WINDRUSH 75 | BLOCK PARTY
12noon - 8pm, Saturday 24th June 2023
Celebrate Windrush legacy in style with our packed one-day open-air programme!
The Windrush 75 Block Party is ON!
On Saturday 24th June, Bernie Grant Arts Centre celebrates Windrush legacy in style with a packed one-day open-air programme including a wild and wonderful family party, featuring live-music, spoken word, arts & crafts, pop up stalls and workshops.
Confirmed artists include Steppaz, Reggae Choir, Germane Marvel & Friends, Rhythm of the City, Dionne Reid and our host Wild G, with delicious Caribbean and African food on sale from Black Eats.
And it wouldn’t be a Block Party without good music, so we have DJs Chantz Dee and Donnie Sunshine behind the decks to fill the floor and get the party started.
Tickets are available from £5 with our accessible Pay What You Can (PWYC) offer, with free tickets for under 2s and over 65s (booking required).
Windrush 75 Block Party Line-up
LIVE MUSIC HEADLINER
DIONNE REID
Dionne will be performing a live music set 17:30 – 18:15
Dionne Reid is a charismatic singer-songwriter and self-proclaimed “HeArtist” from south London, she is a true creative powerhouse. With a passion that runs deep and a heart that fuels her artistry, Dionne has crafted a musical journey that resonates with authenticity and soul. Influenced by iconic artists such as Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, and Bob Marley, Dionne’s music is a refreshing fusion of contemporary soul and reggae, delivering honest storytelling with infectious melodies. With her captivating voice, heartfelt lyrics, and mesmerizing stage presence, Dionne has supported the likes of Julian Marley, Freddie McGregor, Christopher Ellis, Beenie Man and more.
Dionne is known for her effortless ability to connect with audiences, inviting them into her world of raw emotions and musical storytelling. As a “HeArtist,” Dionne embraces her role as both an artist and a vessel for creative expression, allowing her music to touch the hearts and souls of her listeners.
DJ HEADLINER
DONNIE SUNSHINE
Donnie Sunshine will play a 2hr DJ set – 18:15-20:15
Donnie Sunshine is an East London based multidisciplinary creative specialising in DJing, photography and content creation. Donnie’s DJ sets transcends genres as he often slides through an array of musical era’s and sounds, reintroducing forgotten cult classics as well as debuting current niche selections keeping the energy high and vibes euphoric.
GERMANE MARVEL & FRIENDS
Germane Marvel will be performing a live music set 16:30-17:15
Germane Marvel and Friends is a project specialising in live improvised performances that transcends genres and embraces the transformative power of music. Drawing inspiration from Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul, RnB, Drum and Bass, Jungle, Rock, Reggae, and more, they create a captivating blend of sounds that takes audiences on a transformative journey.
Infused with elements of meta-modernism and Afro-futurism, Germane Marvel and Friends push the boundaries of musical expression. Their performances are a fusion of past, present, and future, incorporating innovative techniques and imaginative storytelling. Each experience is a testament to their commitment to challenging conventional norms and fostering a sense of hope and possibility.
REGGAE CHOIR
Participatory workshop 14:00 – 14:30
Live performance 14:30 – 15:15
Reggae Choir will be performing at Bernie Grant Arts Centre on Saturday 24th June, as part of the Windrush 75 celebration. Join us for an unforgettable day of as we pay tribute to the Windrush generation and their lasting impact on British culture. In addition to our performance, we will also be running an exciting Reggae singing workshop, where participants can learn the art of this iconic music style. It promises to be an uplifting and joyous event that celebrates unity, heritage, and the power of Reggae music. Don’t miss out on this remarkable experience at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre!
