You Ought To Know – Reclaiming Black British Music His and Herstories

Join Creative Manchester as they share the findings from a recent research project, “You Ought To Know – Reclaiming Black British music His and Herstories”.

You will learn more about the stories of artists underrepresented in the history of the Manchester music and cultural scene, through an in-conversation with the researcher, including clips from a podcast interview series.

The 6-month project was conducted by TV producer, radio presenter, and independent filmmaker, Karen Gabay, who worked with Creative Manchester at The University of Manchester as a Simon Industrial Fellow for 6 months.

During the research project, Karen reflected on different genres, from Gospel and Soul to Reggae, Pop and R&B. She explored how different cultural spaces, in Manchester have played a significant role in the lives of these musicians and their path in the music industry over the decades. Throughout the project, Karen accessed the British Pop Archive at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, interviewing various artists, musicians, songwriters, and vocalists, documenting the personal accounts and lived experiences of Black British Music and the contribution of Black music professionals to the industry. Her work also reflects on collaborations and how that moves out of the perceptions of British artists creating in the British popular music. A podcast series was created, which will be accessible to the public and launched in autumn 2025.

In this in-conversation event, Karen will be interviewed by Professor Dawn Edge, The University of Manchester’s Academic Lead for ‘Race’, Religion and Belief, and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health.

This event is part of the Festival of Social Science. The festival explores the world of social science. This year a number of our events will focus on our working lives, exploring the relationship between humans and digital technology. The festival runs from Saturday 18 October to Saturday 8 November 2025.

Karen Gabay is a TV producer specialising in pop culture, music history and music shows, Her credits include Sing Gospel (BBC1), First Ladies of Hip-Hop, Reggae Britannia, (UNESCO award),When Bob Marley Came to Britain and Garms: Black Culture’s Influence on British fashion. Karen is a leading radio presenter, producer and podcast host. She has recorded sessions and interviews with a huge array of British and British based musicians including Roachford, Lynden David Hall, Laura White, Lemar, Billy Ocean, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rowetta & Babalola, Shaun Escoffrey & Nxdia.