Celebrating Bob Marley on what would have been his 80th birthday.

A pioneering artist who has shaped minds and music across many generations. RIP

Photo: Bob Marley in Leeds, 1974, by Dennis Morris pic.twitter.com/f5WgyAnAWK

— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) February 6, 2025

Across London, venues from Brixton to central hotspots have rolled out events that capture the spirit of Marley’s music. Standout events include the ‘Bob Marley’s Birthday Party at 229′, a night featuring films, DJ sets, and a live performance by a leading Marley tribute act. In Brixton, the famed Hootananny venue is set to host Sir Lloyd Coxsone Outernational Sound System, while Dingwalls 2 promises an evening of live music dedicated to Marley’s timeless sound.

Bob Marley’s Birthday Party at 229:
Kick off the celebrations at this exclusive event featuring films, DJ sets, and a live performance by Bob Marley Revival. Doors open at 7 pm, with tickets starting at around £23.08.

Bob Marley Birthday with Sir Lloyd Coxsone at Hootananny Brixton:
Experience an unforgettable night at Hootananny in Brixton, where reggae vibes take center stage with Sir Lloyd Coxsone Outernational Sound System. This event, which opens its doors at 8 pm, offers a more intimate yet equally passionate homage to Marley’s legacy with tickets available for just £5.

Bob Marley’s 80th Birthday Celebration at Dingwalls 2:
Join the celebration at Dingwalls 2 for an evening dedicated to live music and the timeless sounds of Marley. With doors opening at 7 pm and tickets for £10, this tribute promises to be a memorable nod to Marley’s revolutionary impact on music.

Bob Marley’s influence in London stretches back decades, with the city not only embracing his music but also serving as a creative sanctuary for his artistic expression. A defining moment in Marley’s career was the recording of ‘Exodus‘ (1977) in London. This album, renowned for its fusion of powerful lyrics and soulful reggae rhythms, has since become legendary, symbolising a time when London’s diverse cultural landscape nurtured one of the most influential musical projects of all time. ‘Exodus‘ remains a testament to Marley’s artistry and his ability to bridge cultural divides through music.

A recent report from the music licensing company Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) reveals that the UK’s favorite Bob Marley track is the 1980 hit ‘Could You Be Loved’, which has been played an average of 15 times per day since the start of the century.Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981. His death was caused by malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that began as a spot on his toe and eventually spread throughout his body. As London comes together to celebrate the musician this year, these tribute events not only highlight the vibrant, ongoing impact of his music but also invite fans to revisit a significant chapter of the city’s musical history. While London is leading the charge with large-scale tribute events, fans across the UK can still look forward to celebrating Bob Marley’s timeless music in their local areas.

The rock duo are currently taking their new album ‘Ohio Players’ on tour, visiting London and Manchester in the UK. On the first London date, they introduced Noel Gallagher after the encore.

The Mancunian singer joined them for the songs: ‘On The Game’, and ‘Only Love Matters’. Gallagher helped to co-write these songs, as well as ‘You’ll Pay’, alongside being part of the backing vocals, and adding electric guitar.

Watch the video below to see Noel and The Black Keys working together on ‘On The Game':

According to NME, The Black Keys and Gallagher adored working together, with the duo giving Gallagher the nickname, ‘The Chord Lord’, as he was such a perfectionist.

The Black Keys have a long tour ahead of them, including remaining UK dates and North American dates, any tickets can be found here.

With an illustrious lineup of artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Caribbean and African musical genres, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. Headlining the event are acclaimed performers such as Capleton, Busy Signal, Shy FX, and Iration Steppas. Joining them are talents like Cameroonian-American singer Libianca and the innovative dub sound system crew Channel One, enriching the festival’s offerings with depth and diversity.

In addition to these headliners, the festival further boasts a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, and many more. This year’s festival showcases a full lineup of exceptional talent from various corners of the world, with esteemed acts like Jamaica’s Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Busy Signal also gracing the stage. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic display of musical talent, honouring the rich and vibrant heritage of Caribbean and African music.

