Remption Song - Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act

Photos by Hash Varsani and Irene HOH was a unique and dynamic multi-artform event, featuring an African and Caribbean hair and fashion show, live performances, visual art and a digital exhibition to lead the audience through a journey exploring the social and historic aspects of hair design, and the impact of ‘Afro’ culture on the UK. With a backdrop of archive photography and vibrant imagery, three catwalk parades illustrated the hairstyles and fashions of three distinctive eras; commencing with the styles of the 18th century during the Slave Trade followed by the period from Windrush through to Civil Rights, Black Power and the Disco era; and a final parade featuring modern day trends and fashions.

The parades were interspersed with live performances, and the show was opened with music from headline artists and MOBO award nominees Four Kornerz. Additional music was presented by Hip Hop outfit Southern Suspects and Soul/Folk singer-songwriter Nina Provencal. Other performances included spoken word artists Brotha Talk and Zena Edwards. Community artists from RESPOND ACADEMY and Ruff Diamond Explosion were also invited to participate and provided entertainment during the intervals and after the main show.

Feedback on the History of Hair

The show was co-produced by Shae Shae Creations, a local hair salon whose client base provided many of the models for the event. Other contributors were recruited regionally via community networks, and youth-led organisation RESPOND Academy provided a support team of over 20 assistants who worked on the production both front of house and backstage. The show was a huge learning curve for many of its participants, who felt they gained a lot and developed personally from performing in a professional environment with an experienced production team, some learning hands-on for the first time about the processes and protocols of event production and management. They also now have a professional experience to launch or enhance their portfolio.

The less experienced participants in particular, expressed the very deep sense of empowerment they experienced by being involved in the production, and feel they have truly benefited from the inspirational, educational, and aspirational nature of the event. They also enjoyed the very unique opportunity of working with, and performing to their peers. The more experienced performers also commented that they rarely had the chance work in Brighton and were pleasantly surprised at the very warm reception and diversity of the audience.

Many individuals worked as a strong team in the creation, management and delivery of the project – the collaborative process to develop a show using mixed media, abilities and artforms provided a dynamic learning and capacity building opportunity for the whole team.

"With the advent of the Bicentenary we cannot think of a better occasion to celebrate, reflect and raise awareness… celebrating the wonderful, creative and diverse past, present and future hair styles that have crossed many continents with one resonating similarity in the pride of the people that model the styles." Wayne James (Shae Shae Creations)

"It was a fab event in a great location and extremely well-attended, which contributed to the great atmosphere, everyone I saw, whether performer or participant, looked happy to be there."

"It was an event that was relevant to Black people’s lives and experience and especially relevant this year following the abolition celebrations. It is the kind of event that I believe we should be staging more regularly as it was entertaining as well as educative."

"The History of Hair Show provided something interesting and different. Especially with the addition of spoken word poets and musicians. Really loved the images projected onto the stage as well. I thought this gave a deeper resonance to the event as it was quite thought provoking and really made you think about the cross-cultural implications. I thought it was quite a seamless event, with a diverse turnout in regards to the audience that attended."

"It was absolutely fantastic for a first event of this kind. As it grows, I would love to see several strands in development, be it in film, critical debates, performances, community events, involvement of the business sector etc. So lots of opportunities to take part and make it self sustaining."

"It was absolutely my pleasure to be involved, I really enjoyed the event and I hope definitely we work together on future events. Thank ever so much for the opportunity."

Photos by Hash Varsani and Irene.

Webdesign by Summerland Studios | hq@summerlandstudios.co.uk