THE PLAYMAKER GROUP PRODUCES A SERIES OF EVENTS FOR THE BRITISH LIBRARY FOR “BEYOND THE BASSLINE”
FIVE DIVERSE SHOWCASES AS PART OF THE CELEBRATION OF 500 YEARS OF BLACK BRITISH MUSIC
Acclaimed music and events production company The Playmaker Group have collaborate with British Library to produce five events as part of the forthcoming “Beyond The Bassline” series, which commemorates five centuries of a black musical presence in the UK.
Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music is an exhibition at the British Library in London from 26 April to 26 August 2024. It explores Black British identity through the medium of music, and the profound impact it has on the culture of the United Kingdom and beyond. It showcases innumerable trail blazing creators, from Tudor trumpeter John Blanke to music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards and from Shirley Bassey to producer and DJ Nia Archives. It features rare artwork, photography, record sleeves, recordings, magazines and costumes as well as new soundscapes, artworks and films, commissioned by the Library and produced by artists and collectives across the UK.
The first of the events takes place on Friday 31st May, with a joint collaboration with renowned brand “Everything RnB” heralding the next generation of incredible young British RnB talent in full flow, alongside a live band. Standby for Tenn, Indigo Marshall, Ashley Zeal and Kali Claire, all of whom have toured alongside the award winning Kiss FM DJ and host for this event, DJ Ace.
The impact and importance of reggae in the UK cannot be over stated, and the added value of the British reggae scene to the global community is something that will be discussed on Sunday 2nd June as we delve into “The Story Of British Reggae” by saluting The UK Pioneers – DJ Daddy Ernie, Artis Carroll Thompson, Producer Mad Professor, Sound System Owner Lady V of V Rocket & your host, DJ & Broadcaster, Seani B
2024 Grammy winner Julian Marley takes centre stage on Tuesday 25th June as he discusses his career to date as well as the impact of his British upbringing on his life and work
African music takes centre stage on Thursday 11th July when comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi charts his musical journey via tracks from the motherland, and how a UK born generation led the way in shaping a new sound – Afrobeats – which continues to have an incredible impact around the world.
On Tuesday 16th July we will be bringing a midweek treat – its party vibes all the way with the 30th anniversary of UK Garage with many of the chief architects of the scene. Led by MC Bushkin from The Heartless Crew, this star-studded line up which includes DJ Spoony, Mega Man from So Solid Crew, Kele Le Roc and producer Zed Bias, will reminisce on the developing days of their movement which went from an underground buzz to a worldwide phenomenon.
Beyond the Bassline at the British Library will be one of the first major exhibitions devoted to Black British music, and will be unique in its panorama across the centuries. An extensive promotional campaign and events series will make this one of the key cultural moments of 2024.
FRIDAY 31ST MAY
EVERYTHING RNB – SHOWCASE FOR THE FUTURE –
A celebration of the next generation of UK RnB talent along with three-piece live band featuring Ashley Zeal, Tenn, Kali Claire, Indigo Marshall & DJ Ace
SUNDAY 2ND JUNE
THE STORY OF BRITISH REGGAE – THE PIONEERS
A celebration of some of the trailblazers of the British reggae movement featuring Daddy Ernie, Mad Professor, Carroll Thompson, Lady V & Seani B
** Produced by The PMG & BrukOut
TUESDAY 25TH JUNE
IN CONVERSATION WITH JULIAN MARLEY
An informal chat with the Grammy winning reggae artist, son of Bob Marley, who was brought up in the UK
THURSDAY 11TH JULY
ME, MYSELF AND MUSIC FROM AFRICA – EDDIE KADI
Listen in to Eddie’s personal musical journey from the motherland, and how it helped to shape the new wave African music scene from out of the UK
** Produced by Congoman & The PMG
TUESDAY 16TH JULY
WHAT DO YOU CALL IT? 30 YEARS OF UK GARAGE
Celebrating 30 years of UKG, led by MC Bushkin from The Heartless Crew, alongside DJ Spoony, Mega Man from So Solid Crew, Kele Le Roc and producer Zed Bias
** Produced by The PMG & Bush Bash Recordings
