The Story of Lovers Rock

"The Secret World of a Generation and the Birth of a Reggae Genre"

Sep 30 2011 N/A 1h 37m
Documentary, Family, Music

In the 70s and 80s Britain was rife with racial tension and police harassment particularly against black British youths. These youths were the rebel generation who were also searching for an identity. They created a music - a sub genre of reggae known as Lovers Rock. This music became a global brand through artists like UB40 and Maxi Priest. The music brought a level of intimacy between young people that was unique. It was also 'girl power' music that empowered a generation of young women. Through comedy, live performance, dance, interviews and archive the film takes you back to an untold era of British cultural, music and political history.

Plot

Lovers Rock, often dubbed 'romantic reggae' is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems. Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance- known as 'scrubbing'- at parties and clubs. This dance provided a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets. Lovers Rock developed into a successful sound with national UK hits and was influential to British bands (Police, Culture Club, UB40) These influences underline the impact the music was making in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized the times. The film sheds light on a forgotten period of British music, social and political history.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Menelik Shabazz

Cast

Dennis Bovell, Paulette Harris-German, Janet Kay

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

Splice Post

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Trailers
LOVERS ROCK TRAILER
The Story Of Lovers Rock - Official Trailer
Scores
# of Votes
117
Average Rating
6.4 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA