By Coral Consciouslee 4th May 2016 It’s easy to be an armchair critic or profess to be an “expert” in what should and should not be done when bringing a concept to life.
One person decided to do more than sit back and talk. She decided to spearhead a project taking positive action to address the lack of opportunities for artists.
Enter Hostess/MC /Actress/Voice Over Artist/TV & Radio Presenter and Singer Allison Mason. As you can see, her qualifications for leading on such a project are solid and extensive. She has been on stage at the Blue Mountain Theatre, performed voice overs for the BBC, has compered many events and she also has a musical background. Her career dates back to 1994 and she has performed as recently as September 2015 in the play “Black Spartacus'. If you want to know how to seek out opportunities but you're not sure how to go about doing this, Allison is your expert.
Earlier this year Allison launched the 'Shining Stars Event Management Team'. In her words:
"SHINING STARS MANAGEMENT/ENTERTAINMENT was formed to provide top quality professional artists within their chosen fields - whether singing/dancing/acting or hosting - a platform in which they can be promoted and also perform to the highest standard.Every artist is a SHINING STAR and together we are a dynamic package ready to thrill any crowd".
To highlight this, Allison presented the Shining Stars Showcase at Hootenanny, Brixton on Thursday 28th April 2016. The Shining Stars consisted of: Wayne “Dibbi” Rollins, Jason Junior Johnson JayJayBorntoSing, Mandee Singer, Andrew Sloley, Claude Darroux and Clarke. They were supported by opening act singer Subajah, The Maximum Heights Band and backing singers, Michelle Creese, Tonica Howe and Angenita Blackwood.
The atmosphere for me was perfect. DJ Pd Coolie provided an excellent party vibe which I would have been content with on its own before embarking on my journey home. He played a most impressive selection of songs on the night.
Nonetheless, no event comes without its hiccups and due to circumstances beyond the organiser's control, the event was late in starting. This was a pity because Wayne "Dibbi" Rollins performance was hampered by technical difficulties, whilst Clarke and Claude Darroux did not get the chance to perform their songs in full. However, despite their performances being cut short, I heard enough to suggest rave reviews in the near future where they are concerned. Eagerly anticipated was JayJayBornToSing, who did not disappoint. Like a seasoned veteran, he delivered his songs with versatility and a vocal range which was seemingly effortless. His new single “Let Them Talk” had the crowd roaring with an expressed understanding! Then came Singer Mandee. I have heard one DJ describe her as “up and coming” but I would disagree. Mandee showed how established she is and surprised me with her “soul side” not to mention singing my current favourite song “The Feeling”, delivered like a true star. These performers did not appear nervous or new to the circuit – they knew their stuff. We were visited by “Grandma Sloley” who praised the “Shining Stars” despite her ailments. The show was closed by crooner Andrew Sloley who pleaded, caressed, lamented and moaned about thelove of a woman song after song – and he was on point as acknowledged by the cheering crowd.
It was also pleasing to see that the event was well supported; I felt the crowd were “willing” the success of The Shining Stars. It was a pleasure to see faces I had not seen since the beginning of the year.
Such is the array of talent on the circuit with many different events, I have little time or opportunity to attend them all. There are several talented artists looking for exposure and the opportunity to showcase their abilities and I commend Allison for providing such a platform. As I indicated at the start of this blog, it is easy to sit back and say what should be done; it is much better to do it. So, look out for 'The Shining Stars', support them and Allison Mason, who is on to a good thing. ** Pictures of Subujah and Pd Coolie used by kind permission of Courtney Anglin**
“My thing is this: singing is my passion and I
couldn’t leave this world without sharing that with people”affirms Deneez Peters, the sensational,
recent addition to the UK Lover’s Rock roster of talent. Though a lot of patrons
may think of Ms Peters as a newbie, she has actually been in the entertainment
industry for over a decade across a number of capacities – from deejaying and
modelling to compering and acting. We discussed music, the reggae industry, the
launch for her album ‘This Is The Moment’ and her famous father, lauded Ska
artist Freddie Notes. ______________________________________________
Tell
me about yourself, in your own words.
