The Story of Lover’s Rock
[Dir. Menelik Shabazz]
I had the privilege of seeing The Story of Lover’s Rock this week at the London Docklands Museum. Director and pioneer of Black British cinema Menelik Shabazz was in attendance to introduce his documentary and for a post-film Q&A session. The Story of Lover’s Rock chronicles the development of the Reggae sub-genre from its inception in the UK, its influence on British pop culture and its global impact. What I enjoyed most about the film is that it does not shy away from the hostile social and political conditions experienced by Black Britain in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Instead the film contextualises the role played by Lover’s Rock in the Black community and its wider appeal. Lover’s Rock was a distinctly British sound, encapsulating love, style and the dreams of young Black Britain. It served as a vehicle for self-identification and resistance for the first generation of British Jamaican’s growing up in England. Against the backdrop of racist attacks such as the 1981 New Cross house fire that killed thirteen people, Lover’s Rock was refuge and healing.
Shabazz spoke openly and sincerely about his journey as a filmmaker and told us that one of his motivations for creating the film was his realisation that there is a vacuum in the knowledge of young people growing up in Britain of what older generations have contributed to British society. He added that his desire is to tell stories that challenge negative stereotypes and tell the diverse stories of African and Caribbean people which is why he sought independent financing for the film despite the challenges. I commend Mr Shabazz for this film as he has helped curate a little bit of Black British history that is rarely recognised by the national media and placed it within the greater narrative of British history.