Presented by Night Time Industries Association
This panel brings together practitioners, cultural leaders, and community stakeholders to examine Grime, UK Rap, Jungle and Drum & Bass as influential intangible cultural assets within the context of UNESCO’s framework for Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating in the United Kingdom’s urban and diasporic communities, these musical practices are understood not only as genres, but as complex cultural systems encompassing language, performance, production, and community-based knowledge transmission.
The discussion situates these forms within their historical development, tracing their roots in Afro-Caribbean sound system culture and their evolution through grassroots infrastructures such as pirate radio, raves, and independent studios. These environments have enabled the creation and intergenerational transmission of distinct artistic practices, including MCing, DJing, and vernacular expression.
The panel further considers the role of these music cultures as cultural influencers, shaping global music, fashion, and youth identity, while remaining embedded in localised social contexts. It also addresses the sustainability of these practices in the context of changing urban environments and cultural infrastructure.
Speakers:
Michael Kill, CEO, NTIA – Moderator
Jumpin Jack Frost – DJ Producer & Artist
Nolay – UK Rapper
Griminal – Grime Artist
Ras Kwame – DJ / Producer & Capital One Xtra Presenter