Like Lockdown Never Happened

Analyses how Black music and culture framed how we passed the time in the first 18 months of the pandemic.

How Black music and culture shaped our experiences during the first 18 months of COVID-19. As lockdowns restricted movement and social interactions, music became a vital tool for countering the psychological impact of isolation, offering solace and connection.

Like Lockdown Never Happened explores the surge in music listening, the shift of concerts to online platforms, and the evolution of cultural events in a socially distanced world. It focuses on contemporary Black music and its various expressions during this time, featuring notable phenomena such as Kano's Newham Talks, Steve McQueen's BBC anthology Small Axe, the Verzuz DJ Battle series, TikTok's Don't Rush Challenge, and the radio station TheresNoSignal, among others.

By analysing both chronological and kairotic time during the pandemic, the book highlights how Black joy and sonic Black geographies were essential to the cultural landscape of this era. It underscores the significance of Black music and creative expression as they soundtracked and sustained us through unprecedented challenges.

Key themes and features include:

- The role of Black music in combating isolation and boredom during lockdown
- A deep dive into significant cultural events and online experiences
- Insights into how Black creativity shaped the pandemic narrative
- Exploration of Black joy and cultural resilience in challenging times

This compelling analysis offers a fresh perspective on the importance of Black culture in our collective response to the pandemic, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in music, culture, and social history.