I’m a UK reggae artist and I’ve just had my album launch
for ‘This Is The Moment’ on the 31st March at ‘The Hootananny’ in Brixton, South London. I’ve
been singing for a long time and started taking it seriously back in 1987! I
didn’t do it continuously though; I took breaks along the way. I went into
radio presenting, before that I started to do modelling and entered loads of
pageants and fashion shows. I also decided to go into radio presenting and deejaying,
then straight into one of our local radio stations Galaxy Radio where I
presented for the best part of 12 years.And now, I also present the ‘Soul In Motion’ show at 4-6pm on Saturdays on Lovers Rock
Radio.
How
did your album launch go?
It was great, I had an absolutely fantastic turnout! I
was quite shocked as it was my first ever launch; although I’ve made an album
before, it was never launched or released. I worked with my brother on the
launch and we started preparing it from about December/January. It was all
about promoting it, getting it out to all the DJs, local presenters, radio
stations, word of mouth, flyers – a lot of work went into it. 'This Is The Moment' was
released on 8th April and it’s now available on all music download sites.
Just
to go back to the modelling, tell me more about it. You do have the image!
(laughs)
Thank you very much! It’s always been a passion of mine from I was a little
girl, tormenting my Mum when I used to watch Miss World. It’s something that I
enjoy doing and still do at the moment. I’m working with Miss Teen Caribbean as
a mentor/coach for girls between ages 13-17, teaching them how to walk and present
themselves on stage, I’m the come-to person if they have any problems and so
forth, so I’m there behind the scenes with that. I’m still keeping modelling in
my heart, so to speak!
What
are the requirements of being Miss Teen UK and are there any challenges that
come with helping to prune these young women for scrutiny. Particularly as
society/media enforces certain ideals on young women.
The idea is whoever wins becomes ambassadors for their
countries. The girls need to be well studied with an outlook on life; what they
want to be when they get older etc. I try to teach the girls that it’s not
about street walk and talk - they have to gradually lift themselves out of that
if they want to represent their island.
At that age, a lot of them are very, very keen. We
encourage them to keep their social media channels clean! We cannot have
anything untoward; we check their pages and make sure they’re posting the appropriate
things. The challenges are getting them used to all of that, what they have to
do. They’re very good anyway, very bright young ladies; it’s just about telling
them how to keep themselves and let the public see them in a positive light.
I
understand that you’re a South Londoner. How have your surroundings influenced
your music?
Well, I come from a musical background! My father is
Freddie Notes; from the late 60-70s he started his career and I always wanted
to be a singer, like him. With Dad, he’s a singer and a musician. He used to
have me and my brothers around the keyboard while he’d play, we’d make up songs
and even my mum would join in.
We were brought up with the Bob Marleys, the Gregorys and
the Dennises, so music was always playing in our house. My age group grew up
with Lovers Rock; I was influenced by Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay, Donna
Rhoden, those singers. I used to sit in my room, listening to my cassette of
these songs and stop, rewind and write down every single word! So back then, I
knew pretty much every song.
Ah,
the great Freddie Notes. What lessons did he share about music?
Dad is very supportive, no matter what. He always taught
me that the main thing is to listen; listen to keys, notes, instruments, to
people’s advice and feedback. Always be positive and upfront when you’re
performing – the list goes on. If I’m stuck with something, even now, I can
always go to Dad and get some advice.
Deneez Peters & her father Freddie Notes/(C)Derron Curtis
Oh yes – I was doing a gig on that night so wasn’t there,
but my brother was with him. I’ve toured with him in the past, as a backing
vocalist. Dad is working on his album at the moment and is getting booked for
events too; still active in his music career. Dad’s amazing; he does the splits
and roly polies, all sorts. I was onstage with him in Germany and in the time
it took for me to turn around, he was doing all of that! (laughs)
Would
you dabble in the Ska sound, like him?
Yeah, definitely!
And whilst
we’re on the topic of family, your brother Ian Peters has penned a lot of your
material too, like your single ‘Can’t Get You Off Of My Mind’ which has been enjoying a lot of radio play.
