Rituals: unionblack by Akinola Davies Jr Review

Written by Nayana Bathwaite

Monday 14th July 2025 marked a moment in history. Akinola Davies Jr. unveiled his latest project—an exclusive musical screening commissioned by Somerset House to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Created with the support of BBC Film, this work is a powerful tribute to the everyday rituals that underscore the rhythms of Black life in the UK. Rooted in intimacy, community, and cultural resonance, it offered a poetic portrait of what it means to exist, thrive, and celebrate as Black British today. What made this event even more extraordinary was the live improvised film score, a rare and masterful performance by some of the UK’s most influential Black musicians: Sampha, Klein, Moses Boyd, Dennis Bovell, Tawiah, Charlie Dark, and Balimaya Project’s drummers, all musically directed by the legendary Kwake Bass. Adding to the energy were NTS residents Goya Gumbani and Naima Nefertari, seamlessly woven into the sonic landscape. It truly felt like an Avengers Assemble moment for the Black British music scene—high-level, raw improvisation at its finest.

This was one of the most beautiful displays of Black creativity I’ve ever witnessed in London. With the Black Union Jack flying high above Somerset House, the symbolism was clear: this is what our ancestors fought for. The space was filled with beautiful Black faces, but also reflected a genuine diversity—people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds came together to honour this moment. As the film began, the audience sat in almost complete silence—completely locked in, in a way you rarely experience. The narrator’s presence throughout the venue created a powerful theatrical rhythm. She first appeared in one of Somerset House’s top windows—spotlit and striking. Her words were laced with humour but carried clear intention, reflecting on the positionality of Black communities in the UK and the deep importance of our rituals, practices, and collective memory.

Through Davies Jr.'s lens, we were taken into private, powerful spaces: birthday celebrations, prayer circles, community gatherings, even childbirth. Each moment was steeped in love, ritual, and connection. It was a portrait of everyday life, but elevated into something sacred. By the end, no one wanted to leave. The energy in the courtyard radiated joy. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, hugging, and sharing their favourite moments from the screening. It was more than a film. More than a concert. It was a communal experience—alive, spiritual, and unforgettable.