Like Lockdown Never Happened analyses how Black music and culture framed how we passed the time in the first 18 months of the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, music listening helped to counter the psychological fallout of lockdown and reduce its effects of isolation, restriction and boredom. At the same time, concerts and other musical events moved online, and even when lockdown eased, social distancing meant that group musical and cultural events took on a different format.

With a focus on contemporary Black music, this book takes a deep dive into a few of the various forms that popular culture took over this period, including Kano’s Newham Talks series; Steve McQueen’s BBC anthology Small Axe; the Verzuz DJ Battle series; TikTok’s Don’t Rush Challenge. The documentary reflects on some of the key themes in the book.

Watch the film, meet the director and take part in the discussion. Refreshments provided.