successful and wealthy businessman named Captain James Pinson Labulo Davis. Her relationship with Queen Victoria continued to flourish until she passed away in 1880.

Black History Month - A Short History of Windrush

After WW2, defeating the Nazis left the UK in ruins and many cities and towns needed to be rebuilt. Although people could begin to work again and were able to live their day-to-day lives, there was not enough labour to carry out the jobs that needed to be done. The Government, therefore, reached out to the members of the Commonwealth in the Caribbean and many prepared for a life in the UK. 

 

The Empire Windrush is significant as it officially gave notice to the Nation and the world that migrants from the Caribbean were now being regarded as citizens of the UK. Arriving in 1949, many regarded Britain as the Motherland. Many were ex-service people who played a role in the war, some planned to stay and many planned to return. 

 

At the Docks of Tilbury, they arrived seeking opportunities, homes, and food for their families. Despite many setbacks, they persisted in helping to rebuild Britain and created new lives for themselves and paved the way for future generations, who make up Britain to this day.

Black History Month - The Story of Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano published his autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of The Life of Olaudah Equiano in 1789. It provided graphic details about slavery and was a gateway to drafting the slave trade act of 1807. His words helped to support the abolishment of the slave trade. 

 

When Equiano settled in London, he became involved with the abolitionist movement after receiving his freedom from slavery. He leaves a legacy that celebrates and remembers what he achieved via his book.

02: Vas Blackwood - Finding a platform to thrive

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Vasta Roy "Vas" Blackwood, a British actor from London.

Opening up about growing up in North London with a passion for the arts, Vas shares some of the more challenging aspects of breaking into acting and family ties. 

From working with Sir Lenny Henry and Dawn French to his success on screen with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, all the way through to Only Fools and Horses, Vas provides a fascinating insight into his life thus far, and how he has used his platform to speak out on the issues that matter most. 

01: Skin - The influence of music, art and culture in Brixton

In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by Skin, a British singer, songwriter and electronic music DJ. 

Talking about Brixton, and digging deeper into her creative roots, Skin shares the importance of music in her life - not only career-wise but for her mental health and well-being too. From working with young people through charities to flying with the Queen, it provides a fascinating insight into Skin's world.

Skin shares what it was really like to grow up in Brixton in the 60's , finding community, how she grappled with identity growing up, and the excitement of carnival, fashion and of course music.

The Emergence of Black Britain: Trailer

Welcome to The Emergence of Black Britain - a Podcast that celebrates the inspirational individuals who have helped Black British Arts and Culture to thrive.

Via curated conversations with activists, artists and musicians, and hosted by Lisa Moorish, it provides a fascinating examination of what it means to be black and British today.