Category: News

St Pauls Carnival announces this year’s fringe events ahead of carnival day!

The 2023 celebration will commence with a series of fringe events from 22 June, marking the Windrush 75th Anniversary, and will culminate in the iconic day-long traditional Caribbean street carnival.

Leading up to the main celebration day, a series of Carnival Fringe events launching in June will take place honouring community achievements and the Caribbean legends of the past, present and future.

The iconic celebration of Bristol’s African-Caribbean culture will return Saturday July 1st, celebrating the theme of Learning from Legends.

Leading up to the main celebration day, a series of Carnival Fringe events launching in June will take place honouring community achievements and the Caribbean legends of the past, present and future.

June 2023 marks the Windrush 75th anniversary, celebrating three quarters of a century since those invited from the Caribbean migrated to Great Britain, some of whom founded the carnival event.

T20 Carnival Clash: 17:00, 17th June 2023 @ Seat Unique Stadium

 

St Pauls Carnival is teaming up with the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to present the first ever T20 Carnival Clash. Hosted at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, this one-off celebration will bring a Caribbean flavour to the Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires Vitality Blast fixture.

The fundraising evening will feature special pre-match performances from Carnival artists including traditional steel pan and a procession troupe. A steel band will play Reggae, Soca and Calypso sounds from the islands to cricket fans as they arrive and enjoy the evening. Food stalls will also offer flavours from the Caribbean creating a truly authentic experience for fans.

 

Legends of Windrush: Human Library: 17:30 – 21:00, 21st June 2023

The St Pauls Carnival’s Legends of Windrush: Human Library event will embrace the ‘Learning from Legends’ theme by recognising trailblazers from the Caribbean community who have impacted the lives of many, city-wide and beyond.

The library event will feature local guest speakers, giving them space to tell important first-hand Windrush stories that have a crucial role in shaping future generations and the culture of St Pauls Carnival. Venue for this event is to be confirmed.

Inna Wi Carnival Cinema: 18:00 – 22:00, 27th June 2023 @ Trinity Centre

 

Inna Wi Carnival Cinema located at the Trinity Centre will present a film programme relating to Carnival’s broader work; Windrush legacy, Caribbean & Carnival Culture and Black Britain. The event will be presented in collaboration with Cables & Cameras, a hub for people of colour (POC) filmmakers in Bristol.

Featuring a series of four short films from talented black & brown local creatives, including: Home Carnival Queen, HATS, Celebrate What? and the St Pauls Carnival production Inna Wi Carnival: Reflections of a Generation.

In addition to these events St Pauls carnival has teamed up with Bristol-based social enterprise Babbasa to celebrate its 10th anniversary on the 30th June 2023 at the Malcolm X Community Centre. The carnival team has also partnered with Active Archives and Afrikan As Future to deliver two events in June.

Commenting on the 2023 Carnival Fringe series Executive Director St Pauls Carnival, LaToyah McAllister-Jones said: “Paying homage and learning from the legends that have come before us is at the heart this year’s activities.

“The team is excited to deliver these impactful events to the Bristol and wider communities offering the taste and flavour of carnival in the run up to the truly missed full scale carnival event”.

 

Tickets for the Fringe events are available to purchase here.

 

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1Relation Sound System are back & with their 1st day Party at Lost Horizon!

1Relation Sound System are hosting their first DAY PARTY at Lost Horizon Sunday 28th between 2-9pm!

1Relation string up their sound system for a day of uplifting music and basslines…

Outdoor daytime dub outing with Bristol’s fresh next generation soundsystem, 1Relation. 1Relation’s dedicated crew includes Wilfy (Peng Sound) and Jonny Fisha (Steppas Records) plus Ujima Radio’s very own  Sista Ina gracing the mic for soulful roots & rocksteady + dubplates in the sun.

You are invited to come & enjoy the sweet sounds of 1Relation Sound System in the Lost Horizon courtyard on Sunday the 28th of May, day party!

1Relation (pronounced One Relation) are one of the freshest dub sound systems coming out of Bristol having launched in November 2022 at Bristol Dub Club they then hosted a second successful night back in February alongside Anonymous Dub Sound. For this their third outing with the soundsystem the crew will be showcasing an authentic selection of roots, rocksteady, dub and steppas as well as their own studio productions, with Wilfy Rootikal & Jonny Fisha (KFS) at the controls & the beautiful voice of MC Sista Ina singing above the riddims, expect to be delighted in the sunshine.

