Like Lockdown Never Happened: Music and Culture During Covid

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.