For many of us the first time we saw Jah Shaka was in the climactic soundclash scene in Babylon. It was sad to hear that he had passed away recently at the age of 69. Like a lot of people, the scene in the film led me to check out his records and attend his dances over many years. An education in itself.
Many tributes have followed the tragic news, but I was especially struck by this lovely artwork in Stockwell by owe1.art and nando_rampageproductionmachine:
owe1.art has previously captured Shaka in the film also:
Church of Sound is coming south of the river for the first time and hosting a brand new show at the Albany.
or the occasion, we are blessed to be hosting Lewisham’s very own Giles Kwakeulati King-Ashong aka Kwake Bass, who has enlisted some of the borough’s very best musicians to create a live, spontaneous response to Babylon (1980).
Truly a jewel in the crown of South London, Babylon is a portrait of racial tension and police brutality set in ‘80s Brixton. Focussing on sound system culture and themes of racism, poverty, disillusionment & lack of opportunity, the film is underpinned by a deep soundtrack curated & frequently composed by none other than the legendary Dennis Bovell – by whose false imprisonment Babylon is partly inspired.
Drummer, producer and all around musical genius, Kwake is the musical director for both Sampha and Kae Tempest’s latest tours and has played with the likes of Lianne La Havas, Mica Levi, Joey Bada$$, MF Doom, Roots Manuva, Shabaka Hutchings and Novelist. As a producer he explores mysteries that lie between the cracks of structured programming with live electronic improvisation.
The full lineup of musicians will be announced soon, but trust us, you will not be disappointed. Only 200 tickets are available for this show, we’ve reduced the capacity in order to maximise audience enjoyment. Snap them up while you can!
Church of Sound is a regular gig in St James the Great Church, Lower Clapton Rd. A central speaker tower stands tall in the centre of the room, surrounded by musicians, audience and crew. Emphasis is placed firmly on the music: carefully selected, joyfully performed & cleanly recorded.
The Albany, Douglas Way London SE8 4AG
We Are Lewisham is presented by Lewisham Council and the Albany as part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022.
Life In Dub is a long running podcast by veteran UK reggae producer Steve Vibronics.
Two recent episodes are of particular interest, featuring Brinsley Forde and Dennis Bovell. Each discusses their music careers and life in general – Babylon features prominently in both and Brinsley and Dennis are lively interviewees.
Life In Dub is available on most podcast platforms and subscribing is recommended!
39 years after the movie ‘Babylon’ was released in the UK, the independent film examining UK sound system culture and how it helped Caribbean youth facing racial tensions in British society finally premiered in the United States.
Following a special screening in New York City, Brinsley Forde the star of the film (also known as the lead singer of the legendary British reggae band Aswad) spoke with reggae journalist and film maker Reshma B about the movie’s impact then and now. Somehow it seems that little has changed 39 years later.
The US premiere of the film has generated a bit of a buzz. Here are some good links I have picked up on amongst the less interesting regurgitation of press releases:
Interesting event coming up at the Jazz Cafe in Camden on July 18th:
To commemorate its release in the US after almost 30 years, Brinsley Forde and Dennis Bovell will perform the soundtrack to their cult classic Babylon live at the Jazz Cafe this summer.
The soundtrack has become iconic in its own right, with Dizzee Rascal sampling Forde in his own track ‘Can’t Tek No More’.
Opening the show on the night will be London dancehall star Kiko Bun.
Great interview with writer and associate producer Martin Stellman which includes some background to the film which was new to me including an alternative unused ending! Also this rather lovely contact sheet:
The interview is from a few year back and is by Seb Carayol to accompany an exhibition. I’m a big fan of Seb’s writing that accompanies his labour of love reissue label Reel-Heavy music.
Dennis used his regular “Dub On Air” show on Soho Radio to pay tribute to Franco Rosso earlier this year. Academic and former south London soundsystem devotee Professor Les Back dropped by to interview the esteemed Mr Bovell about the making of Babylon and especially how the soundtrack came together.
There are a tonne of killer tunes and many enlightening and amusing anecdotes along the way. Two hours of your life well spent, check it out:
I’m sorry to say that I missed this when it originally went out, but was pleased to see Les post about it on twitter while mentioning that Dennis is about to be awarded an honorary Fellowship by Goldsmiths University.
