The Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury on 22 June 1948 and four months later the SS Orbita arrived in Liverpool. These iconic vessels brought the first wave of those came to be known as the Windrush Generation. Responding to the needs of the post-war economy, they were vital to Britain’s public services and industries, not least our music industry. The British music scene would not be as vibrant as it is today without the influence of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. From the Calypso greats of Lords Kitchener and Woodbine, through to the Reggae Sound Systems of the 70’s, Norman Jay’s Good Times, Windrush has influenced all aspects for the UK music scene including the pop music of the Beatles and the electronica of Orbital.
From SS Orbita to Orbital will work with musicians and music historians to research, document, and promote the Windrush influence on Britain’s musical greats. The work of the project will be published in a high-quality anthology of essays and photographs which will be launched in October during Black History Month.
This project offers you:
- A ten-week educational workshop programme with local historians, music experts, and professional archivists
- The opportunity to collect oral histories from those who have participated in Liverpool’s vibrant music scene
- Interview contemporary musicians and DJs who are descendants of the Windrush generation.
- Support to produce a well-researched essay on your chosen rea of research.
- The inclusion of your work, high quality commemorative book of essays
- the celebration of you work at a high-profile event during Black History Month.
This ground-breaking project will run from July to August to October. To get involved contact Madeline: info@writingonthewall.org.uk or 0151 703 0020