City Splash Festival stands as a testament to the profound impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond, showcasing the abundant legacy of genres like Roots, Dub, and Dancehall while embracing the evolution of Jungle and Garage music.

Featuring seven unique stages offering “diverse sounds and vibes,” attendees can immerse themselves in a medley of musical experiences. Additionally, with over 45 Black-owned food traders tantalising taste buds (delivered in partnership with Black Eats LDN), authentic rum stalls, and engaging panel talks, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Brixton, Brockwell Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, underscoring the area’s rich history and cultural significance. More than just a music event, City Splash Festival is a vital cultural melting pot that celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black music, food, dance, and style.

As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, City Splash Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the diversity and richness of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. Tickets are available for purchase for the bank holiday celebration here.

During a three-show run at 02 Brixton Academy last December, two people, gig-attendee Rebecca Ikumelo, 33 and security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23, lost their lives as a result of a crowd crush outside of the venue as a result of many fans trying to get into the show without a ticket.

Just before Asake hit the 02 Arena stage last Sunday a tribute towards the two who lost their life was carried out as their picture was shown across the stage’s big screen. This was accompanied by a spoken word poem alongside backing performers dressed in all-white surrounded in full view by flowers.

The poet went on to say: “I know some feel loss and some regret. We need to hold this moment. I need to hold this moment. They need to hold this moment.”

Throughout the poem, the big screen cycled through photos of the two victims as well as news footage from the scene and pictures of the tributes that were left outside the venue.

This was all then rounded out with a message that read “Rest well” immediately prior to the start of the concert.

The tribute was commended and praised across social media from those who attended the show and those that chose to watch the live stream.

I love Asake’s tribute to the Brixton Victims

— AJ (@liliestbaby) August 20, 2023

Respect to Asake and his team for the tribute to the victims at o2 Brixton

— ApEx (@apex_ams) August 21, 2023

However, the tribute was met with criticism from the sister of victim, Rebecca Ikumelo, as she stated on social media: “My sister lost her life at your show and you haven’t spoken to a single member of my family since. But you can hold another concert in London less than nine months later and play her videos as a ‘tribute’?”

What a sorry excuse of a “tribute” from @asakemusik. My sister lost her life at your show and you haven’t spoken to a single member of my family since. But you can hold another concert in London less than 9 months later and play her videos as a “tribute”? RIP Rebecca Ikumelo — R (@rachaeliku_) August 20, 2023

The show itself was still mired in speculation. Asake showed up on stage 90 minutes late with there being rumours of issues with crowd control. However, it is possible extra precaution was taken as Asake went on the state “Safety is my main priority tonight”.

Investigations are still ongoing regarding what happened during that fatal crush outside the 02 Brixton Academy last December, with the venue remaining closed as Lambeth Council reviews it’s live music license. The future of the venue is currently up in the air at the moment; the Met Police have claimed to have “lost confidence” in the venue’s safety whilst online petitions have pushed for the venue to remain open.

The crush occurred after a large group of fans outside the venue attempted to force their way into the Academy, with the show going on to be cancelled.

A total of eight people were removed from the scene by ambulance with crush-related injuries, with two others being treated at the scene.

Police were called to the venue at around 9:30pm on the night of the 16th, after reports that large numbers of people were gathered outside the venue, which normally has a capacity of around 5,000 people, and were attempting to force entry into the show.  Scenes outside the venue were heated, with some witnesses estimating that up to 1,000 people had gathered without tickets outside the doors, clashing with security and  police, adn even trying to force their way through locked doors.

The concert was called off within just ten minutes of it having started, with Asake telling the crowd, “They said outside is fucked up already, so we have to end the show. I don’t know why. It’s not me.”

A further announcement from the team on stage went on to tell the crowd that the situation outside had become severe, with an estimated 3, 000 people attempting to enter the building.   The announcement was followed by booing from the crowd.