That’s right! The song was actually written back in ’96.
I started my career as a soul singer in a duo with another girl and we called
ourselves ‘Velvet Touch’. We revamped the song, brought it up to date and it’s
been going ever since - a lot of people seem to like it which is great.
The
brother-sister, musical dynamic reminds me of fictional singer Efie White &
C.C, her song-writing supremo brother from the Broadway hit ‘Dreamgirls’. How do
you both work, exactly?
Ian is really good! He’s used to writing soul songs as
opposed to Lover’s Rock. We work with Kyle from the ‘Radix Reggae Group’, a
white reggae band who are from Scotland, they’re brilliant! Kyle tends to send
the tracks over and then either myself or brother will write. If I’m stuck, I
tend to contact Ian and ask for his help. When we hear the riddim, whoever can
feel something to it usually determines who writes it. That’s how we really
work together, really, it’s good, a cool relationship! We’ve been doing it for
years.
You
sing about love a lot. Is this intentional?
We were brought up in a loving home. Mum and Dad were
always there; they still are. The whole family is just loved up and hugged up,
happy to see one another and we’ve passed that onto the younger generations.
Love is good – I’d rather love than hate. Love songs make you happy, smile, cry
sometimes!
The
video for ‘Dance With Me’ is a nice visual. It featured popular deejay/radio personality PD Coolie
as your love interest which was very cool touch!
(laughs) Yes
it did! It wasn’t originally supposed to be PD but then - when I hear from the
shout - he seems to be in quite a few things! The person who was supposed to be
in it couldn’t get the time off of work, but I asked PD who kindly said he’d do
it and it worked out really, really well. My brother Ian also wrote that song.
Any
plans to release follow up material?
I’ve been writing a lot and have actually almost finished
my second album which will be a mix of Lovers Rock and Soul. ‘This Is My
Moment’ was an eight track album but this’ll be a bit longer.
You’re
really representing for the females in not only singing, but the entertainment
sphere as a whole. What has your experience as female in this industry been
like?
I’ve been deejaying for a long time and have only
recently come back into singing. And though I was singing before, not a lot of
people know me as a singer, they know me more as a DJ. So my initial experience
was of some people responding like, ‘where the hell she come from all of a
sudden!?’.
I think amongst some of the females, I’ve been seen as a
bit of a threat; I left the industry, came back, done my launch, been putting the
work in and my name is on a lot of people’s tongue since the launch, anyway. On
the other hand, some of them haven’t really done anything; not everybody but some. I
tend to try to look for the positive in situations though, move forward and
affirm the fact that I can do it. In my doing it, I want to inspire young
people to go after what they want.
So,
is there cattiness and tense, competitive atmosphere in the UK Lover’s Rock
scene industry? I mean, it’s always been a small, female dominated scene.
I suppose there is really, but I try not to think about
it. I know thatthere’s people in the
industry talking about me behind my back – and not nice things - because I’ve
been told but, again, I don’t focus on it. They’re not paying my studio time,
mortgage, it doesn’t matter. I will get there.
All of that can be disheartening and throw people off.
It can, the weak ones, yeah. If you’re not strong enoughthen it’ll kill you! And I’m not saying I haven’t been affected
before but then I thought ‘you know what talent you’ve got Deneez, just get on
with it and do it!’
Is
it then fair to say that your skin grew thicker over time?
Sort of but, then again I’ve always been quite hard. If
anything, I’m very critical of myself.
What
elements/personal qualities do you include in your journey to success as a
singer, 'getting on with it'?
I’m proactive, you see. Since my launch, I’ve got my
website, I market
myself, am getting interviews, bookings, writing songs. On top of all of this, I
work full time as well as a PA so I’m really juggling a lot of different
things. I try to get to the gym when I can but that really has been less and
less these days (laughs). It comes
down to time management but if I’m tired, I have to rest because you cannot do
anything when you’re tired.
(C) Saurian Dash
What
is the state of Reggae music scene as a whole, in the UK?
