FOUR TO THE FLOOR EXPLORING THE BLA(C)K ROOTS OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Curated and hosted by Irregular Fit Creative Director, DJ and artist Ayebatonye Abrakasa

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Four to the Floor: Exploring the Bla(c)k roots of contemporary music pays homage to the Bla(c)k pioneers of the music that we know and love today. The title itself is a nod to Philadelphian drummer and founder of the Trammps Earl Young, who created the classic “Four on the Floor” drum beat commonly used in electronic music.

The influence of legendary Bla(c)k musicians has left an artistic legacy that lives on within contemporary music both mainstream and underground. Nods to Indigenous rhythms, jazz beats and spirituals resound throughout the works of artists around the world. As sound continues to evolve, elements of Bla(c)k culture have been consistently woven through the rich and broad musical tapestry that spans today's music globally . Sound once created by Bla(c)k artists to preserve cultural expression, to share stories, to protest, to celebrate, to empower and to mourn have been adopted and co-opted by non-Bla(c)k artists and labels around the world. So how does this impact Bla(c)k communities?

Four to the Floor facilitates a unique experience for Bla(c)k artists, community organisers and change-makers alike to share personal insights on music, popular culture, identity, artistic expression and global affairs in an informal setting. Topics of discussion include the history of musical genres, colonisation, cultural preservation, liberation, cultural appropriation, power structures within the music industry and many others.

With the conversation guided by Irregular Fit Creative Director, Ayebatonye Abrakasa, Four to the Floor aims to promote collective healing, mutual respect & understanding and celebration of those who have and continue to pave the way through artistic innovation.


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Image: Ayebatonye Abrakasa, 2020.