During Black History Month Mykaell Riley, Reader, Director for the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Principal Investigator for Bass Culture Research at the University of Westminster, is hosting a new episode each week on Virgin Radio, exploring Black bands and artists who have shaped music and popular culture across the UK.
Each episode, airing every Sunday at 7pm, takes an in-depth look at bands and artists who feature on his Windrush75 playlist. The playlist celebrates the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the ship HMT Windrush to the UK, bringing with it over 800 passengers from the Caribbean. It includes tracks from 1948 all the way up to 2021, from Lord Kitchener to Islington born rapper Little Simz. Other influential artists included are Stormzy, Craig David and Boney M, showcasing the impact of the Windrush generation and their descendants on music and popular culture.
Talking about the playlist in a Windrush 75 Network press release, Riley said: “It is a great list which scratches the surface of a hugely important cultural contribution. In many ways, it is a teaser to what lies beyond the beats, melodies and songs that have found their way into so many lives.”
So far in the series, which started on 1 October, Riley has talked about Caribbean Queen singer Billy Ocean and English reggae and pop band UB40. Talking about Billy Ocean, Riley explains how the artist has strong links with Westminster. In 2002 he was given an Honorary Doctorate and further down the line his daughter became one of Riley’s students. He is now set to explore Beverley Knight and Liz Mitchell of Boney M. The episodes include in-depth interviews with some of the artists, highlighting their impact across the music scene and beyond.
Talking about Beverly Knight to Graham Norton on The Graham Norton Radio Show before the series started, he said: “She is Arethra Franklin - we should put her on that pedestal. She is our soul, gospel, musical representation in terms of Black British females who have survived the industry.”
About the series Riley has added: “Activities surrounding Black History month tend to be championed by and focus on the same communities. Through the power of music, platforms like Virgin Radio have the potential to connect to broader often less connected audiences.”
Catch Mykaell Riley talking about Birmingham born singer Beverly Knight this Sunday at 7pm on Virgin Radio or catch up with his most recent episode.
Related articles