We are so proud to see this new generation of Sound System featuring our very own and amazing Sista Ina aka Rosina whose journey at Ujima started with the trailblazing and pionneering Black & Green Project as was one of the Black & Green amabassadors for 2022-2023. Sista Ina now hosts the regular Black & Green Futures Show with her cohort Miss Divine, Thursdays 10am to 12pm.

Come & enjoy your Sunday with some of the realest vibes the city has to offer.

2pm-9pm

£5 tickets on Headfirst Bristol. £7 on the door.

Book now using this link:

https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2023-05-28&event_id=90194

 

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MC KELZ is back with a brand single produced by Sir Beans OBE!

Bristol’s titan of Hip Hop, MC KELZ (3PM/Galaxy) is back with a killer track entitled “God’s Poet”!

God’s Poet b/w Just A Page is the latest release from Kelz and the latest on the ever-reliable, B-Line Recordings. Both tracks are produced by turntable wizard Sir Beans OBE (Transcript Carriers, Parlour Talk, etc) and artwork is courtesy of John Dyer.

These 2 trailblazers of British Hip hop make a formidable duo and its no surprise to hear this incredible track shining a spotlight back on the Bristol scene. With history of working with numerous artists spanning 4 decades their sound just gets bigger, badder and phatter.  Make sure get this track now, available from all usual download sites including on Insta @hiphopbebop_insta

https://www.discogs.com/release/26725313-Kelz-Gods-Poet

Sir Beans OBE:

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Celebrate Stepping Up Bristol Anniversary this week!

Steppin Up Bristol celebrate 5th Birthday!

Congratulations to all at Stepping Up Bristol who are celebrating their 5th Birthday this week!

Celebrating 700 awesome individuals who have attended the Stepping Up diversity leadership and Community programmes – and the Employer partners who committed to support Stepping Up.
If you, a family member or friend knows anyone who wants to “Step Up” they still have a few places left on our next programme.
Apply now by heading to the website:
(fees funded by employers or bursaries available)
Stepping Up is open to Black, Asian, Minoritized Communities, LGBTQI+, Disabled and women”.
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Cables & Cameras Present: Inspired 23 at Watershed, Bristol on Sat 3rd June!

Inispired Film Festival is back for 2023 curated by Cables & Cameras!

This year’s Inspired Takeover by Cables & Cameras at Watershed is an action-packed one-day event on Sat 3rd June with screenings, talks and previews to celebrate homegrown filmmakers of colour from across the country.

Featuring contributions from rising stars of the indie film scene the Williams brothers AKA Mandem collective, and Dominique Unsworth from Resource Productions, plus a special preview of new feature film Chevalier – which opens at Watershed on Fri 9 June, a biographical drama about 18th century French-Caribbean musical prodigy Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker trying to find your path into the industry, an established creative interested in finding ways to develop your practice, or are interested in discovering films by some of the most exciting creative talent out there, there’s something for everyone.

Gary Thompson, Cables & Cameras Founder and Producer says:

“I set up Cables & Cameras to inspire the next generation of filmmakers of colour and I’m looking forward to this latest Inspired takeover day at Watershed which brings together screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities for emerging creatives in the Southwest.
So don’t miss out – take this opportunity to get involved.“

Watershed will be offering more affordable tickets for those with low incomes by implementing a ‘pay-what-you-can’ format for the daytime events at Inspired.

Book your tickets on the Watershed website.

@cablescameras @w_shed @mandemcollective

#bristol #filmmaking #filmmaker #ujimaradio #inspiredfilmfestival

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Jah Shaka Tribute on Ujima Radio this Saturday at Midnight hosted by Peter D Rose!

Ujima Radio pays tribute to the Sound System Legend Jah Shaka when Peter D Rose will be dropping a 1 hour show dedicted to the Warrior of Dub!

Peter D Rose of Smith & Mighty & More Rockers fame and himself a real legend will be paying tribute this Saturday to the Zulu Warrior.

Peter D Rose from Smith & Mighty & More Rockers said: 

“Jah Shaka was my favourite roots dub sound system.He was very influential and inspirational to my musical growth who played an integral part on the jungle drum and bass scene and dance music  as a whole.”


