Press release: 07 July 2006:

Leading music industry specialists to discuss ‘reggae and the sound system culture’ in the UK

Music visionary Jazzie B, leading radio DJ, David Rodigan and the founder and owner of Soul Jazz records, Stuart Baker, will be sharing their thoughts, insight and experiences at a unique event taking place on the evening of Wednesday 19th July.

Arranged by the Urban Enterprise Network (UEN), Respect; The History of reggae and the ‘sound system’ culture in the UK will be an evening of visuals, photography, and panel style debate to discuss and highlight, the impact of reggae music, particularly the sound system culture in the UK. This event will look at the development of the roots and dub music movement in the UK, it’s originators, influences, its impact from a social perspective, and how the culture of reggae music is viewed today.

Amongst the topics of discussion will be:

· How can we enable a wider audience to fully engage, understand, and enjoy the history, culture and influences of the reggae scene
· What has been the cultural significance of reggae and dub music on urban culture
· How can those in the music industry help to address and alleviate some of the negative stereotypes associated with reggae music
· Where are the next generation of reggae music’s pioneers?

This event aims to bring together a specially invited audience, consisting of representatives from the media and the capital’s music scene to establish an evening which can educate, inform, as well as entertain attendees.

This event takes place at the, ‘Gramaphone Bar, lounge and restaurant’ 60-62 Commercial Street E1 6LT from 7pm to 11pm (panel debate begins at 7pm prompt).

To register to attend, email info@urban-enterprise.co.uk

Further information on this event contact Jeffrey Lennon, on 07772 643372 or visit www.urban-enterprise.co.uk , email jeffrey@urban-enterprise.co.uk

Notes:

1. The Urban Enterprise Network (UEN) is a promotions consultancy which aims to ‘celebrate the capital’s diversity, talent and success. ’
· This event will be delivered through the UEN’s music subsidiary ‘Kaleidoscope – more than just the music’
· Kaleidoscope will deliver a programme of activities which highlights and celebrates various aspects of London’s success and diversity, though linking activities with music.

2. Jazzi B is the founder of the internationally acclaimed ‘Soul2Soul’ brand, one of the UK’s leading music production companies. Soul2Soul boast a successful music label, artist management company, as well as being one of the UK’s leading club ‘sound systems’.

For further information and links to Jazzie B visit www.soul2soul.co.uk

3. David Rodigan is one of the leading and most respected reggae DJ’s in the UK. His career spans over 25 years in the industry, with extensive work with BBC London and Capital Radio. Much respected worldwide, his achievements were recently recognised as he was inducted into the ‘Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame’ earlier this year.

David currently broadcasts his weekly reggae show on KISS FM. For further information on David Rodigan visit www.rodigan.com

4. Stuart Baker / Soul Jazz
Soul Jazz has been described as “distribution powerhouse”, with an outstanding collection of both new and rare music, from reggae, jazz and world music, to electronic, deep jazz, punk, funk, gospel groove, east coast house, Chicago soul, ska and many other styles of music through its diverse catalogue.

Their approach to music also provides an important retrospective on the history of music, highlighted through their distinct and extremely successful series of compilations.

Soul Jazz also celebrates their music philosophy to the world through the ‘Soul Jazz Sound System’ who tour across the world and the much-loved ‘100% Dynamite’ club nights in Angel, London.

For more information on Soul Jazz records visit www.souljazzrecords.co.uk or www.soundsoftheuniverse.com