Project 74a is about documenting
the cultural importance of Project 74a, especially regarding Black music radio in the 1980s and the need to preserve its legacy:
Dear Colleague,
Brent Museum and Archives, in partnership with Brent Culture Service, is proud to support Project 74a—a groundbreaking initiative that shines a long-overdue spotlight on a vital but underdocumented chapter of Brent’s cultural history.
Project 74a: Uncovering the Untold Story of Black Music Radio in Brent
Located at 74a High Street, Harlesden, this modest address once pulsed with creative energy. Home to three independent recording studios and a hotbed for pirate radio, it became a cultural epicentre in the 1980s—a time when mainstream institutions largely ignored or excluded Black voices. In this space, soundwaves became lifelines. Pirate radio empowered a generation of young people of African and Caribbean heritage, offering them not just music, but identity, expression, and opportunity. Many who passed through its doors turned away from paths of marginalisation and into careers that shaped British music and media.
Project 74a seeks to document, preserve, and celebrate this legacy—before it fades from memory.
Our mission unfolds in four key phases:
- Unearth Hidden Histories
We will recover stories that risk being lost—through community engagement, intergenerational conversations, and archival deep-dives—ensuring these voices are heard and honoured. - Engage the Community
Through workshops and collaboration with groups such as Brent Youth Radio, we will involve local people as active storytellers and cultural custodians. - Build a Cultural Legacy
We aim to create a permanent archive that recognises the vital role Harlesden played in shaping Britain’s music scene and youth culture, especially through the lens of Black creativity and resistance. - Make Heritage Accessible
Educational resources and public access to this archive will ensure that this story not only survives—but inspires future generations.
Project 74a isn’t just about music. It’s about history, identity, and the power of community. This is our moment to reclaim and protect a legacy that helped define the sound—and soul—of a generation.
We look forward to your support and partnership as we bring this vital story to