Jah Shaka, also known as the Zulu Warrior, was a Jamaican reggae/dub sound system operator who operated a South East London-based, roots reggae Jamaican sound system since the early 1970s. His name is an amalgamation of the Rastafarian term for God and that of the Zulu king Shaka Zulu.

A regular here in Bristol and at the legendary Teachings In Dub Sound system Clashes, the lost of  Jah Shaka will be greatly missed. The system pioneer was born in Jamaica, part of the post-Windrush wave of Caribbean immigration which so enriched this country. Based in South East London, he melded the Rastifarian term for God with the legendary Zulu leader to become Jah Shaka, spearheading one of the city’s most popular sound systems.

A by-word in cultural excellence, Jah Shaka paid supreme attention to sound, giving his system a boost that others lacked. Tapping directly into Jamaican culture, he also looked to the UK, becoming a focal point for African-Caribbean communities in London and beyond.

A key player in bass culture, Jah Shaka featured in seminal 1980 film Babylon, and stayed true to the spiritual elements inherent within dub and roots reggae even as Jamaican music strayed towards the more lavish colours of dancehall and ragga.

An inspirational figure, his influence – both direct, and more subtle – arguably changed the face of British music. Grime pioneer Wiley, for example, recalled sitting outside a Shaka dance in the 80s, feeling the Earth rumble under his feet.

Countless producers, DJs, and MCs worked with Jah Shaka over the years, testimony to his spirit, and his ability to draw the best out of those around him.

News of Jah Shaka’s passing was confirmed by a number of sources.

Jumpin’ Jack Frost added: “The king of Kings has left us. The greatest soundman that ever lived.”

Don’t miss this tribute show to Jah Shaka this Saturday 13th May at Midnight on Ujima Radio!

Farewell, Jah Shaka – enjoy your next journey.


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ACID JAZZ announce Exhibition in Bristol at Lost Horizon this week!

Accomplished record label Acid Jazz & Other Illicit Grooves celebrate 35 magnificent years of trailblazing music with a series of residencies touring locations across the UK where Acid Jazz was arguably the strongest influence in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Bristol and Luton.

The Exhibition starts Weds 10th May and runs until Sat 13th May with doors open 10am to 6pm and then the evenings come alive with music, Q&A’s and of course Omar on Thursday!

The Music, Arts, Dance & Culture Exhibition will host exclusive Q&As with Acid Jazz stalwarts of the scene, Eddie Piller (Acid Jazz Records/DJ), Dean Rudland (Acid Jazz Records/DJ), Omar (Singer), Snowboy (DJ), John Stapleton (DJ), Perry Louis (Jazzcotech dancer and DJ), Adam Regan (DJ), The Dig Family (DJs and promoters), Adrian Gibson (AGMP), with live performances plus many more guest artists, DJs and dancers TBA.

Expect to see exciting never been seen rare video footage, magazine and radio interviews & features, iconic photography, posters and flyers, record label artworks of the music and musicians from the dance floor archives.

The ground breaking movement unleashed its manifesto of alternative sounds; funk, street-soul, latin, hip hop with jazz, reggae & jazz poetry, disco & acid house in London club land, hosting packed out parties at the notorious Wag in Soho, Dingwalls in Camden and Blue Note in Hoxton, achieving commercial recognition with early signings that became international stars; Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, James Taylor Quartet, Galliano and cult artists such as; Mother Earth, Corduroy, Chris Bands, The Night Trains, The Last Poets, A Man Called Adam, Snowboy & The Latin Section.. All originally performed at the underground venues and warehouse spaces.

Acid Jazz & Other Illicit Grooves Exhibition encapsulates the musical abundance, nostalgia and success of this pioneering label, spanning more than 3.5 decades, documenting the underground scenes to majestic independent status and standing the test of time.

Some fascinating ‘Acid Jazz’ based facts…..

  • Acid Jazz was coined in 1987 as a term by DJ Chris Bangs at an Acid House night.

  • Acid Jazz record started as a bedroom operation established by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson within 3 months of the first 45 release (Frederic Lies Stil by Galliano).

  • The label expanded rapidly and re-located to London’s East End in Hoxton Square also headquarters of The Blue Note, Touch Magazine, Straight No Chaser, DJ Bob Jones, Somethin’ Else Productions.