I think it could be doing better; it’s not doing as well
as it should because there are some fantastic artists and talent out there
which needs to be pushed. We need people to help market us; some of us do it
ourselves but often, we ain’t got the time!
I hate recording and leaving it on the shelf; that’s why
me and my brother are just out there, pushing. It’s about the organisation;
who’s going to generate interest, sell it onto the worldwide community – people
like that are needed. It helps when we’ve got yourselves and radio stations
supporting acts. It’s good when legal stations take it on. I mean, give us a
chance! There is some good talent out
there, and I know I’ve got some good stuff coming that I want pushed!
(laughs)
Aren’t a lack of venues a problem for the Reggae scene in London? One by one, they’re being shut
down.
We need big promoters to back us, we need help – marketing
and management. I’d love to take on Europe, sing all of my songs in Japan –
where the reggae following is huge and my album would probably sell off (laughs), Jamaica, Miami. This is the
thing; the role of a manager is to look into these things for the artists. I’m
actually managing myself, to be fair.
Are
you looking for a manager?
I do need one. I work full time; sometimes I have to
sneak off when I should be doing my work, I’m doing stuff on the computer,
researching what’s happening in the reggae industry here, in Europe. But don’t
tell them though (laughs); they know
anyway – they bought my records and loved it. I actually performed at the
Christmas party last year – they were all up there, dancing.
Are
you working with any other producers, aside from Kyle from The Radix?
I am working with Gary
Digitech at the moment, an American producer, Genius from One Harmony Records and there will be some others in
the pipeline.
What
do you do in your spare time, for fun?
I like to watch movies, go out to dinner, gym (as I say)
visit friends...just chillax really. Sundays would be my day to relax and
reflect. I do love my holidays; I like to go away for weekends and when I can I
try to go to Miami once a year to see my Grandma and family over there. But
even when I go out there, they get me up and singing!
Everything starts with a seed doesn’t it? A seed is planted – hopefully in good
soil. It is then watered with the hope
that it will yield something exceptional and beautiful.
This particular seed was planted, when an artist posted on
facebook, her frustration at the treatment of a promoter. It wasn’t that this subject had not been
raised previously, or the situation had never been heard of; the time had come
to do something.
Consequently, an invitation was extended asking those who
were interested in discussing a way forward - regarding raising the standard
for reggae music in the UK - to meet.
This historic meeting took place on 9th April 2015. It wasn’t a massive gathering, but artists,
promoters, producers, musicians, and DJs were present; each individual voiced
their concerns with passion and eloquence.
Since then, it has been a year of peaks and troughs. When we had the peaks, we gave thanks because
it meant – however small it may be – we were making progress. The “troughs” proved to be the challenge of
being consistent in the face of those who found it hard to believe changes
could be made. It has been a learning
curve for all. However, many have
realised that this is a good cause and there is a need to fix the nuances in a structural
and business-like manner through RFUK.
As we continued we were glad to receive endorsements from those we call stalwarts in the music industry.
We started building our foundation, we knew that it would
take time, effort, sacrifices and commitment to achieve our goal. It was also important that we worked with
likeminded people pulling in the same direction.
RFUK was born out of the desire to see reggae artists and
musicians in this country get their just rewards. We want better standards and
conditions for artists to do what they love. Also through RFUK we have had the
opportunity to meet so many up and coming artists who we probably wouldn’t have
heard of. We have directly searched and
found some real gems. We want to ensure
that they have an easier time than us and have a solid foundation to build
upon.
As well as the stimulating meetings hosted by RFUK, the
highlight of our year has to be the RFUK Networking Party. It is a night long remembered and still
talked about, where the artists were featured to a warm and exceptional
audience. We had legends alongside those
just beginning and of course A LOT of networking!
As we come to the close of our first year, the natural
question would be: What now??
As I type RFUK are in the process of putting together a more
coherent structure/plan to raise our standards even higher. Bigger and better things are coming for
2016/17! In order to achieve this, we
have decided to push back the RFUK launch to next year as there are quite a few
things we want to have in place before we present it to the world. In the meantime look out for RFUK Networking
Event Part II - coming soon..
