Rhythm and Roots
Jennie Baptiste’s latest exhibition Rhythm and Roots. Report by Joyce Thornton
Jennie Baptiste’s dynamic exhibition, Rhythm and Roots is on show at Somerset House until January 4th, 2026. Commissioned as part of Somerset House’s 25th birthday celebrations, targeting diverse perspectives, the show shines a long overdue spotlight on Baptiste’s trailblazing photographic work.
Book here. Pay what you can
As her first major solo exhibition, Jennie Baptiste’s Rhythm & Roots captures the spirit and vibrancy of Black British identity – celebrating music, youth culture, style and fashion through striking and memorable images. A focus on the late 90s hip hop DJ scene is enriched with new mix tapes from many key figures of the time, so that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the music that was so influential.
As her first major solo exhibition, Jennie Baptiste’s Rhythm & Roots captures the spirit and vibrancy of Black British identity
Alongside many powerful images of famous faces which include Jay Z, NAS, The Notorious B.I.G, Ms Dynamite, Estelle and Ty, and Roots Manuva, Baptiste’s work equally celebrates the extraordinary in the ‘ordinary’. So, other great images show people embracing black music and culture in everyday situations – getting ready for a night out, clubbing, at home and on the streets, creating an intoxicating mix.
As part of the exhibition run, an Upgrade Yourself Takeover event was held in early November, focussing on 18–30-year-olds who attended an in-person talk and discussion. Jennie Baptiste told FACE, “Around 400 young people attended this event, so it was hugely successful. It was great that I got to share my story and to inspire the next generation. As well as the talk and Q&A, there was a DJ workshop, networking and a photography/art zine workshop.”
As a young teenager in the ‘80’s, she began by snapping pictures of artists at live event record store signings
Baptiste’s story is inspirational and as a black female, it reveals her creative talent, but also her essential drive and resilience. The family home was filled with music as she grew up - her parents and siblings all having their individual passions. Motown, soul, rock, pop, reggae, Calypso and even country music were all in the mix, and this wide-ranging soundtrack was naturally fused with her love of photography.
As a young teenager in the ‘80’s, she began by snapping pictures of artists at live event record store signings with a friend. Around the age of 15, Baptiste discovered her school darkroom and gained the basics of photography and the craft of developing images, moving on to graduate from LCC (then London College of Printing) in 1994.
A hugely impressive body of work now spanning more than 3 decades
With a hugely impressive body of work now spanning more than 3 decades, and with her images already gracing the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A, many good things lie undoubtedly ahead for this pioneering woman. Next up, her images will be featured in the inaugural, upcoming exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story at the new V&A East site, which opens in April 2026.
Reviews for the current exhibition universally praise Baptiste’s vision and legacy and the show has been featured on TV and radio in London. Press reviews include The New York Times commenting on the exhibition’s global resonance and impact. Catch it while you can!