BRUKOUT – PMG

BRUKOUT AND CHAT: HEARTLESS HISTORY WITH BUSHKIN

BrukOut and Chat – Heartless History with Bushkin

During October – the UK’s Black History Month – our sister organisation, BrukOut Entertainment, delivered a series of Black History Month celebrations – including club nights and a set of talks. BrukOut & Chat – “Expression without Repression”– were a series of open and frank conversations that explored the world of black music.

2019 sees UK black music at the peak of its popularity with festival headliners, chart toppers and business people all thriving and making huge inroads all over the industry. Rewind two decades and the foundations were firmly set by a new batch of artists, producers and entrepreneurs. The UK Garage scene was a revelation and created new jobs, opportunities and a self owned and self driven industry.

As we hit the eve of 2020 The Heartless Crew are not only still active, but are thriving. With a new national radio show on the BBC and demand for their live shows as high as it’s ever been, DJ Fonti and Bushkin talk about the Garage years, the UK music scene then and now as well as who inspired them and the secret to their longevity.

BRUKOUT x BOXPARK BLACK HISTORY MONTH TALKS

Our sister organisation, BrukOut keeps coming with Black History Month celebrations announcing a set of talks. BrukOut & Chat – “Expression without Repression” – are a series of open and frank conversations that explore the world of black music in many forms during Black History Month.

The first talk, entitled REMEMBER THE TIMES PT1 WITH REGGAEOLOGY takes place on the 20th October. The talk looks at the the 70’s and 80’s global reggae scene and how the UK played its part in the growth and success of it. As well as carving out an industry here in the UK, the music resonated throughout the reggae world. From the ambitious and talented sound systems such as Saxon who spawned the likes of Tippa Irie and Maxi Priest, to the hard roots production and lyrics of Aswad and Steel Pulse as well as the chart topping exploits of Janet Kay. Amongst it all was birth and development of one of the genres leading styles – Lovers Rock. Uniquely British, the Lovers Rock sound embodied the time.

In this talk, the PMG’s Seani B looks at that special period in Black British Music history, and explores how it all came about and the generational impact of it all. With special guests John McClean, Sweetie Irie and Rudy Ranx.

Following the talk Rudy Ranx and DJ Ratty take to the decks.

Get your FREE tickets HERE

On the 23rd, there is an In Conversation with UK Garage music pioneers, The Heartless Crew.

As we hit the eve of 2020 The Heartless Crew are not only still active, but are thriving. With a new national radio show on the BBC and demand for their live shows as high as it has ever been, DJ Fonti and Bushkin talk about the Garage years, the UK music scene then and now as well as who inspired them and the secret to their longevity. This event is hosted by Seani B.

Get your FREE tickets HERE

The third and final talk is GOOD TIMES – THE STORY OF NORMAN JAY – which will be an In Conversation with the man himself.

Norman Jay is known as the “DJ’s DJ”, the “Ultimate party Starter”, an “encyclopedia of music knowledge” and “Britain’s finest musicologist”. As one of the leading musical pioneers both as a Dj and a broadcaster, his roots are firmly planted in the sound system culture of growing up as a first generation black British music fan. He went on to plant his trademark all over the clubs, bars and warehouses of Britain, before further cementing his iconic status with his show on Kiss FM and then the BBC. All this plus his infamous Notting Hill Carnival sets which always attract incredible crowds and vibes.

With the release of his much acclaimed autobiography, Seani B catches up with Mr Good Times to get the stories behind the stories, and some of those anecdotes that can only be told in the Norman Jay way.
This is one not to be missed.

Get your tickets HERE

Buju Banton: A Moment In Jamaican Musical History

Last Saturday, Mark Myrie aka Buju Banton performed at his first show since coming out of prison, the first time he had graced the stage in Jamaica in over a decade. Billed as Long Walk To Freedom, it was held at the National Stadium in Kingston, the same location that played host to the previous biggest show the island had seen – Bob Marley’s iconic Smile Jamaica show in the seventies.

The Playmaker Group and Brukout were in Jamaica giving us an insight on what went down on that historical night which included interviews and a show on BBC 1Xtra. As part of Brukout’s weekly article for The Voice newspaper, Ray Paul and Seani B give an exclusive overview of the huge return for Buju Banton.

“In over 20 years of documenting reggae professionally as a broadcaster and journalist, I have never witnessed anything like this. The mood was one of anticipation and promise mixed with a slice of celebration and joy.

All week I witnessed stars from the Jamaican music scene and the man and woman on the street sharing a feeling that seemed to have never been generated in other shows in living memory. This was coupled with an excellent management and carefully selected pre-promotions campaign which saw Buju say very little in the run up – all which built the anticipation even further. It truly was about to be a history moment.”

Listen to Seani B’s BBC 1Xtra show on the Buju return below or you can read the whole article from The Voice Newspaper here

BUJU BANTON RETURNS – BRUKOUT EXCLUSIVE

Reggae/dancehall star Buju Banton will perform his first concert for nearly 8 years at the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica on March 16, 2019. Banton and his 10-piece Shiloh Band will perform a much anticipated 90-minute set at the Long Walk to Freedom concert.

So for this historical homecoming, you know THE PLAYMAKER GROUP & BrukOut had to be involved. For exclusive interviews and insight leading up to the big night from Seani B, follow all the BrukOut socials so you don’t miss a thing. You can follow BrukOut on Instagram here.

As a little taster, here’s Seani B getting an exclusive look into the building where it all takes place in Jamaica, click the link in the video.

The full video can be watched on the BrukOut Instagram.