By Coral Consciouslee
10th July 2019
This year, International Reggae Day – hosted by Kwaku of
British Black Music/Black Music Congress (BBM/BMC) in conjunction with Reggae
Fraternity UK (RFUK), Campro Entertainment and various sponsors - was held over
two days; I was fortunate to attend on June 30th (day one) at
Goldsmiths University in New Cross.
Try to imagine the scene walking up to the building from New Cross Gate Station: a beautiful sunny day, a nice expanse of green grass before one climbed the stairs to the building itself. The pulsating bass and drums of reggae music provided more than enough direction if anyone had any difficulty finding the venue.
Once inside, it was notable to see that all those who had stands were already set up – the event had already started. Amongst those who had stands was of course Reggae Fraternity UK, Shining Stars, UK Pressure Records, TLC Global Media, Trojan Records, Musicians' Union and The Voice/Gleaner Newspaper to name but a few. I arrived just in time for the screening of the film “Rude Boy: The Story of Trojan Records. I found the film very informative, thought-provoking; Trojan Records’ place in reggae history – very moving.
Allison Mason - Shining Stars |
Lady TLC - TLC Global Media |
Garfield - The Voice/Gleaner Newspaper |
Coming from the screening (reggae related videos
were being shown after the film), I felt strangely invigorated! Perhaps it was
because what was advertised was actually taking place and on time. I could clearly see that this event was a
step-up from last year. Now do not get
me wrong: International Reggae 2018 was decent, but here in 2019 it was clear
that steps were taken to make this year even more memorable. The backdrop of
outstanding reggae music provided by Chaaawaaa Radio, added to a cheerful and
active networking atmosphere.
Chaaawaaa kept the reggae music flowing! |
Side note: It felt good that when talking to John Logan from
PRS, he observed that Chaaawaaa Radio was a licensed radio station. How great was that? Similarly, I was fortunate to have an in-depth
conversation with Natalie Witts-Kilshaw from Musicians' Union, regarding the many
benefits available to artists and musicians who become members.
Being on volunteer duty meant I was not able to attend “Reggae
from Windrush To The Academy” featuring spoken word artist Victor Richards and
also “Reggae & Mental Health & Well Being” segments, but the feedback of
both was that it was inspirational and educational respectively; personally, I
would love to see a day dedicated to exploring mental health in more detail.
An added treat was the fantastic rendition of songs from Lady
Lex and Joanne Caesar aka Josey Roots, with an impromptu contribution from
various artists who attended. Donovan Kingjay and Antony Richards received
their International Reggae Day, People’s Choice Awards. Hosted by Audrey Scott
of RFUK and Melissa Sinclaire a.k.a. DJ Cameo, it was a nice pick me up after
dinner! The weather being so nice, one could take a breather outside, go into
the hall for relevant panel discussions, or check out the stands whilst
listening to some exceptional reggae.
Joanne Caesar aka Josey Roots |
Lady Lex |
Kwaku alongside Anthony Brightly from Black Slate & Dennis Rowe from Saxone |
The day was rounded off nicely with “Reggae’s Influence on
British R&B/Soul Q & A” with soul groups Cool Notes and Simplicity on
the panel.
Simplicity and Cool Notes lead the panel discussion |
I am sure that Kwaku BBM, RFUK and Campro will have reviewed both days
and already cited areas for improvement; nevertheless, I was impressed. Through obvious planning and consistency, the
IRD Team pulled off a remarkable and enjoyable day. Being able to cope with anything that may not
go according to plan, with calmness and a cool head was key. The atmosphere created and how we all functioned
together, was gratifying.
Kwaku - BBM/BMC |
Melissa Sinclaire - Campro Entertainnment with Victor Richards - Spoken Word Artist |
Colin - RFUK with Natalie Witts-Kilshaw - Musician's Union |