Growing up in Birmingham in the early 1960s, I am part of the African Caribbean generation that migrated to Britain between the 1940s and 1980s. Commonly known as the “Windrush generation”, our arrival in the UK marked a significant turning point in the country’s social, artistic and economic landscape.
Back in those days, nights out in Birmingham revolved around paid entry into “blues” or “shubeens” (house parties). They were often held in unconventional venues, from basements and abandoned buildings to church and school halls. These events took place up and down the country – black bodies dancing and expressing themselves through music and “riddim” (rhythm).
