An exciting line-up of WORDS / MUSIC – a live spoken word and music event – is set to shake up the stacks at Hull Central Library later this month.
Hull Libraries is hosting the event inspired by The British Library’s ‘Beyond the Bassline: 500 years of Black British Music’ on Sunday 21 July.
A fabulous line-up will take to the stage in a celebration of the creativity and cultural impact of black British music, where words and music will come together to tell an unforgettable story.
WORDS / MUSIC will shine a spotlight on different voices and perspectives to celebrate black British music as a form of entertainment and a vehicle for communities, as well as a source of liberation, protest and education.
Visitors will be able to explore Musical Truth with Jeffrey Boakye, gain insight into Glastonbury stars Chiedu Oraka and August Charles and then let loose with a DJ set from Dave ‘DJ Redlocz’ Okwesia.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “WORDS / MUSIC is a fantastic event for Hull Central Library to host.
“Hull is a multi-cultural and diverse city and it’s only right that we celebrate that and help people to understand other cultures and how they influence music and people’s lives, as well as help them to have a good time.
“It is a great example of how Hull Central Library is becoming a major player in the city’s events space and I have no doubt that this will attract people from Hull and beyond.”
WORDS / MUSIC is starring:
Jeffrey Boakye
Host for the afternoon, Jeffrey is the critically acclaimed author of Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs. As a writer, broadcaster and music enthusiast, Jeffrey has a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture.
Chiedu Oraka
Raised on a North Hull estate, Chiedu’s lyrical abilities create an in-depth memoir of the Northern Black experience. Fresh from the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, Chiedu will take us on a journey through his musical truth with Jeffrey and perform some of his favourite tracks live. His mixtape, Misfit, was launched earlier this year to acclaim from critics and fans alike.
August Charles
Also fresh from the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury! Dance along to soulful rhythms with August Charles (Lead Vocal), Cam Ward (Keys & BG Vox), Richard Moulton (Drums), Conor Thomas (Guitar), Dave Edwards (Bass & BG Vox). Born in Ndola in Zambia and raised throughout the UK, August grew up between two worlds. His music captures the essence of these contrasting experiences, blending soulful grooves that reflect his diverse influences with soul, R&B, indie rock and jazz, forming the foundation of his unique musical style.
Dave ‘DJ Redlocz’ Okwesia
DJ Redlocz will end the event with a bang, curating a DJ set that celebrates the best in black British music. A founder member of Beats Bus Records and a recording artist specialising in Afro Fusion and hip-hop, DJ Redlocz has been involved in the music industry for over 20 years and continues to create a safe space for young artists to develop their voice.
WORDS / MUSIC is on Sunday 21 July, with doors opening at 2pm at Hull Central Library on Albion Street.
Tickets are £10 for adults and £8 for children under 16, whilst under twos are free. There will be a bar, with ID required for alcoholic purchases.
You can book your spot here: Beyond the Bassline with WORDS / MUSIC Tickets, Kingston upon Hull | Eventbrite
