From Yussef Dayes to Dua Saleh, here are some of the albums by Black artists, creatives and visionaries that have been spinning in indie record shops recently:
October marks UK Black History Month and indie record shops everywhere have been celebrating this year's theme 'Honouring our Communities'.
“There’s a reason we love Yussef Dayes’ Black Classical Music at Vinyl Audio Café so much. It’s more than an album. It’s a celebration of Black musical heritage, a living, breathing expression of rhythm, culture and creativity - and a reminder of just how limitless Black music can be.”
- Tom, Vinyl Audio Café (Worthing)
“I love this record - and that Tinashe keeps pushing through and fighting on. She has managed to produce the best album of her career whilst staying loyal to her sound!”
- Sash, Vinylfetishes (Manchester)
“This wasn’t just an album — it was a cultural revolution; a ground breaker for hip-hop. With fearless lyrics that tackle racism, inequality and social injustice, Public Enemy gave a powerful voice to Black communities and changed the face of hip-hop forever. Regarded as one of the most influential albums of all time, it reminds us that Black music hasn’t just shaped musical history — it’s helped change society too.”
- Lynsey, Resurrection Records (Manchester)
“The day when Michael Kiwanuka has a new record out is always one to savour. From his first utterances, you can be certain it will be positive, spiritual, soothing and radical. He is the equivalent of the politician who offers hope, not hate. We need the man; his message and his deeply soulful sensibility in our hearts and our bones, more and more, every day.”
- Chris, Carnival Records (Malvern)
“Amazingly produced album, bangers from start to finish!”
- Becca, Spindizzy Records (Dublin)
"Beautiful soulful folk, that always sounds great in the morning."
- Andy, Slow Progress Records & Coffee (Edinburgh )
“Not to be confused with something you'd find in a Holland & Barrett reduced section, Erotic Probiotic 2 is woozy-DIY-synth-pop at its finest.”
- Matt, Rough Trade East (London)
“An iconic album that everyone should have in their collection.”
- Will, Spindizzy Records (Dublin)
“Young Fathers effortlessly weave multiple genres together to create their own unique sound. Dead paved the way for a myriad of iconic albums.”
- Locks, Rough Trade East (London)
“Exceptional record all around; it's generically eclectic, beautifully lyrical, and the production is forward-thinking.”
- Olek, Slow Progress Records & Coffee (Edinburgh)
