by Coral Consciouslee
29th October 2016
Reggae
29th October 2016
Reggae
noun
1.
a style of Jamaican popular music blending blues,calypso, and rock-'n'-roll, characterized by astrong syncopated rhythm and lyrics of socialprotest.
This is truly one of those times when writing about something that was
so fantastic, makes one wish that there were more words in the English
language. I began this blog by looking
up the definition of reggae and saw how limited the English language was trying
to describe it. That’s how I feel right
now.
Last night I was involved in and attended the Reggae Fraternity UK
Launch Party. What had begun with a small
group of about 20 people in April 2015 had evolved into an eagerly anticipated
event, which – truth be told – we had been planning probably from that very
first meeting. Although I had certain skills that could be beneficial as the
RFUK secretary, I can truly say it is only now that I understand what we are
able to offer as an organisation. I am privileged to be working with a team of
very talented individuals, who have so many qualities in addition to being
outstanding musicians. Together their
vision has inspired and helped me to understand Reggae music on a level I never
thought possible.
On the practical and tangible side, we had a beautiful venue – Hackney
Showrooms and the undying help of Nina Love.
Whatever we asked of Nina, she was willing to help, going over and
beyond what was necessary. Her
organisational skills and tenacity made our preparation for the event a smooth
process indeed.
Like most promoters, we advertised like crazy. We knew this was not a dance or a similar
event. This was not just about selling
tickets, or getting “bums on seats”.
This was an event aimed specifically at the music industry – we were
putting out a call for interested parties to come together and ultimately help
each other. I am shaking my head at the many meetings, emails, whatsapp
messages and telephone calls we must have made.
How we kept on top of it all I do not know! However Friday night made all the effort worth
it.
The perfect scenario for any event is when people arrive on time. When people arrive early then one knows they
are very interested. Our drinks
reception proved very popular and gave a perfect opportunity for some early
networking to commence. To see people
gathered early on a Friday evening for a seminar about reggae music, was a
beautiful sight. Even better having to
produce more chairs for those who were standing – and the evening had just
begun! We had a strong panel: Kevin Bennet – Emotional and Mental Strategist,
,Gary Digitech – Music Producer and John Downie of UK Unsigned. Chaired by RFUK’s very own Leroy Wilson, all
three discussed the issues of the Reggae Music Industry and answered the
questions of the audience. It was the
perfect prelude to an amazing show.
The show consisted of established as well as up and coming singers. The line up reflected the different styles of
Reggae that can be found in the UK today, both mature and younger artists
performed to an amazing and receptive crowd.
The DJs created a warm and active atmosphere – I noticed no waning of
interest or impatience in the audience whatsoever. The perfect end to the show
was Lorna Sutara Ji leading the DJ
Rollcall with Horseman and Ricky Rankin – the crowd went into overdrive!
Also encouraging were the commendations from both artists and the
general public alike. It’s not that we
hadn’t received such comments before, but this time it was said with more
understanding and enlightenment of what we were trying to achieve and that made
it the more special.
Although overwhelmed with the night’s success, the team knows that this
was a launch. It is now that the real
work begins. But oh what a night to
herald in such a future!
Promoting. UK. Reggae. Excellence.
