The Black Atlantic is one of the most influential spaces of cultural production in the Western world. Shaped by conquest, colonisation, slavery and exploitation, this shared historical space continues to connect people across continents to this day. Out of this history emerged cultural expressions such as jazz, reggae, salsa, soul, samba and hip-hop – the shared heritage of the Black Atlantic. Between 2012 and 2015, the Black Atlantic series explored African American, Afro-Caribbean, African, Afro-Colombian and Afro-Brazilian cultures. Icons such as Gil Scott-Heron, Ismael Rivera and Miriam Makeba were honoured through workshops, masterclasses and closing performances featuring Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Jimmy Bosch and Nneka. The series returned in 2017 with concerts by Avishai Cohen, Takuya Kuroda, Mulatu Astatke, Robert Glasper, Christian Scott, Lee Fields, Marcelo D2, Illa J and J Hus – a programme that powerfully highlighted the diversity and cultural significance of the Black Atlantic.



Black Atlantic