Stormzy's stab vest goes on display in landmark exhibition of Black British music

The exhibition, the first at the new V&A East in London's Olympic Park, showcases a wide array of items from influential Black British artists. Among the notable displays are Joan Armatrading's childhood guitar, stage outfits from Seal and Poly Styrene, and the handwritten lyrics to Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Curated by Jacqueline Springer, the show traces the journey of music from Africa and the Caribbean, shaped by colonialism and religion, as it arrived in the UK and developed into genres like Two Tone, Garage, Trip Hop, and Grime.A centerpiece is Winifred Atwell's upright piano, on which she composed "Let's Have Another Party," the UK's first number one single by a Black artist in 1954. The piano, etched with messages from fans, symbolizes Atwell's role in breaking racial barriers. The exhibition also includes Jerry Dammers' original sketches for the 2-Tone record label, the Nintendo console grime star JME used for his first tracks, and a dress worn by Dame Shirley Bassey. Interactive headsets provide a personalized musical journey through the exhibition's various eras.