The rise of new black spaces in music

Bristol’s dancefloors are drawing new audiences to amapiano and other electronic music from across the African diaspora. A new generation of black promoters is creating events where people can celebrate their cultures and feel represented, while also facing difficulties finding venues that welcome nights aimed at black audiences.

Promoter Unkle Mykel began hosting garden barbecues after moving to Bristol in 2017, and now runs Bristol Barbecue Family and The Aux Social. DJ Khiah Lou launched Khaya Nights last year to build a local amapiano scene, while Tazmin Samuels, who performs as Azumei, promotes African, Latin American and Caribbean sounds through the Rushtown collective. They say these events support identity and connection, but the wider music industry has yet to recognise the value of the work.