THOUGH IT”S AVAILABLE ON DVD, Menelik Shabazz’s poignant film ‘The Story Of Lovers Rock’ is about to do the rounds on the big screen.
Initially shown as a work-in-progress version at the 2009 BFM International Film Festival, ‘The Story of Lovers Rock’ tells the tale of an era and a home-grown music that defined a generation in the UK during the late 1970s and early 80s.
At that time I was a roots devotee and much preferred the offerings of Sir Coxsone to Sir George. Lovers was the realm of the youth I worked with in Stamford Hill… Farahs, crocs, Gabbichis… and a slow rub in Cubies on a Sunday night.
The advent of Lovers changed the musical landscape in the West Indian community and it’s impact was soon felt in the national charts. This film illuminates that process with a combination of live performances, interviews (Dennis Bovell, John McGilvray, Janet Kay, Maxi Priest, Gregory Isaacs) and some wikkidly funny sketches from Eddie Nestor and Robbie Gee.
As a skilled documentarian Shabazz evokes the times, referencing Sus laws and race riots along the way. However, as a film maker he displays a deftness and lightness of touch which never lets us forget the sweet sensuous and escapist nature of the music and a developing sense of black British identity.
The release date for THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK is 30th September 2011 in selected cinemas in London and Birmingham and other cities.
Cinema City Norwich 29/09/11
Ritzy Brixton 30/09/11
Rio Dalston 30/09/11
Shortwave Bermondsey 30/09/11 (3 days)
Vue Shepherds Bush 30/09/11 (7 days)
Vue Birmingham Star City 30/09/11 (7 days)
Peckhamplex Peckham 30/09/11 (7 days)
Pictureville Bradford 04/10/11 (4 days)
Riverside Hammersmith 18/10/11
MAC Birmingham 18/10/11 (3 days)
Rich Mix Bethnal Green 20/10/11
Duke of Yorks Brighton 22/10/11
STORY: Paul Bradshaw + Ashley Clark (Permanent Plastic Helmet)
To see a full interview with Menelik about the film and his career check Ashley Clark’s piece: http://bit.ly/nOLZJJ
ancienttofuture.com 
Some of this footage is Castro Browns footage not Menlik Shabazz. The Lovers Rock Gala Awards show was to honer all UK Loves Rock artist, Menelik was hired as a camera man. We told him our plan about making the film he stole the idea and footage. On top of all that he block out New Name Music ( Sugar Minott ) This just go’s to show you can’t trust anyone anymore!!
That’s a shame… Castro was a serious player on the Lovers scene and the Gala 09 was obviously a big event…. so, considering that it takes a herculean effort to make a full length film and then get it shown – distributed nationally – I’m surprised Menelik didn’t clear the footage with yourselves (New Name Music and Castro Brown) and then give appropriate props to all concerned, so that everybody could progress together.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
See some wonderful and emotional reviews of fans after watching the story of Lovers Rock at Riverside Studios in London:
http://www.winkball.com/walls/gQd-SQjpALR7/lovers-rock-riverside-studios
A beautiful film, beautifully reviewed.