The curatorial work of Charlie Dark is celebrated by King Britt in his Blacktronika course. He played in and collaborated with King Britt to create a new Blacktronika festival series that recently took place at Public Records in Brooklyn, New York.
Charlie Dark was the founder of the original Blacktronica Collective in London and one-third of the groundbreaking and genre-blending ensemble, Attica Blues. Dark traverses multiple disciplines as a sound artist, writer, poet, musician and DJ, exploring new ways of harnessing sonic forms. He is a visionary who like many before him saw the future and created a platform as an incubator for artists from different black music genres to be played in the same venue and for their creators to be able to collaborate and create new forms of electronic music. While he may not call himself an Afrofuturist, his platform work and ideas are in sync with the musical Afrofuturist movement.
Charlie Dark’s Blacktronica events were held monthly at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London’s South Bank and became a hallmark of the city’s vibrant music scene. These events featured DJs, poets, and musicians blending House, Hip-Hop, Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Acid Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Afrobeat, and other forms of electronic dance music. As a trailblazing DJ, producer, and cultural curator, Dark was instrumental in bringing a variety of soulful electronic genres to the forefront of London’s nightlife and providing a platform for many emerging genres to take hold.
At these events, the fusion of African rhythms, jazz and electronic beats took center stage, creating an immersive sonic experience that captivated audiences. Dark carefully curated lineups that showcased both established and emerging artists, ensuring a diverse and enriching musical journey for attendees.
Here is a Spotify playlist Charlie Dark curated that shows the diversity of his sound.
Beyond the music, Charlie Dark’s Blacktronica events also emphasized community engagement and cultural exchange. They served as safe spaces for creatives and enthusiasts to come together, fostering connections and promoting a sense of belonging across genres within the London music scene. Through his events, Dark has not only celebrated the genre’s roots in the African diaspora but also explored its ever-evolving possibilities. The Blacktronica movement in London grew vastly under his guidance, embracing innovation, inclusivity, and a shared vision of Afrofuturism.
Whether in intimate club settings or larger festival stages, Charlie Dark’s Blacktronica events in London continue to push the boundaries of electronic music while honoring the powerful global legacy of African culture. As they continue to evolve and inspire, these gatherings leave an indelible mark on the city’s nightlife and contribute to the broader conversation surrounding music, culture, and identity.