Leicester’s Black music heritage
Vocalist Bizzi Dixon, who reached the semi-final in BBC1’s The Voice in 2014, was also featured. The documentary was launched at Phoenix Square in November 2013.
The project saw volunteers trained in heritage research and oral history techniques. Volunteers and local music fans played a vital role in the creation of the film, with contributions submitted from across the city.
Colin Hyde, of East Midlands Oral History Archive, said of the film:
“It is entertaining, informative and thought-provoking and is a great example of how the memories of the people involved in the music business can bring the subject alive for new audiences.”
Spectrum Documentary
Inspired by the array of talented artists we have worked with, 2Funky Arts developed Spectrum, a culturally significant documentary, exploring the heritage of Leicester’s Black music scene over 40 years. This was made possible through support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, in 2013.
Spectrum tracked the city’s history of soul, disco, reggae, R&B, gospel, drum ‘n’ bass, and hip hop music. It covered singers, bands, DJ’s, sound systems, dancers, musicians, and record labels, with exclusive interviews from people who were there ‘back in the day’.
Artists interviewed for the film included reggae DJ’s Junior Blues and Skully, singer Carol Leeming, Jazz DJ Tony Minvielle, Producer and entrepreneur DJSS, Classic Groove DJ Collective and soul/ funk band Saquii.
