Ray Keith and VXRGO engage in a discussion, as hosted by BHM and DNB.
In the world of drum and bass, Ray Keith, one of the genre's original pioneers in the UK, has expressed concerns about the lack of quality control and the need to keep the soul in the music. He believes that labels, promoters, and artists have a responsibility to honour and celebrate the genre's deep roots in Black musical traditions.
Over the last 40 years, Keith has celebrated the raver community, regardless of their ethnicity, who have supported him throughout his career. He emphasises the sense of togetherness, love, and respect that can be found on the dance floor when different types of people come together to hear this sound.
To honour Black History, Keith suggests several key ways for the drum and bass scene to evolve. Firstly, he advocates for highlighting the historical and cultural origins of drum and bass by connecting it to its African and African diasporic musical influences. This backdrop can be emphasised through storytelling in events, liner notes, podcasts, and exhibitions.
Secondly, Keith encourages showcasing and supporting Black artists within the drum and bass scene continuously through club nights, festivals, radio shows, and online platforms. This includes featuring DJs and producers who celebrate Black musical heritage and innovations in drum and bass.
Thirdly, he proposes creating year-round educational programs and collaborations such as workshops, talks, and masterclasses that explore the cultural significance of Black rhythms, instruments, and musical history linked to drum and bass. These programs can integrate African drumming and dance elements, fostering a living connection to ancestral traditions.
Fourthly, Keith suggests using visual art and multimedia exhibitions that trace the evolution of Black music and its impact on drum and bass. Examples include projects like Houston's Black Stereo exhibition, which uses concert posters, album covers, and infographics to educate and celebrate Black musical heritage.
Lastly, Keith emphasises the importance of cultivating community spaces where drum and bass events become celebrations of Black culture by intentionally integrating narratives about liberation, identity, and creativity inspired by the ongoing struggle and achievements of Black people, making the music and its message relevant all year.
VXRGO, another influential figure in the drum and bass scene, believes it should not solely be the responsibility of Black artists to educate and celebrate the scene, but also of white counterparts. They suggest more workshops and events series to promote education and celebrate diverse talents within the drum and bass community, not just from Black artists.
Dave Jenkins, during his time as UKF editor, penned an extraordinary series celebrating the origins and historical roots of jungle and drum and bass, including conversations with originators like DJ Bailey, Ink, Loxy, Krust, and Fabio & Grooverider. The 'Origins' series invites readers to delve deeper into the genre's historical roots and its profound connection with Black music.
Ray Keith's statement emphasises the need for the drum and bass community to celebrate POC talent beyond tokenism. He encourages the raving community to share their experiences from the 90s, especially with Gen Z, to promote diversity. He also celebrates Fabio & Grooverider for championing artists and their records to help make jungle and d&b what it is today.
Keith highlights the unique nature of jungle/drum and bass, drawing from various genres that many people can relate to. He also celebrates collectives like EQ50 and Drum & Babes in pushing for change within the scene. He suggests more themed nights that showcase POC talent, like DJ Flight's Black Herstory series.
By intertwining artistic expression with education and community engagement focused on the sustained legacy of Black music, drum and bass can be a powerful, continuous tribute to Black History beyond the designated month.
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