King Britt

King Britt is a Professor in Computer Music at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where he teaches in the Department of Music within the Herb Alpert School of Music. He is best known for developing and leading the innovative course Blacktronika: Afrofuturism in Electronic Music, which investigates the contributions of Black artists to electronic music genres such as Detroit Techno, Chicago House, and Drum & Bass.

His research and teaching focus on:

• Afrofuturism in sound and performance
• History and pedagogy of Black electronic music
• Intersections of technology, race, and creativity
• Community-based music innovation
• Remix culture and DJ practice

Britt’s scholarly and artistic publications span diverse formats, including academic journals, public lectures, radio broadcasts, and curated festivals. His recent works explore themes of sonic memory, cultural preservation, and pedagogical innovation in electronic music. He frequently collaborates with institutions such as Carnegie Hall, MoMA PS1, and Cambridge University Press, and his Blacktronika initiative has evolved into a multimedia project encompassing a podcast, festival, digital archive, and educational curriculum.

His scientific recognition includes the prestigious Pew Fellowship, awarded for artistic excellence and innovation. As an educator, he mentors students through immersive, guest-led courses and fosters creative ecosystems that bridge academia and industry.

Britt has led or participated in numerous collaborative projects, including:

• Tyshawn and King – an improvisational album with MacArthur Fellow Tyshawn Sorey
• Chimurenga Renaissance – a cross-cultural project with Tendai Maraire of Shabazz Palaces
• Blacktronika Archives – a digital repository of Black electronic music history
• Curatorial work with MoMA PS1, MoCA LA, and Carnegie Hall
• Radio series Transmissions on NTS Radio

He leads the Blacktronika initiative, which includes:

• The Blacktronika Festival, presented at SummerStage and other venues
• The Blacktronika Podcast, hosted in collaboration with Carnegie Hall
• Curated playlists and educational content on platforms like Spotify, Tidal, and Google Arts & Culture
• Global lectures and public talks on Afrofuturism and music technology