2015/2016: Laying the RFUK foundation. 2016/17: Building a solid and firm
structure. RFUK thank you for your
support and participation so far, in what has been a phenomenal beginning to a
purpose-driven organisation.
After taking a bit of a break from the UK Reggae scene, Lov’Ella is back with her sultry new single ‘Loving You Baby’. The accompanying
music video has amassed over 46,000 views on Youtube and is enjoying local and
international acclaim.
In times
gone by, she was known musically as she is otherwise, Lovella Ellis. However, she
has since made the decision to go her first name - albeit slightly re-jigged - as
part of an exciting renaissance for the South London born singer. I sat down
with Lov’Ella to speak about new projects in the pipeline, family and
music.
So, you were away from the UK Reggae Scene for a while. You’re now back with ‘Loving You Baby’ which is
doing extremely well. What a great start for 2016; how do you feel and what
have you been up to?
I’m actually
impressed, given the fact that I’ve been away from the UK Reggae scene for a
while. In that space of time, I was working on new projects overseas and
basically trying to find myself, in terms of where I want to go artistically
for this year. I wanted to broaden my horizons and bring reggae to wider
audience, also. Reggae is a worldwide language; it’s everywhere! There’s a big
world out there.
What do you credit to the universal
appeal of reggae music? Why do people love it so much?
It’s got a
loving vibe to it where it brings people together. No matter where you come
from. It’s conscious music!
As far as your stage name goes,
you’ve dropped the ‘Ellis’. Why?
I have but,
before I go on, I just want to say that I will always be an Ellis. My blood, my
DNA – it’s in me. But Lov’Ella is about me and what I am bringing to the table
as an artist in my own right. And, I am not just bringing the reggae, I’m a
versatile artist. I’m not pigeonholing myself into a specific genre even though
reggae is what I’m known for doing. I want people to be able to identify with
with me when they hear Lov’Ella.
Rebranding?
That’s
right, I’m rebranding! In the past, when people have heard the name Lovella
Ellis, they expect certain things which I’d like to come away from. I’m working
with a different image, style, unique quality on a completely different level
to before. For
instance, people will see a lot of material that I’ve released in the past start to gradually disappear from some of the online outlets because the quality of pictures and productions weren't up to a certain standard. But it will be re-mastered and re-released
in the near future.
Just picking up on your point about
not being pigeonholed, does any pressure come with being the great Alton Ellis’
daughter?
Yes there is
pressure, I’m not gonna lie. It’s strange…some people expect me to sing my
Dad’s songs the way he sings it and basically be him on stage. But I could
never be my Dad, no one can. It is a lot of pressure being an Ellis; people seem
to think that because I am an Ellis I am “up there” or that’s why I’ve got to
where I am, but I’ve worked very hard.
So, if anything, there seems to be
even more obstacles because of who you are.
If it was
easy, believe me, I think I would’ve got all of my Dad’s followers. It’s difficult
particularly as a female in the industry but I’m working at it. I’ve seen a lot
of negative things along the way and I’m sure there’s a lot more to learn when
things start to hopefully progress. All I can do is remain focused and not get
side tracked, staying true to who I am at the same time.
Why is it difficult, being a female
in the music industry?
I’m gonna
get to the point; I’d say that the main negative thing I’ve come across, as a
female, is the sexploitation. Some men expect you to do certain things to get
through the door and reach your goals.
I’ve heard that said before,
actually.
I once went
to a business meeting with a recording company. I was told by the gentleman from
this company that “you’re not going to get anywhere with just focus, hard work,
being yourself and good branding...you need to throw it up, throw it up”.
Out of order.
Yes and he
was serious too. He told me that, as he sat in his executive chair with his
legs wide open. I said even if having dignity and self-respect means it takes
longer to get to the top, then I’m going to keep going, knowing that I will get
there eventually.
I don’t
always blame the men though, to be honest with you, because some women are like
that. So there’s almost an expectation that all women in this industry will do
certain things to succeed in this field. Me? I’m not for sale in anyway at all.