After the crush, Asake took to his Instagram with this message: “My heart is with those who were injured last night and caused any form of discomfort. I pray you get well soonest. I am also in the process of reaching out to individuals. I still do not have the full brief from the venue management themselves as to what led to the disruption at the entrance of The Brixton Academy, but we are thankful that all was peaceful in the end. For my people who enjoyed the beginning of my performance, I am sorry that it was cut short. Thank you for your unbelievable love London. I love you too much! I’m looking forward to seeing you again in a bit!”

Solomon Smith, who was present at the show, took to twitter to share his feelings:

Not Asake’s fault at all, it was more people who didn’t have tickets turned up with fake tickets… #Asake #Brixton pic.twitter.com/dxDzfCEUY7

— Solomon Smith (@sollysworld) December 15, 2022

The tragic event comes after the release of the Lagos musician’s debut album, Mr Money with the Vibe, in early September this year.  Since the release, the album has climbed to become the highest charting debut Nigerian album of all time on the Billboard 200 list, making it to No. 66 in September.

Following the death of one of the victims of Thursday night’s crush, a 33-year-old east London woman who was taken to hospital following the show, Asake is said to be “devastated”, saying on his Instagram, “I am overwhelmed with grief and could never have imagined anything like this happening”.

Police and the venue management are currently working together on a debrief as to why the situation escalated with such tragic consequences.

Choice FM unveiled a new Blue Heritage Plaque on Thursday (1st April 2021) in Trinity Gardens in Brixton, marking the origin of Choice FM. Celebrating the station’s iconic past and commemorating the stations chronicled history on being the UK’s first Black radio station.

The plaque’s unveiling marked the stations 31st anniversary of the London based station, whose first broadcast took place on 31st March 1990.

The Nubian Jak Community Trust, endorsed by English Heritage, organised the unveiling with former director Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, co-founder and photographer Neil Kenlock, and Mayor Councillor Philip Normal at the station’s original headquarters: 16-18 Trinity Gardens, Brixton.

Writing about the award on Twitter, former director Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE said: “I would like to invite you to share a very special day with us recognising on 31 March – 31 years ago,⁠ Choice FM the UK’s first legal black-owned 24 hr music station was born and made a mark in the history of the UK.”

⁠Councillor Sonia Winifred, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture, said about the award: “Choice FM will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Lambeth community particularly in Brixton where it was launched in 1990 at Trinity Gardens. The first licensed independent Black music radio station gave us all a sense of pride and belonging. There has been no other to replace it and we owe a great deal to its co-founders Patrick Berry and Neil Kenlock when it started broadcasting 31 years ago, on 31 March 1990.”

Choice FM was the first independent Black music radio station to hold a London-wide licence legally. Later Choice FM won a second licence, bringing a version of their sound to Birmingham. Championing Black music of all genres and promoting Black artists, the station has been hailed throughout its 31-year history as the sound of Brixton. Over the years, the South London based radio station has picked up accolades from awards such as the MOBO’s (Music of Black Origins) and the Sony Radio Academy Awards. In 2013 the station was rebranded as ‘Capital Xtra,’ after being bought by the Capital Radio broadcasting group (Global) nine years prior.

Co-founder of Choice FM, Neil Kenlock, commenting on the radio station’s importance, said: “Many Black British people and those from many other communities remember Choice FM and the strong heritage that it has left behind. The station gave opportunities to UK and international artists, businesses, local community groups and charities like the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust who didn’t have a media outlet. Since Choice FM there has never been another Black owned, commercial licensed station that broadcasts across London.”

The plaque has been funded by the Choice FM Plaque Group and a Go Fund Me campaign. Funds raised will also be donated to The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT). Announcing the news on Instagram, the Choice FM Plaque group wrote: “We did it Choice Family!”

 

 

 

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A post shared by Choice FM (@choicefmplaque)

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A post shared by Black Country, New Road (@blackcountrynewroad)

The event will see each band play improvised material, covers, and original songs, with all money will go to the venue’s Crowdfunder to stay open. Like many other venues across the UK, The Windmill has faced many financial issues caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which could result in its imminent closure. With both bands playing at the venue when starting out in the music scene, the gig hopes to be a celebration of the venue, and help raise enough money to keep The Windmill open.

