History of Black British music from 1989 to today explored in forthcoming book, Escaping Babylon

A new book is set to explore the history of Black British music.

Written by journalist, DJ and filmmaker Jesse Bernard, Escaping Babylon: An Intimate History of Black British Music will be published by Profile Books and spans 30 years of Black music in Britain, from 1989 to the present day, chronicling everything from jungle and hip-hop in the ’90s to the London uprisings of 2011 and the emergence of UK rap and grime superstars.

The book, which will examine how Black culture in Britain is “moulded by creativity drawn from Lagos and Los Angeles, Sao Paolo and South London”, hits the shelves on 7th May 2026. Pre-order a copy here.

In an Instagram post announcing the book, Bernard wrote: “From an early age – at the house parties my parents used to have, to travelling across the M62 to raves in Manchester, Hull and Leeds – Black British music has shaped my understanding of the world. Through Escaping Babylon, I celebrate the stories of unsung people from local communities as well as the global stars whose names we adore.

“I’m equally fascinated by how music moves through borders, transcending space and time, particularly when the movement of Black people has been shaped by slavery and the impact of colonialism.”

Earlier this year, an exhibition celebrating 100 years of Black British music opened at the Barbican Music Library, co-curated by Scott Leonard.

Black Sound London explores a vast musical history that begins with the arrival of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra in London from the US in 1919, and moves towards exploring the biggest Black stars in music today.

Last year, a documentary series highlighting the Black origins of British dance and electronic music was made available to watch on Netflix. The Evolution of Black British Music features key figures from across a variety of scenes, including Fabio & Grooverider, Roni Size, Goldie, Shy FX, General Levy and Tiffany Calver.