It’s admirable that you have decided
to stick to your guns because, as we know, the music industry is a cut-throat
place when many (male and female) may opt to compromise certain values in order
to get ahead.
Yeah. I’ve
performed at shows where DJs will approach me for a dance and I have to explain
that I do not get down like that. I just want to be a businesswoman, go out
there and sing – I’m a singer/songwriter/entertainer and nothing else.
Sharing your experience of being a
woman in this industry will help get a conversation going that’s rarely had and
maybe even help to encourage aspiring female artists who want to break into the
business, letting them know that it is okay to say no to what you aren’t
comfortable with.
I do want
them to realise that. I’m not being negative about anyone who goes about things
differently. But I’d tell those women to just work hard and you will get there.
If you stick to your guns, then the same guys who made advances or had certain
expectations will eventually have to give you respect. They’ll have to.
Is there a rift between you and
Christopher Ellis, your brother? The
streets are talking.
I love my
brother, I’ve said this to anyone and everyone that’s asked me and it’s not
something that I just say, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I don’t have
any qualms or problems with him. People’s asked if I would have an interview with
him, kind of like the younger version of your Dad and Aunty, yes! If I’d work
with him – yes!
That would be beautiful – a song!
I’m telling
you, straight, honestly.
You do strike me as a very candid
person (Lov'Ella laughs) so I definitely believe
that you would say it straight; in any case, I'm aware that you didn’t have to answer at all.
But as there’s widespread speculation, I was hoping to put this to bed and we've done so. Thank you!
All I want
is for my whole family to come together and create an Ellis empire, our own
little establishment, people working for us, writing songs for people, doing
what we do best - that is what I’ve wanted from day one.
Certainly, there's so
many of your family who are successful in the music and creative field. Back to you; is
there an EP coming out?
I’m working
slowly towards an album but I’m doing a couple of singles first, each with a
video.
Ooh, so we can look forward to more
visuals then. As sleek and polished as ‘Loving You Baby’? That was a great
video.
Definitely
more visual; I’m going commercial, hun! I’m glad you liked the video, thank
you. I was going for a subtle sexiness, not too over the top, the mix of cultures,
the ballet dancers meet reggae. So many people have responded well to it. It
was worth the work which we put into it – over one year!
And I love the white dress you were
wearing in it.
Thank you
hun, it’s by Genieve Vasconcelos. Jeffeth Thompson is the Executive
Producer of the video and Rodney Victor Williams directed it. The dogs in the
video are actually actors! They featured in a DFS advert in 2004. One of the love interests in the video is played by actor Chukumuna Modu, who is also in Season 6 of 'Games of Thrones' (Episode One).
That’s so cool! When exactly did you write
that song?
I actually
wrote it in 2004. I was meant to be meeting my Partner and my Dad phoned me, calling
name in his signature way. As soon as I hear him say my name that way, I know
he wants something (laughs) and he’ll
know he has me. It wouldn’t matter where I was, if I have to get on a plane,
I’d get on it if he asked, once he said my name like that!
Anyway, I’m
making my way to my Partner, miles away from my Dad who wanted me to trot all
the way back to North London, telling me that he had a song that I would like.
I told him to play it to me over the phone, so that I could get it in my head
as I’m good as memorising melodies. Anyway, I got to where my Dad was
eventually and it took me five minutes – harmonies, vocals, everything. I was
inspired by the fact that I was loving my baby and was meant to be meeting
him! We kept it in the treasure chest until recently.
What’s the plan next?
Well, after
this song, I plan to release original content all the way through. I’ve got a
good team behind me. There is a tour coming up with dates in London, Berlin and more to be confirmed.I’ll be going to Jamaica very soon on some business and
to shoot part of a video.
Any parting words for your fans?
If you
believe in yourself, invest in yourself. Reach for the stars and when you’ve
got them, even reach further.
‘Loving You Baby’ will be available
on ITunes and other major digital outlets on 14th February and can
be pre-ordered in the meantime; “Valentine’s
Day is not the same, if no one ain’t Loving You Baby”
I write with a now deeper respect for artists, DJs,
promoters, producers, engineers, musicians and all other aspects of the music
industry.
