The festival was one of many held in L8. It’s a reminder of the wealth of activity in “Da Area” and how much we invested into our wellbeing.
The compilation of clips features local singers, poets, DJ’s as well as international artists.
Maxine Brown has been a pivotal figure in the celebration of African dance in the region and made a massive contribution to Dance in Liverpool. Her work has been far-reaching, highly influential and spans four decades. Honours, for encouraging our community to embrace and respect our African heritage and culture through dance.
The compilation of clips begins in 1998 with a poignant interview from Maxine Brown. It still resonates now.
Throughout her long journey in Dance, Maxine Brown has engaged with numerous groups to learn, perform and enjoy African dance. The ‘Bend Down Low’ Dance showcase reflects the depth of her influential teachings. Her ‘Riddim n Roots’ dance group is an important vehicle to continue the celebration of African dance forms. It’s vital for maintaining links between generations, so that we can continue to celebrate our beautiful African culture.
It was a great platform to showcase local artists. Major ‘honours‘ go out to Gopal Birdy and Catalyst Team for bringing SLAF to us for many years and plaudits for the people of L8 for always supporting it.
Catalyst provided a range of creative activities for young people to experience, and showcase throughout the festival. The event at the park brought together an eclectic group of performers. It was an excellent platform for local talent, experienced or upcoming and for youths to show off new skills and abilities.
Overall, it was a lovely celebration of Community Arts in L8.
Catalyst provided a range of creative activities for young people to experience, and showcase throughout the festival.
The event at the park brought together an eclectic group of performers. It was an excellent platform for local talent, experienced or upcoming and for youths to show off new skills and abilities.
Overall, it was a lovely celebration of Community Arts in L8.
The Resilience Garden was created by Mohamed Bourouissa and inspired by the work of Franz Fanon in Bilda (Morocco), using gardens to aid mental wellbeing.
Her research was focussed on the migration of plants throughout The Slave Trade. During this short visit Professor Geri Augusto, again, dropped ‘gems’ of knowledge, relating to the experiences of people from Africa and the African Diaspora.
It was shown as part of Liverpool Biennial TRACE exhibition 1999. ‘TRACE was the selected theme to explore Liverpool’s rich and varied history as a port, and links to other communities and countries across the globe’.
Major thanks to Maria Wallenfang (Liverpool Youth Service) for her inspirational work and for being one of the people who supported me from the start.
Sugahill ‘Turn it Up’ was a weekly club night run by DJ Isis (Toyin Odunsi) at the Lemon Lounge during autumn 1998.
It was a platform for female Hip Hop artists to showcase their talent and a general outlet for Rappers, Poets and Musicians to meet, perform and chill.
Chema, CQ (Culture Queen – yeah me again, ‘wannabe rapper’ cringey lah) and Jo Black feature on the clips, alongside OIC (Order in Chaos).
It’s good to see Nikki Blaze (Liverpool Hip Hop Festival) keeping L8 Hip Hop alive in 2021.
It was a platform for female Hip Hop artists to showcase their talent and a general outlet for Rappers, Poets and Musicians to meet, perform and chill.
Chema, CQ (Culture Queen – yeah me again, ‘wannabe rapper’ cringey lah) and Jo Black feature on the clips, alongside OIC (Order in Chaos).
It’s good to see Nikki Blaze (Liverpool Hip Hop Festival) keeping L8 Hip Hop alive in 2021
It’s an important reminder of our many ‘achievements’ and a touching, and priceless, record of the honours and respect we gave to valuable community members.
The Awards celebration also showcased the wealth of local talent in L8.
Novice and experienced presenters came together in an environment that was easy-going, comfortable and fun. It was my first experience Radio broadcasting and encouraged me to present a show on Ujima FM in Bristol.
Again, Elle FM reflects the range of activities taking place in the L8 in 1998.
Rawkus Entertainment were doing big things throughout 1998 and made major contributions to the Black musical scene in Liverpool.
The SLAF performance showcases Rappers Spycatcha, Triple S and I Kane.
SLAF was an excellent platform for local talent, experienced or upcoming, to show perform. It was a lovely celebration of Community Arts in L8.
‘Elite’ Hip Hop recording sessions took place at the legendary Flying Picket in October 1998.
The Picket was a small fringe performance venue and recording studio on Hardman street.
Danny Tarbuck initiated weekly recording sessions to assist local performers on their journey. Artists collaborated, explored their ideas and created demos.
The Elite session features CZero, Obi. Ridge, DJ Isis, Jo Black, CQ and many more…
She shared ideas from the Liquid Knowledges exhibition and her concept – Thinking Through Plants’.
During the mini-residency “Dr. G” – as we fondly call her, visited Cairns Street (prior to Granby Winter Garden opening) and other Community gardens in L8.
She conducted symbolic planting ceremonies to honour our Ancestors.
In addition to sharing her ‘boundless’ knowledge with local residents.
She shared ideas from the Liquid Knowledges exhibition and her concept – ‘Thinking Through Plants’.
During the mini-residency “Dr. G, as we fondly call her, visited Granby Winter Garden during its construction and shared her ‘boundless’ knowledge with Granby4StreetsCLT board members, Gardener in Residence and locals.
Although my footage is “really poor quality”, it does capture an essence of the innovative and creative work being produced in the community.
Visual Stress were a phenomenal ensemble. I’m still impressed how they merged art forms – projections, dance, poetry, music, performance, drama to stimulate all your senses, whilst providing a cultural critique through intriguing performance art pieces.