The social history and cultural contribution of Bristol’s Caribbean community is celebrated in a new online project from Ujima Radio.
Dubplate to Dubstep, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, covers 50 years of social history and music trends, beginning its story with the first generation of Jamaican immigrants arriving in Bristol and Britain in the 1950s and 60s.
The hostility faced by Bristol’s Caribbean community led to the creation of vibrant live music venues and cultural events.
St Paul’s Festival, founded in 1957, was closely followed by the infamous Bamboo Club in 1966, which saw performances from Gregory Isaacs, Desmond Decker and even Bob Marley before burning down in 1977.
Short films, interviews and radio shows produced by the young team feature Bristol artists such as 60s pioneer DJ Derek, Ray Mighty from Smith & Mighty, Peter D Rose of Wild Bunch, and current talent such as Buggsy and dubstep producer Wedge.
Ujima Radio chair Roger Griffith said: “Dubplate to Dubstep has been an extraordinary innovative project that enabled a diverse selection of young, talented inner city residents to explore their musical heritage and ultimately to secure some exciting opportunities at the BBC and other media outlets.”