On Sunday 13th December 2015, Reggae Fraternity
UK had our very first major event. The preparation and work that went into it –
for me - was a boot camp training to what it takes to plan, arrange and host
an event.Let me tell you about the RFUK
Team of which I am honoured to be a member of.The team consists of 7 individuals who share a passion for promoting
excellence and professionalism especially in UK Reggae.I am amongst 5 artists and one other who
between them have decades of musical experience, who also are creative in other
aspects and have professional qualifications in other fields to bring to the
table.Me? I am fortunate that for some
divine or universal reason I have been placed to be in this position.
Since April 2015 we have slowly but surely gained the
measure of each other, our strengths and abilities and how best to utilise what
we have between us for the good of the organisation. It’s voluntary, but the
keyword we use is “professionalism”.To
that end we have had to pull together in honesty and integrity to make sure we
deliver on the words that are spoken in our meetings or that one may see on our
facebook pages, blogs and on our website.
You can imagine what planning our first event was like.What I initially thought would be a simple
straightforward procedure (I tend to think very simplistically), had to be
broken down and planned very carefully to the tiniest detail. Can you imagine
the volume of phone calls, emails, Skype meetings and face to face meetings
that took place over the last few months – considering that RFUK only started
in April?
However as plans for the event started to take shape, I thought about
the artists and those who would be coming, would know and feel we had brought
this event together to show how much we thought of UK Reggae Artists and
hopefully give an insight in how things could work if we in the UK pulled
together.
For me it was an event that I will never forget. By 7pm, sound
check was complete, security and ticket collectors were ready, DJ Mikey Notch
from Thirdimension Sound (RJR Radio) was playing UK Reggae music, bar staff was
ready, the allocated artists area was secure.We were ready and waiting.I
imagined the thought that goes through every promoters head as I walked through
the venue, checking and rechecking everything: Is anyone coming? If so, how
many were coming? More importantly WHAT TIME would they be coming?
We needn’t have worried.As if planned, it seemed that everyone started arriving at the same
time.For the next couple of hours there
was a steady stream of artists, producers, promoters, members of the
public.It got so busy I didn’t realise
until the compere came on the stage that the place was full! When did that
happen?Not that I was complaining or
anything!
The artists were excellent! They sang as if they were at
Wembley Arena! I confess that sometimes I forgot that it was actually our event
and could be found at the front of the crowd, camera in hand screaming in
reckless abandon.I clapped my hands; I
clicked my camera and then would dash off to make sure everything was in
order.This wasn’t just somewhere where
artists got up and sang because there was a mic; the audience were treated to a
first class show.The atmosphere was
exciting, magical, electric, guaranteed to change whatever mood one was in,
into a happy, carefree one – even if only for a few hours.
One of my main pleasures at such events is watching artists
catch up with each other.I like
observing the men standing chatting and the women sitting together laughing and
listening to each other intently.Artists
are human too!
There were touching moments: Sutara Ji (a.k.a. Lorna Gee) in
tears on stage as she sang Louisa Mark’s Sixth Street with Carroll Thompson.
The eruption of the crowd as Lorna Gee came back on the stage to “toast/rap/ride”
the rhythm as only she can. The artists congratulating each other as they came
off stage. My shock and surprise at being invited on to the stage to be
presented with a birthday cake and having the whole room sing me happy
birthday. It was beautiful – all of it.
As I write, I look at my handbag and see the business cards
and contact details of artists and other individuals from the music industry
who wish to be involved with what Reggae Fraternity UK are trying to achieve –
I was given all of those cards last night.Sunday night was a success.Yes... there are things that we will tweak and improve upon, but we
achieved our goal.We showed that by uniting
and working together, by staying focused and having a common aim, we can
achieve great things indeed.We can
achieve an event where top UK Reggae Artists were more than happy to attend and
support the next generation of artists coming up.As I walked around the room, the celebrities
in attendance read like a who’s who in UK Reggae. All of this in a few short
months.
As we drove home, there was so much to reflect upon:
Promoting UK Reggae Excellence = Reggae Fraternity UK.
