REGGAE FRATERNITY UK LAUNCH PARTY

by Coral Consciouslee
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.