Reggae Origins marks Bob Marley’s birthday with a journey via the historical past of Handsworth reggae.
Bob Marley is a reputation synonymous with reggae – and reggae is endlessly related to Handsworth, residence of legendary band Metal Pulse and Basil Gabbidon.
A particular live performance subsequent February marks Bob Marley’s eightieth birthday, when prime reggae and classical musicians come collectively for an unforgettable journey via the historical past of reggae.
Reggae Origins: Bob Marley and Handsworth Reggae on Thursday sixth February 2025 at City Corridor, Birmingham, is a singular live performance with Basil Gabbidon (founder member, Metal Pulse) and musicians from Birmingham Up to date Music Group.
Metal Pulse put Birmingham’s reggae scene on the map with their debut album Handsworth Revolution, which spoke of their frustrations of Seventies society and the racism that was inherent in it. The group went on to assist Bob Marley and the Wailers, earlier than occurring to a profitable music profession that garnered them a Grammy award.
On this live performance, Metal Pulse founder-member Basil Gabbidon and his band be a part of forces with string musicians from BCMG to carry out model new preparations of iconic reggae hits. On this distinctive pairing, born in Birmingham, we’ll hear uncommon grooves alongside Bob Marley’s largest songs in a night celebrating town’s contribution to reggae.
Basil Gabbidon mentioned: “I name Birmingham the centre of reggae music – we should always huge it up the most effective we will, it’s a part of our historical past. On this live performance we inform the story of the origins and historical past of reggae in addition to celebrating Bob Marley.
“We’re performing a few of my very own authentic songs, a number of Metal Pulse songs and some songs that made reggae internationally beloved. That is an fascinating and dynamic collaboration between reggae and classical music. My hope is that you simply’ll stroll away pondering ‘Sure, I’ve heard one thing actually new and recent – I’m glad I got here!’ ”
String gamers from BCMG will carry out new works created particularly for this live performance, composed by Benjamin Graves, in addition to new preparations of Basil Gabbidon’s songs Rising Solar and Oh Jah Jah for band and string quartet. Composer Benjamin Graves is a rising star within the classical music world, and his music has been commissioned and carried out by London Symphony Orchestra, CBSO and Aldeburgh Competition.
Stephan Meier, Director of BCMG, added: “Basil approached me again in 2022 and drew my consideration to the truth that a few of reggae’s roots lie in French court docket music – for those who pay attention carefully, you may establish the French Bourree dance rhythm in lots of songs.
“Our composer Ben Graves has seemed deeply into the origins of reggae and its hyperlinks to European court docket music, notably within the works of the 18th century composer, abolitionist and former-slave, Ignatius Sancho. So many tales are revealed. It’s fabulous to arrange this very particular occasion becoming a member of forces with Basil Gabbidon that celebrates the wealthy musical custom of reggae.”
Tickets are £15. For extra data, go to bcmg.org.uk.