  • Acid Jazz and other Illicit Grooves Exhibition successful Launch Party took place at Leake Street, London on Thursday 25th November 2021 featuring Omar (live), Leah Weller (live), DJs Femi Fem (Young Disciples), Eddie Piller, Snowboy, Dean Rudland and lots of celebrities in attendance.

  • AGMP have a long & proud history promoting Acid Jazz & Soul Funk artists to date.

Book your tickets now on the Lost Horizon website: https://www.losthorizonlive.com/

 


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RIEP Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte, Actor, Writer & Activist has sadly passed away.

Born March 1, 1927 – sadly passed away April 25, 2023. He was an American singer, actor and activist, who popularised calypso music with international audiences in the 1950s. Belafonte is one of the few performers to have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT), although he won the Oscar in a non-competitive category. He earned his career breakthrough with the album Calypso (1956), which was the first million-selling selling LP by a single artist.
Belafonte was best known for his recordings of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)“, “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)“, “Jamaica Farewell“, and “Mary’s Boy Child“. He made his final screen appearance in Spike Lee‘s BlacKkKlansman (2018).
Portrait
Belafonte considered the actor, singer, and activist Paul Robeson a mentor, and he was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush and Donald Trump administrations. Belafonte acted as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.
Belafonte is said to have married politics and pop culture.

Robeson opposed not only racial prejudice in the United States but also western colonialism in Africa. Belafonte refused to perform in the American South from 1954 until 1961.

Portrait

In 1960, Belafonte appeared in a campaign commercial for Democratic Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy later named Belafonte cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. Belafonte supported Lyndon B. Johnson for the 1964 United States presidential election.

Belafonte, Castro & Hip Hop:

Belafonte was a longtime critic of U.S. foreign policy. He began making controversial political statements on the subject in the early 1980s. At various times, he made statements opposing the U.S. embargo on Cuba; praising Soviet peace initiatives; attacking the U.S. invasion of Grenada; praising the Abraham Lincoln Brigade; honouring Ethel and Julius Rosenberg; and praising Fidel Castro. Belafonte is also known for his visit to Cuba that helped ensure hip-hop‘s place in Cuban society. According to Geoffrey Baker’s article “Hip hop, Revolucion! Nationalizing Rap in Cuba”, in 1999, Belafonte met with representatives of the rap community immediately before meeting with Castro. This meeting resulted in Castro’s personal approval of, and hence the government’s involvement in, the incorporation of rap into his country’s culture.

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Laid Blak are Back!  DJ Bunjy returns to Ujima Radio this Weds 10th May at 10pm!

Check out DJ Bunjy from Laid Blak for this 2 hour back to back mix on Ujima Radio.

We are really proud to announce the return of Laid Blak’s DJ Bunjy! Starting this Wednesday 10th May at 10pm DJ Bunjy from Laid Blak will take you on a 2 hour journey into the sounds of Bristol and beyond in the this brand new show! This monthly show will be on the 1st Wednesday of every month, next show will be 10pm on Wednesday 7th June 2023!

Award Winning DJ & Producer
International Ambassador
Laid Blak – Sugar Shack
X-AMNT – Records

Tunes & Booking:   djbunjy@hotmail.com

Laid Blak represent the quintessential Bristol music story, formed from their partnership of Bristol producer DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng, two legends of the rave and proto Jungle scenes, the pair spent the 90’s causing havoc on dance floors in the biggest raves around the country, performing for the era defining party.

 

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DJ Juicy aka Juice Masta in Bristol tonight at Code of The Streets!

Don’t miss DJ Juicy at Code of  The Streets at Rumours, Kingswood, Bristol tonight!!

DJ Juicy aka Juice Masta is a well known and respected DJ on the music circuit stemming out of Gloucester, playing out regularly out various venues.

During lockdown he was hosting a regularly livestream on Twitch which attracted a big following.

A versatile DJ who has been on the scene for nearly 20 years, during that period he’s warmed up for various artists/DJ’s including , Children of Zeus, David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan Seani Bee & Shortee Blitz.

Catch him at Code of the Streets tonight @ Rumors Lounge Bar & Pub
87 Regent Street,  Kingswood, Bristol,  BS15 8LJ.

 

 


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