The cultural impact of UK independent record stores that specialised in Black music will be documented in a revealing new book and film that are set to be released as part of Black History Month (October 2024).

Contributors include Trevor Nelson, David Rodigan, DJ
Swerve, Ammo Talwar MBE, DJSS and Carol Leeming MBE. From 1950s jazz to noughties grime, this initiative provides a new insight into the hidden histories of UK Record Stores.

2Funky Arts has been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, to run the project. The organisation, itself, grew from 2Funky Records (1997-2012) – a specialist Black music store in Leicester, with an international reputation.

‘The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History’ will link in with Black History Month 2024 and will result in a documentary, book, website, podcast series and education pack with screenings of the documentary planned in major cities including a premiere at University of Greenwich (London).

The documentary is being Directed by Simon ‘Schooly’
Phillips while the book is being penned by acclaimed author Garth Cartwright (The Guardian, Jazzwise). Project partners include Sound/Image Research Centre (University of Greenwich) and Brighter Sound (Manchester).

2Funky Arts Director Vijay Mistry said: “We’ve had an
amazing response so far, interviewing 60+ people. We still want to hear from
people who have memories of this history, so please get in touch if you
remember browsing, socialising, or discovering new artists at these specialist
music stores.”