Standing Firm in Power and Pride

This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” draws focus to the profound contributions made by Black leaders, activists, pioneers and wider community - tribute to the resilience and strength of those who have shaped history and strive for a future of continued empowerment.

To celebrate, we asked indie record shops across the UK to tell us about their favourite records by black artists.

Pharoah Sanders - summun bukmun umyun (Deaf Dumb Blind)

“An amazing spiritual jazz album. It really sounds like nothing else. The 21-minute title track is percussive and trance-like, whilst Lonnie Liston Smith's arrangement of 'Let us go into the house of the lord' really washes over you. A very meditational record.”

- Alex

Marvin Gaye - What's going on?

Marvin Gaye recorded his seminal album 'What's Going On' in 1971 and it reflected on the state of the USA and the world at that time songs with a real message backed by magnificent musicianship and sung with his soulful voice. This album was revolutionary at the time, so much so that Berry Gordy initially didn't want to release it on Motown, a label known for punchy commercial soul hits in the 60's..The album has stood the test of time, as relevant and fresh today as it was 55 years ago. It’s a milestone in Black music."

- Laurence

Neneh Cherry – Homebrew

"Neneh Cherry's extremely underrated sophomore album is basically the unrecognised proto-alternative R&B/pop/trip-hop masterpiece of the 90s and I feel like people don't even know. It should've been huge and, for me, it was."

- Jono

KOKOKO – Fongola

“An entire album made with a combination of junk & electronic instruments. You can't not dance to this, it's too infectious!”

- Locks

Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits

“My favourite female vocalist of all time, without a doubt. This record specifically is one that is played on many Sundays in my house.”

- Marieke

PP Arnold – The First Lady of Immediate

“London's First Lady of Soul. Patricia Ann Cole has one of the most fascinating musical journeys, starting out her career as an Ikette, singing with The Small Faces amongst an astounding amount of other musical legends. Check her cover of You Can't Always Get What You Want - produced by Barry Gibb and truly stunning.”

- Matt

The None – Matter and Care

“Brutal noise-rock headed by Kai, one of the best frontpeople in heavy music. One to see live for sure”

- Luke

Al Green – Let’s Stay Together

“Some of the best love songs ever written, sung by one of the sweetest vocalists of all time. It's Essential for a reason!”

- Nicole

Earl Sweatshirt – Doris

“Earl Sweatshirt's music centres on his personal struggles, particularly grief, depression, and family issues, using lyricism as a form of healing and introspection”

- Laurie

Shabaka Hutchings - Afrikan Culture

Shabaka Hutchings is - in my opinion - one of the most gifted musicians in jazz. He has pushed boundaries in an eclectic range of London projects and this solo record top to bottom encompasses him as one. A master musician...

- Zakarias

Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland

“The White man took Rock & Roll from The Black man, and Jimi took it right back.”

- Adam

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo 2

“Freddie Gibbs has been one of my favourite rappers since his 2014 collaboration with Madlib, "Pinata". He's dropped several classics in the meantime (including the predecessor to this album) but 2025's "Alfredo 2" feels like a real high watermark in his career. Mixing up his trademark punchy staccato flow with a new gritty, snarling delivery of take-no-prisoners’ lyrics he provides an organic tour de force performance over The Alchemist's dreamy, Tokyo city pop inspired beats. A constant on my deck and in my headphones since it was surprise dropped this summer and, for me, album of the year.”

- Leo

Ciara - CiCi

"My current favorite is Ciara’s latest release, Cici. I love that she’s still putting out new music two decades into her career — now through her own label. Her continued creativity and independence reflect incredible resilience and strength as a Black woman, standing proudly and powerfully more than 20 years after her debut."

- Sash

Annahstasia - Tether

"My favourite is the debut album by Annahstasia, “Tether”. The cover art is powerful, and the music is mesmerising, with a vocal that blends Nina Simone with Tracy Chapman. Songs like “Believer” and “Villain” are powerful tracks but that power is hidden by the subtlety of the production and the powerful yet intimate vocals. Annahstasia is also using her platform to stand up for and stand by marginalised communities showing true Power & pride."

- Glen