The Influence Project

Featuring never-seen-before photographic portraits of pioneers of R&B, Funk, Soul, Afrobeat and Hip Hop.

The Influence Project is an ongoing photography project celebrating the global impact of African American musicians, who pushed boundaries creatively, socially and politically, whilst simultaneously laying the foundations of contemporary music.

The exhibition seeks to make these pioneers visible, highlighting their impact on contemporary musicians, from direct forms of sampling, to the role of mentors and role models.

Creative partners photographer Alexis Chabala and Curator Lorayne Crawford, have approached artists they have a relationship with or who had strong influences in their life to photograph. Together they are passionate about giving their heroes a platform, revealing the interdependent links between them and something of the spirit of their music or character.