Extensive South Asian vinyl collection to be exhibited at Manchester Museum

A new exhibition opening at Manchester Museum will showcase one of the largest vinyl archives of South Asian music in the UK.

Request Line, by artist Faisal Hussain, will launch tonight (19th July) in the museum’s South Asia Gallery as part of True Form Projects’ vinyl archive.

The 3000-strong collection was rescued by the archive in 2017 when Mohammed Ayub’s Oriental Star Agencies record store in Birmingham was forced to shut. Many of the records were played throughout the '80s at BBC Radio West Midlands by Mohammed Ayub, Anita Bhalla, and Farah Durrani as part of the ‘East in West’ radio show.

“The record store and then label became one of the most influential and important parts of South Asian history and diaspora in the UK and worldwide,” explains a description of the event.

“Before the store had to close in 2017, True Form Projects rescued much of the record collection and other artefacts in order to archive them and keep them protected for future generations. As part of a 3 year project they are archiving over 3000 records and artefacts and will be collecting memories of the music and culture contained in these important records.”

The installation, which is part of South Asian Heritage Month, will play a selection of the records and showcase their vinyl sleeves, whilst revealing handwritten requests people sent in throughout the 1980s — providing an intimate look at Birmingham’s South Asian community during this time.

Also on display will be videos, animations, rare memorabilia, and listening stations, supported by the artist Faisal Hussain in conversation and DJ sets from DJ Rizmi and Chandé.

Founded in 2012, True Form Projects is a social enterprise that specialises in collecting oral histories, artefacts, and personal stories centring around the UK's South Asian diaspora communities.

Reserve a free ticket for tonight’s launch party here. The wider exhibition will run from 19th to 21st August. Find out more here.