RHYTHM OF THE CITY
Opening Act – FREE – Soca Party on Tottenham Green
Live Music Performance 13:00 – 13:45
Rhythms of the City is the UK’s premier samba percussion squad. They perform not only authentic Brazilian music, but many other funky styles from all sides of the Atlantic (salsa, soca, reggae, funk, afrobeat, hiphop…) with the passion and energy of Rio Carnival. Over 20 years, they have played at major events including Notting Hill Carnival, Womad, Glastonbury etc and with stars including Alexander D Great, Mysdiggi, Jamie Cullum, Friendly Fires…
BLACK EATS
Food Market all day long
We’ve teamed up with Black Eats LDN to bring you a taste of authentic Caribbean cuisine. Food is a powerful way to connect people and cultures, and partnering with Black Eats allows us to showcase the rich and diverse culinary traditions that the Caribbean offers.
Throughout the celebration, vendors will be serving up a delicious menu of traditional and modern dishes that are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and bursting with flavour. From mouth-watering Jerk Chicken to vegan-friendly options like hearty chickpea curry, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Come and savour the rich and vibrant flavours of the Caribbean cuisine with us, as we celebrate the Windrush generation and their legacy. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new taste experience or simply want to enjoy great food in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, Black Eats at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre has something for you.
STEPPAZ
Dance performance 16:15 – 16:30
Steppaz is a World Champion company that strives to achieve all things “One Step At A Time”. Established in 2013, Steppaz provides professional classes for all ages from age 3 in the community. Steppaz develop self-confidence, creativity, problem solving, perseverance, focus, collaboration, dedication and accountability.
DISCO LOCO
Family stage 12:00 – 18:00
We can’t wait to return to Bernie Grant Arts Centre for their fantastic annual Windrush Festival. We’ll be hosting the family stage all day, with reggae music courtesy of DJ Sherrine compered by the legendary MC Chu-i.
Plus for your pleasure we have live shows from dance theatre maker Azara Meghie who will be performing her homage to Grace Jones, Finding Grace AND we’re delighted to be joined by the fabulous London hula hooping icons Marawa’s Majorettes!
There’s tons to watch, enjoy, eat and drink all day so put the date in your diary and come and join the fun!
RESIDENT DJ
CHANTZ DEE
Chantz Dee is our resident DJ for the day
Meet Chantz Dee, a dynamic and versatile DJ known for her infectious energy and impressive skills behind the turntables. With a passion for music that started at a young age, Chantz has honed her craft over the years and has become a sought-after performer, playing at events and festivals all over the world. Chantz has worked with brands such as, RedBull, Wingstop, Puma, Nike and many more.
Offstage, Chantz is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. She is committed to empowering underrepresented groups and giving a voice to those who are often overlooked. Chantz’s dedication to her craft and her passion for social change make her a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for this rising star as she continues to make an impact in the music industry and beyond.
HOST
WILD G
Warren ‘Wild G’ Gordon-Powell is a performing dance artist and artistic director. Performing 20 years strong from street parties, community events, dance studios to stadiums, theatres and big screens. Warren started his performing arts journey at age 14 showing off his best James Brown and Michael Jackson impressions at family events, local talent shows and Notting Hill Carnival.
Since, Warren has toured and performed with English rapper Plan B: The Defamation of Strickland Banks and The Brits Award 2011 (O2 Arena). He has worked with Drum and Base music producers Alesso, Myro and The Prototypes and performed with artists such as Mz Bratt, FKA Twigs, Exapmle, Mike Jagger, Madonna and Kojey Radical. Warren has also worked with brands such as Desperados, Paco Robanne, Nike, Pringles, Lynx and Dazed n Confused.
In 2013, he was a semi finalist on the Got To Dance TV show, moving the judges to tears of expression! When not performing on stage, Warren is the artistic director of Rain Crew UK, an international organisation which primarily focused on community lead projects aimed at bringing people together through music, culture and dance and Lieutenant General at Wet Wipez UK, a multifaceted abstract collective of professionals brought together from the love of Krump.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
We have a wonderful range of children’s activities, available all day, including:
– Witty Ditty Kidz creative workshops giving children the opportunity to make unique STEAM-based creative art, by combining recycled materials with the latest digital and cool tech tools
– Our Kids Trove toy shop offering culturally diverse toys and educational resources; a platform to showcase high-quality toys that have all been made by black-owned businesses.
We also have awesome kids crafts stalls including Jenny McKenzie and Mangozookids.