Celebrating a Decade of Reggae Fraternity UK: Part 1
On the evening of April 15, 2015, at Market House, 443 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, a pivotal gathering unfolded—one that would change the landscape of reggae music in the UK forever. Artists, promoters, producers, and devoted supporters of reggae converged for a meeting that had been long overdue. It was not just another event; it was the culmination of frustration and a shared commitment to address the injustices faced by artists in the industry. Time and again, artists had been treated poorly by promoters, and the collective sentiment was clear: enough was enough.
Amidst this wave of discontent, a spark ignited. Sutara Gayle, also known as Lorna G, stepped forward. A multifaceted talented singer, DJ, and seasoned veteran of the music business—Sutara understood the struggles and the potential for change. She proposed that the community unite, to openly discuss the issues and envision a supportive framework for artists—a kind of sanctuary where their voices could be amplified.
As the meeting commenced, the room buzzed with energy. Attendees shared their stories and grievances, and as each voice was heard, a sense of solidarity blossomed. It was a moment of catharsis, where frustrations transformed into actionable ideas. Seated beside Sutara was my dear friend and fellow musician, Audrey Scott. Little did we know that we were witnesses to the birth of something monumental: Reggae Fraternity UK.
From that initial gathering, a dedicated team emerged, tasked with the responsibility of creating a hub for artists. It was resolved that this group would represent the voices of the community and work tirelessly towards solutions. The founding members included Sutara Gayle, Audrey Scott, Coral J Reid, Leroy Wilson, Colin Brown, Amaziah Rose, and Rowena Solomon. Together, they would navigate the complexities of the music industry, advocating for the rights and needs of reggae artists.
The journey of Reggae Fraternity UK unfolded rapidly. Just weeks later, on May 1, 2015, the RFUK committee was officially formed, marking a significant step forward in their mission. By June 5, Coral J Reid showcased the organisation’s vision on BEN TV, bringing the community's message to a broader audience. The first “Have Your Say” meeting followed shortly on June 11, a platform for continued dialogue and collaboration.
As the months passed, the momentum grew. The RFUK website was launched on September 8, providing a digital space for resources, blogs, and community interaction. The following day, a general “Have Your Say” meeting featured guest speakers, further enriching the discussions surrounding the reggae scene. By the end of September, the website included blogs that shared insights and stories, fostering a sense of connection among members.
The year closed with a Networking Party on December 13, 2015, a celebration of the relationships and progress made thus far. Each event marked a milestone, a testament to the dedication and passion of the RFUK team.
As 2016 arrived, the momentum continued to build. RFUK was invited to Paulette Tajah's album listening party in September, and by October 28, the much-anticipated RFUK Launch Party was held, drawing attention and excitement. The commitment to education and empowerment was evident with the music workshop scheduled for November 30.
In the following year, RFUK’s influence expanded further. On June 13, 2017, they participated in Yolanda Brown's album listening party, attended by Audrey Scott. Just weeks later, Sutara Gayle
and Leroy Wilson took their roles to the next level, serving as judges for the “Song for Jamaica” competition.
ONE OF THE EARLY RFUK NETWORKING PARTIES
As we reflect on these formative moments, it’s clear that the journey of Reggae Fraternity UK was just beginning. What started as a response to adversity blossomed into a vibrant community dedicated to uplifting reggae artists and celebrating their contributions to music and culture. The spirit of collaboration and advocacy set in motion on that pivotal day in April would pave the way for a decade of growth, unity, and celebration of reggae music in the UK.
***NB: Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!
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