The Story of Lovers Rock is a feature-length documentary film about the British reggae sub-genre, Lovers Rock, which focuses on themes of love, romance, and relationships. The genre is often cited as being pivotal to the emergence of a specifically British black identity during politically and socially turbulent times.

In the late 70s and early 80s, Lovers Rock was a defining feature of the musical landscape of the British black community, and its influence was reflected in the charts. Offering an apolitical counterpoint to the Rastafarian ideologies dominating Jamaican reggae at the time, Lovers Rock was rooted in the sound systems of South London and particularly appealed to women, whose contribution to the sound was especially prominant in earlier releases.

Combining the smooth, mellow harmonies of Chicago and Philly Soul with the syncopated rhythms and deep, hypnotic basslines of Reggae, the appeal of Lovers Rock transcends its epoch, its UK homeland, and continues to move audiences all over the world as evidenced by its recent re-emergence and popularity in Japan.

In this post-screening Q&A director Menelik Shabazz talks about his reasons for making the film, the appeal of the music, and the significance of black history beyond Black History Month.

Menelik Shabazz is an award winning writer, director, and Producer working for more than 30 years in the UK film industry. He has produced work for BBC, Channel 4, and ITV. Menelik is best known for his award-winning movie Burning an Illusion (1981).

Dr Edson Burton is an academic, writer and storyteller. Edson has taught a range of Black History courses and his work involves promoting awareness of African Diaspora history and culture.

Related Links:
Lovers Rock the Film
Lovers Rock: The Story of Reggae's Motown

Posted on Sun 23 Oct 2011.

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