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The collaborative gig comes after Black Midi release of their latest album ‘The Black Midi Anthology Vol. 1: Tales of Suspense and Revenge’ earlier in the summer, which received critical praise upon its debut. The group are also planning a socially distanced show at the Jazz Café, that will take place a few days after the virtual gig on the 12^th December.

Black Country, New Road are also planning performance’s past the Brixton gig, going on a UK tour in 2021 to follow the release of their debut album ‘For The First Time’ via Ninja Tune in February 2021.

You can see dates for Black Country, New Road’s 2021 tour below:

18/02/21 – Junction 1- Cambridge
19/02/21 – The Loft- Southampton
20/02/21 – Hare & Hounds- Birmingham
22/02/21 – Brudenell Social Club- Leeds
23/02/21 – Future Yard- Birkenhead
24/02/21 – Gorilla- Manchester
25/02/21 – Oran Mor- Glasgow
27/02/21 – Whelan’s- Dublin
01/03/21 – SWX- Bristol
02/03/21 – Chalk- Brighton
03/03/21 – Electric Ballroom- London

The Nubian Jak Community Trust, in association with English Heritage, will place the plaque on  Choice FM’s original Brixton HQ. The ceremony coincides with the station’s 30th anniversary. There has not been another black-owned, commercial, radio station in London, since it began to broadcast in 1990. It earned a reputation for it’s diverse discography, which included Hip-Hop, Soul and Reggae shows.

The Nubian Jak charity aims to honour ‘stalwarts of black history‘. They place distinctive monuments in locations of Afro-Caribbean cultural significance. Therefore, the award outlines Choice FM’s impact on the black community.

Media company, Global, bought the station and re-branded it as Capital Xtra in 2013. However fans of the station, operating under the alias ‘The Choice FM Blue Plaque Group’, lobbied for a plaque to commemorate Choice FM’s influence. They paid for the plaque through a GoFundMe page.

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We are pleased to announce the unveiling of a blue heritage plaque in honour of Choice FM, the first and only black radio station with a London wide commercial licence. On March 31st 1990, a group of pioneering entrepreneurs and DJs delivered the first historic broadcast on the famous 96.9FM frequency. This year marks the 30th year anniversary and to commemorate its history a blue plaque unveiling organised by @nubianjak will take place on Wednesday 07th October 2020 . The plaque has been funded by the Choice FM Blue Plaque Group and other members of the black community who are making donations through a Go Fund Me campaign. The donation page was set up to give people the opportunity to support the campaign for the plaque and raise awareness of the history. Funds raised will also be donated to an amazing charity, The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (@acltcharity). Choice FM worked closely with the charity during their broadcasting years, to help provide hope for patients living with blood cancer and other illnesses. The Choice FM Blue Plaque Group continue to support their work through the campaign. To celebrate this moment in history please share your memories, stories, favourite songs and photos using #ChoiceFMBluePlaque. You can also support through the Choice FM Plaque Go Fund Me Page. Link in bio Thanks for your support! #ChoiceFMBluePlaque #ChoiceFM #Choicefmplaque #music #blackmusic #rnb #hiphop #reggae #dancehall #soul #funkyhouse #garage #drumnbass #afrobeats #music #gospel #raregroove #neosoul #soca #calypso #choicefmmemories #blm #blmmovement

A post shared by Choice FM (@choicefmplaque) on Aug 11, 2020 at 1:05am PDT

Neil Kenlock, Choice FM’s co-founder, explained the channel’s significance. ‘The station gave opportunities to UK and international artists, businesses, charities and local community groups that did not have a media outlet‘, he stated.

Kenlock also dedicated the plaque to The Windrush generation. ‘The blue plaque will highlight the work of Windrush descendants and our huge impact on the radio and music industry in the UK. I would like to thank everyone, including Lambeth Council, for their support for this project‘, he added.

Choice FM was the sound of Brixton for over two decades. The opportunities they provided are as limitless as the artists they inspired. Therefore it is only right that, 30 years on from the station’s inauguration, Choice FM should be rewarded for their seismic impact on London’s black community.