CELEBRATING A DECADE OF REGGAE FRATERNITY UK - PART 2




As Reggae Fraternity UK (RFUK) continues its vibrant journey into the 10th year of its existence, we look back on more of the highlights and what has been achieved…

One of the initiatives of RFUK was that of the  birthday flyers; this began in 2019 and continues to thrive. This project celebrated the birthdays of UK-based reggae artists and musicians, fostering a sense of community and connection among reggae enthusiasts. The vibrant and culturally representative templates designed for the flyers became highly sought after, serving not only as a celebration of individual artists but also as a means to cultivate a lively UK reggae community. The purpose was clear: to add value to the reggae genre and promote cohesion within the community.

RFUK also continued to honour its rich heritage; during Black History Month in October 2020, RFUK celebrated the "Outstanding Reggae Music Achievements" of artists from the Caribbean, particularly highlighting the Windrush Generation and their descendants. The initiative recognised the powerful songs that had reached number one on the UK Official Charts, despite the challenges of having significant sales from specialist reggae record shops often overlooked. Colourful flyers were created and circulated throughout October, shining a light on these remarkable achievements and raising awareness of the contributions made by reggae artists to the UK music scene.

2021 blossomed as a year of connection, celebration, and empowerment.

In the spring of 2021,  an inspiring series of seminars titled “Inside Reggae” was launched. These online sessions opened up an invaluable space for individuals to share their experiences within the UK reggae industry. Participants were encouraged to speak freely about their journeys, addressing historical challenges and collaborating on solutions. This forum provided a vital opportunity for connection and growth, reinforcing RFUK’s commitment to fostering a supportive community.



On May 18, 2021, a significant milestone was achieved when Colin and Rowena resumed discussions with the PRS (Performing Right Society). Their meeting,  with representatives Andy Ellis and Stuart Belsham, was marked by positivity and constructive dialogue. The workshops that had been planned for 2020 had to be postponed due to COVID-19 lockdowns, but the renewed discussions sparked hope for the future. They agreed to hold two workshops in the autumn/winter of 2021 and looked forward to possibly expanding to four workshops in 2022. Venues such as the PRS Kings Cross HQ, were considered.

On August 20, 2022, at Peckham Theatre, RFUK hosted an exciting Edutainment Seminar! The event was hailed as one of the most uplifting musical experiences of the year. It was  perfect for anyone passionate about music—whether an aspiring artist, a performer, or just a music fan.  The day was rounded of by an incredible lineup of talented artists, featuring Teshay Makeda, LA Gray, Sandra Cross, Roger Robin, and Tippa Irie.



As RFUK celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is evident that the journey was not just about looking back at accomplishments but also about envisioning a bright future. The spirit of collaboration, empowerment, and love that permeated through the events of 2021 sets the stage for a thriving reggae community ready to embrace new challenges and celebrations in the years to come.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating a Decade of Reggae Fraternity UK: Part 1

Image
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.   ...
Read more

ABAKUSH WOWS ROOTS STYLE AT THE RITZY!

Image
✨Taken from post by David Katz - 1st December 2024   What a night to remember!  Last Saturday at the Dub Me Always Saturday Night Special, the energy was electric as Abakush took the stage, captivating a packed house with a stunning performance. Their rich musicianship and soulful vocal harmonies transported us back to the golden era of reggae, delivering hits like 'Batter Dem' and 'Cush' that resonated just as powerfully as when they first debuted. The surprise rendition of Natural Ites' 'Picture On The Wall' sent the crowd into a frenzy, proving once again why Abakush is a force to be reckoned with in the scene.   But the excitement didn’t stop there!   The night was kicked off by renowned author and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre, who engaged the audience in a Q&A about his new book, *Children of the Ghetto: Black Music in Britain Vol 2*. He dove deep into the rich tapestry of Black British music from the 1960s to the 80s, touching on genres like soul,...
Read more

“The Cool Ruler": A Night with Gregory Isaacs in Musical Form

Image
On Saturday 7 th June, I had the opportunity to attend and watch “The Cool Ruler”, at The Broadway Theatre; I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed! Who was Gregory Isaacs? In the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, a legend was born. Gregory Isaacs, hailing from the working class neighbourhood of Fletcher's Land, emerged as a beacon of reggae music that would resonate around the world. As we celebrate what would have been his 75th birthday, the musical "THE COOL RULER" pays tribute to this extraordinary artist whose smooth voice and suave presence captivated audiences everywhere. Gregory's journey began in the bustling streets of Kingston, where the rhythms of American R&B blended with the vibrant sounds of local Jamaican music. Influenced by the thriving soundsystem culture, young Gregory found himself drawn to the magic of music. He took his first steps into the spotlight at school concerts and local shows, honing his unique vocal skills and developing a style t...
Read more