Akinola Davies Junior - rituals: unionblack
Akinola Davies Junior reflects on the creative process and collaborative spirit in the making of his new work documenting the Black British experience, which was presented in the Somerset House courtyard in July 2025.
In this short documentary centred around the live musical screening, Somerset House Studios resident Akinola reveals the process of bringing together the community for a unique immersive and disruptive audio-visual event which platformed unexplored Black British experiences, through the medium of film and music. The live score which was brought together by Kwake Bass and a collection of musicians and artists, including Sampha, Klein, Moses Boyd, Dennis Bovell, Tawiah, Charlie Dark and The Drums of Balimaya Project.
By focusing on the subtle, beautiful in-between moments this film celebrates the richness and complexity of Akinola’s themes and practice, honouring the everyday rituals that underpin his work.
Akinola’s new film work rituals: union black, made with the support from BBC Film, documents the everyday rituals that underscore rhythms of Black life in the UK, paying tribute to the collective resonances of Black British communities.
