V V Brown, a British indie pop singer-songwriter, producer, and activist, joins Inaya Folarin Iman in this episode of Equianopod. She candidly discusses her experiences with racism and reflects on her upbringing in a rural area in the UK. Additionally, she explores the evolution of her music, incorporating more political messaging, and shares her thoughts on Britishness and its current relationship with the black community.
Highlights
V V Brown was raised in the British countryside by Jamaican immigrant parents who founded a private school.
She observed blatant racism directed at her parents, an experience that shaped her perspectives on race and identity
As a black female artist, she navigated subtle and overt racism in the UK music industry.
Finding greater freedom and acceptance in the US music scene, she highlights the contrasting experiences between the two countries.
V V Brown advocates for black ownership in creative industries, emphasising empowerment beyond mere representation.
She rejects restrictive ideas of blackness and wants more diversity of expression within the “black community.”
Find the full conversation also on YouTube
Ep 16. The Continuing Fight for Black British Rights - V V Brown