Afrika Eye is delighted to bring you Roots Reggae Rebellion as part of the BBC’s Black And British season celebrating the achievements of black people in the UK and exploring the rich culture and history of black Britain.

In the 1970s the world came alive to the sounds of Roots Reggae, a Jamaican musical force that would later resonate powerfully in Britain. UK rapper, poet and political commentator Akala tells the story of this golden period in the Caribbean island's musical history; a time when a small group of musicians created songs that offered hope to ordinary people in times of immense political struggle and violence. The documentary explores the music’s origins in Jamaica and reveals its lyrical and thematic influences which lie primarily with Rastafari. This spiritual and cultural religious movement celebrated an African identity that had been lost through the brutality of slavery. It was these themes that were central to Roots Reggae music and ultimately helped to unite the country in a period of near civil war.

Akala unlocks the evolution of Roots Reggae and also reveals how it became a cultural lifeline for young black people in Britain struggling for their civil rights. His own youth was spent immersed in Roots Reggae culture and in this documentary he sets out to discover its story, one that has informed his own music, poetry and world-view.

Introduced by Dr Shawn Sobers and followed by a Q&A with Mykaell Riley, who began his career in the late 70s as a performer with pioneering Reggae outfit Steel Pulse. In the 90s he founded the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, who represent the most visibly black/multicultural collection of classically trained musicians in the UK.

Part of the BBC Black and British season, presented with thanks to the BFI.

Discover Black Britain on Film on BFI Player.

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