Lovers Rock, often dubbed ‘romantic reggae’, is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of racism, uprisings and sound systems. Shining a light on a forgotten period in British music, social and political history, the recently passed Menelik Shabazz’s documentary feature underlines the impact Lovers Rock made in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarised Thatcher’s nation. With a fantastic list of contributors, archive footage and witty reconstruction, this outstanding film gives us one of the great untold tales of Jamaican-UK connection.
Screening with Jamaican short Sugarcake, directed by Joshua Paul, selected by JAFTA (Jamaica Film & Television Association).
Screening as part of One Love from Jamaica at LIFF 2022, presented in partnership with Jamaica Society Leeds and the Jamaica Film and Television Association.
