Listening Session: Generation(s) of Panafrica - An Ode to Street Soul

Explore how our politics are shaped by those who have come before us.

This listening session brings an intergenerational lens to Street Soul, the independent sound that Pan-African activist and musician Toyin Agbetu helped shape across multiple labels, aliases and community “pirate” radio in the late 1980s and early 90s. It remains an under-documented part of the story of UK Black music, despite its enduring influence on listeners and musicians across generations.

In a rare public father-and-son conversation, Toyin sits with his son, cultural strategist and curator Nate Agbetu, to revisit his catalogue and explore how DIY cultural expression emerged as a radical response to institutional erasure and racism. What emerges is part memory, part method, part future vision, revealing Pan-Africanist forms of grassroots organisation shaped by creativity and a distinctive sci-fi-informed blueprint.

Tagged with: Talks & events Take part Art & design

Complementing the Project a Black Planet: The Art & Culture of Panafrica exhibition, this specially curated strand of listening sessions invites audiences into the Gallery across three Friday nights to view the exhibition before an opportunity to reflect collectively via a thought-provoking, multi-disciplinary session.

Tickets to this event also include access to view the Project a Black Planet: Exhibition between 6PM-8PM.
The listening session will start at 8:30PM.

Event information:
There will be a variety of seating available from cushions on the floor, to bean bags and chairs.

Age recommendation: 14+
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket Releases:
Tickets for this event are released in batches. Currently, we have only released the first wave. Subscribe to our Creative Collaborations newsletter for information on further waves.

Speakers

Dr Toyin Agbetu is a lecturer in Political and Social Anthropology at University College London, teaching race, ethnicity, nationalism, and the culture of power from a decolonial, deracialised perspective. He is second vice-chair of the European Network Against Racism and founder of Ligali, a Pan-African human rights organisation challenging Afriphobia in media, public life, and social services since 2001. He also co-founded IDPAD CIC in Hackney, where he works as a community educator and curator, advancing social justice and political consciousness through art and exhibitionary praxis. A scholar-activist, his research examines structural violence and algorithmic discrimination, driving inclusive, antiracist practice across academia, local government, museums, and the NHS through institutional activism. He advocates for the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, is an award-winning filmmaker, and a pioneer of Streetsoul, a grassroots British music genre created by people of African heritage.

Nate Agbetu is a curator, strategist and educator whose socially engaged practice uses research, art and design to imagine near futures through their studio, Free Form World. Working at the intersection of culture and social innovation, they develop projects that range from a community garden to films, lectures and public programmes. Clients include V&A East, Re:Arc Institute, the Design Museum, Nike, Gucci and more.

Art Gallery

Location
The Art Gallery is located on Level 3 and can be accessed by stairs and lifts from Level G or via the Sculpture Court if coming from outside.

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.