Artists Advocate for Enhanced Inclusion of Black British Music in School Curricula

Many individuals likely share similar experiences in school music classes, such as learning instruments like keyboards, recorders, or maracas. However, several artists have expressed to the BBC their desire for an increased emphasis on black British music and its extensive history within educational institutions. Jordan Stephens, a member of the pop/hip-hop group Rizzle Kicks, stated, “It was the black British artists of this country that truly drove me.” The Department for Education in England has announced it is conducting a review, slated for publication next year, to examine how a revised curriculum might incorporate “the issues and diversities of our society” throughout the United Kingdom. Prior to this, children’s author Malorie Blackman advocated for schools to instruct black history continuously throughout the year, and in 2022, Wales became the inaugural UK nation to make black history compulsory in its schools, encompassing a National Plan for Music Education. Speaking at the Youth Music Awards, Jordan remarked, “I didn’t find any of my identity through what I learned in school at that time.” He added, “I was fortunate enough to have really inspiring people around me encouraging me to search for knowledge outside of school.” Richard Carter, recipient of the Rising Star award, concurs with the necessity for a curriculum revision, stating it would have positively affected him. He commented, “I think I’d be more in touch with the black British music that we have now.” He further explained, “The way I found it was just through going online, word of mouth, but it would be cool if that stuff was taught as opposed to just teaching me about Mozart and Bach.” Carter emphasized, “Chuck in Skepta, chuck in Jme – you need to learn about grime because you need to understand the roots. If you don’t know the roots, you’re not going to grow.” However, while Jordan acknowledges the curriculum requires an update, he expresses reservations about classifying music based on an artist’s racial background. He stated, “I would argue that it doesn’t even need to be categorised as ‘black British music’,” adding, “There are British artists that happen to be black that have contributed an infinite amount to our culture and our creation.” The Mobo (Music of Black Origin) awards, established in 1996, have consistently honored and celebrated black music and culture. Producer Benjamin Turner believes that “there isn’t actually any good reason for black music to not be” included in school curricula. Benjamin frequently collaborates with schools and presently oversees The Spit Game, a London-based group of emerging artists engaged in music, film, and fashion. He attributes the current limitations to “just around the understanding of the teachers and exam boards which is holding it back.” A 2020 study by University College London revealed that nearly half of schools in England and Wales lack any ethnic minority teachers, even in multicultural regions with numerous black and Asian students. Benjamin recounted his classroom experience, stating, “When I was in the classroom, it was really being led by the cultures and interests of the young people.” He added, “Inevitably because black British music’s such a big part of culture today – especially teaching in London – it just became a part of what we were doing in the classroom.” He believes that incorporating this music into the curriculum would both motivate future talent and illuminate potential career paths. He explained, “As soon as it’s brought into the classroom then the capacity for them to reach the level they want, to explore the industry they’re interested in, suddenly becomes possible for them.” He concluded, “When you can combine passion and career potential in such a meaningful way, that’s what they need to be looking at.” DJ Vanessa Maria suggests that early exposure to black British music can also influence one’s comprehension of sound and self-assurance. She noted, “Especially understanding the roots of electronic dance music being black.” She confessed, “I didn’t know that when I was at that age.” Maria added, “I thought dance music wasn’t for me, I didn’t know it was made by people who look like me, that’s for sure.” Vanessa, a nominee for the Rising Star award, also emphasizes the significance of increased education in fostering belief among developing talent. She asserted, “From representation, to confidence, to young people, young black people themselves understanding their heritage… it’s absolutely imperative.” She further mused, “Imagine what amazing music is [going to emerge] from people being exposed to different genres at such a young age. “Seeing their idols, inspirational music leaders and musicians… that’s where everything starts.” Emerging singer Maddie Juggins believes there is potential for a broader range of music to be taught in schools. At 1Xtra’s Introducing Live, an event designed to provide opportunities for young artists, she stated, “Black people are as talented as white people. That’s really important – the music is so diverse and incredible.” She also expressed her view that an unjust negative stereotype has been associated with black culture. Maddie commented, “I think it should be in more studios, TV shows, everywhere. It should be included – we’re all equal at the end of the day.” She highlighted artists like Dave, Jorja Smith, and Lauren Hill, saying, “The music we hear, like Dave, Jorja Smith, Lauren Hill… all those sort of artists they’re incredible. “They are what makes the music scene so why wouldn’t you want to add it in?” Paul Bonham, the professional development director at the music manager’s forum, suggests that an increased emphasis in the curriculum would not only support artists but also benefit the industry as a whole. He remarked, “If we have subject matter which is inclusive, diverse, at some point even a bit challenging to one’s own identity, it makes us into fully rounded people.” The UK government initially presented its national plan for music education in England in 2022. The ongoing curriculum review, which encompasses all subjects and is not limited to music education, is currently accepting public feedback from individuals in England until 20 November. In a statement to the BBC, the Department for Education affirmed that “every child should be represented in what they learn at school and inspired by a rich and diverse curriculum”. Newsbeat broadcasts live at 12:45 and 17:45 on weekdays, with previous episodes available for listening. This content is copyrighted by the BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.