Beyond the Bassline is Suffolk Libraries local interpretation of the British Library’s 2024 exhibition of the same name, charting 500 years of black British music.

Suffolk Libraries have worked in partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to create an interactive record wall display, touring across Suffolk’s libraries from 2024 – 2026. This is a unique sound installation showcasing local black British musicians born or blossoming in Suffolk, sharing interviews previously collected by Suffolk Libraries.

You can interact with the display by taking any record from the wall, placing it on the audio device and listening through a pair of headphones provided by the library. These records feature the voices and music of local artists including Trevor Jones, Ashton Jones, EL-Emcee, Angelle Joseph, Karl Nova, and Aga Serugo-Lugo. There is also a record featuring internationally renowned double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, founder of the Chineke! Orchestra.

Beyond the Bassline celebrates more than music. It’s about the places where these sounds were born: the clubs, the carnivals, the stages, the kerbside auditoriums. It is the voice of community, resistance, culture and joy. It is a celebration of the trailblazers and innovators that brought new music to the UK, and the layered Black experiences that have birthed a thriving musical culture and history.

Where to see the exhibition

Our exhibition will be visiting libraries across Suffolk throughout 2024 to 2026. You can visit the following libraries anytime during opening hours to view the interactive display. The display will also be visiting two of our prison libraries but these will not be accessible to the public.

• Newmarket Library - 6 November until 31 January 2025
• Elmswell Library - 7 May 2025 until 30 July 2025
• Glemsford Library - 7 August 2025 until 28 October 2025
• Mildenhall Library - 5 November 2025 until 30 January 2026
• Framlingham Library - 31 March 2026 until 25 April 2026

You can also listen to our Beyond the Bassline interviews on Spotify.

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This exhibition has been made possible by Aspire Black Suffolk and the British Library through the Living Knowledge Network.