Exclusive Screening of ‘Rituals: Unionblack’ at London’s Somerset House [Event Review]

The iconic courtyard of London’s Somerset House became the backdrop for an exclusive screening of Rituals: Unionblack, the latest project from BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.

Akinola tasked musical director Kwake Bass with orchestrating a lineup of incredibly talented musicians to soundtrack the film. All of whom I must name for their stunning performances, Sampha, Klein, Moses Boyd, Dennis Bovell, Tawiah, Mica Levi, Charlie Dark and The Drums of Balimaya Project, Mansur Brown and Tic . Despite hailing from all spectrums of the musical world, tonight these artists became one with the shared goal of bringing Rituals: Unionblack to life.

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

The film places us in the midst of numerous sacred ritualistic events, namely, a funeral, a wedding, a birth, Iftar and a birthday party in diasporic communities throughout the United Kingdom.

Rituals: Unionblack transports us through the highs and lows of life whilst keeping love at the centre. Kwake acknowledges this and plays into the strengths of his performers in order to convey such emotions. In one particular scene, we are placed in the celebrations of an 80th birthday party, a bittersweet scene in which a family are rejoicing their elder’s lap around the sun whilst the birthday girl seems somewhat distant from the festivities. Sampha, nestled in the back of the ensemble, understands this pain and delivers a beautiful solo, serenading her with the line “You are the centre of gravity” whilst Dennis Bovell and Klein underscore with sympathetic and hypnotic synths.

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

The foundational theme of Generation portrayed on screen is beautifully emulated on stage with Dub legend Dennis Bovell sitting beside Klein, a revolutionary young artist in the experimental scene.

In between scenes Kwake Bass coordinated beautiful improvised jams which more than adequately reflected the human element of the film. An element so crucial to its power.

The screening paused for poetic intermissions from Roni, who journeyed around the venue, occasionally preaching from a window, or amongst the crowd and finally on stage.

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

Akinola Davis Jr x SomersetHouse, July 2025, photo by @shotbymelissaa6

Akinola hoisted the ‘Union Black’ flag above Somerset house, transcending the energy of the night throughout the city of London. The reimagined Union Jack made up of red, green and black designed by Chris Ofili, a reference to Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African flag, represents black love and liberation both of which are heavily explored in the film (hence the name). The cherry on top would be an understatement.

NTS residents Goya Gumbani and Naima Nefertari helped to soundtrack the precious moments of reflection and discussion after the screening.