From Glastonbury to Central Library: Stars gather to celebrate black British music
RISING STAR: Chiedu Oraka
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Rising city musician Chiedu Oraka will swap the Glastonbury stage for a performance at Hull Central Library later this month in an event celebrating the history of black British music.
Hull Libraries is hosting WORDS / MUSIC – a live spoken word and music gig inspired by The British Library’s Beyond the Bassline: 500 years of Black British Music – on Sunday, July 21.
The event will shine a light on different voices and perspectives to celebrate black British music as a form of entertainment and a vehicle for communities, as well as a source of liberation, protest and education.
The audience will gain an insight into the work of Chiedu and August Charles – both of whom recently appeared on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury.
The event will be hosted by Jeffrey Boakye, the critically acclaimed author of Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs. As a writer, broadcaster and music enthusiast, Jeffrey has a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture.
It will conclude with a set from Hull musician Dave ‘DJ Redlocz’ Okwesia, a founder member of Beats Bus Records and a recording artist specialising in Afro Fusion and hip-hop.
ON THE DECKS: Dave ‘DJ Redlocz’ Okwesia
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “WORDS / MUSIC is a fantastic event for Hull Central Library to host.
“Hull is a multi-cultural and diverse city and it’s only right that we celebrate that and help people to understand other cultures and how they influence music and people’s lives, as well as help them to have a good time.
“It is a great example of how Hull Central Library is becoming a major player in the city’s events space and I have no doubt that this will attract people from Hull and beyond.”
Doors open at 2pm and tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for children under 16, with no charge for under-twos. You can book tickets here.