The Story of Lover's Rock

Tribute to Menelik Shabazz, presented by DJ and host Delroy Topnotch Young

Lover’s Rock, often dubbed ‘romantic reggae’, is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 1970s and '80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems. Providing a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets, Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance – known as ‘scrubbing’ – at parties and clubs and developed into a successful sound with a string national UK hits, influencing the likes of The Police, Culture Club and UB40.

Shining a light on a forgotten period in British music, social and political history, Menelik Shabazz’s debut documentary feature underlines the impact Lovers Rock made in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized Thatcher’s nation.

Screening as part of Black History Month and Hockley Hustle

Lovers rock is one of the biggest genres to ever come out of the UK and still is a very big part of UK musical culture. I am proud as a dj and a massive fan of lovers rock to be able to play and deliver publicly and privately to people, being part of Supatone - Topnotch has allowed me to spread the love and this opportunity in memory of Menelik Shabazz is my tribute to him … come and enjoy a wonderful evening with me…. - Delroy Topnotch Young, DJ and host