Newcastle's Discovery Museum to show photo project as MOBO awards arriving in the North East
Newcastle's discovery museum is getting involved with a celebration of Black music in the region - as the MOBO awards arrive next week
Last updated 12th Feb 2025
Newcastle's discovery museum is getting involved with a celebration of Black music in the region - as the MOBO awards arrive next week.
A montage of photographs called History of Black Music on Tyneside will be projected on the wall of Discovery Museum above the iconic Turbinia ship as part of the MOBO Fringe Newcastle 2025 event programme from Saturday 15 February - Sunday 23 February.
The display is brought to the museum in partnership with Northern Roots, a music and arts development organisation dedicated to supporting artists from the global majority in Newcastle and the wider North East.
Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums said:
“The MOBO awards coming to Newcastle is a major coup for the city and we are delighted to be part of this at Discovery Museum in the MOBO Fringe programme.
“We welcome people from all over the UK and further afield so for our visitors to be able to see this as soon as they walk in the museum is wonderful. We’re very grateful to Northern Roots for bringing this musical tribute to the museum.”
Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, who is opening the display, said:
“I am delighted that the MOBOS are coming to Newcastle this month, it is a testament to the thriving diverse city we call home.
“The history of black music on Tyneside photography exhibition at the Discovery Museum promises to be one of the highlights of the MOBOS Fringe. Artists such as Public Enemy, James Brown and Grace Jones rubbing shoulders with home grown talent Voices of Virtue, Kema Kay and Kay Greyson - unmissable!”
Leila D’Aronville, Managing Director of Northern Roots said:
“Northern Roots is privileged enough to work with some of the most exciting Black talent in the city and have a history of bringing artists such as Prince Buster and Soweto Gospel Choir to the region.
“In our history we have seen the makeup of the creative community change, and no longer are we drawn to other places to be able to programme some of the best and most diverse talent. This exhibition is just a glimpse into moments in time, with the future holding so much more for artists and audiences in our community!"
Celebrating four decades of Black music on Tyneside the display features international artists such as Chaka Khan, Public Enemy, Goldie, Soul ll Soul, Bhundu Boys, Jimmy Cliff, Candi Staton and Richie Havens.
These images are joined by those of contemporary Newcastle artists Kema Kay, Kay Greyson and many more, at legendary venues such as Jumpin’ Hot Club, Hoochie Coochie, World Headquarters and at festivals Boss Sounds and Evolution.
The Turbinia Atrium is the point of entry of the museum, and the Turbinia ship is the first object people see. The History of Black Music on Tyneside display can be seen directly above the ship.