Forming part of TPH’s Reggae & Ska Film Festival – London in the 1950’s was a cold place in more ways than the obvious. Or so it appeared if you were one of the thousands of newly arrived Jamaicans. Many were overqualified for their menial jobs. Thousands of others quite simply could not get work. Discrimination and racial tensions culminated in fierce riots in both Nottingham and Notting Hill Gate.

It was in this environment that the Jamaican soundmen; Duke Vin and Count Suckle arrived in the UK. They both stowed away on a boat from Kingston and brought with them a sound that was sweeping across the small Caribbean island and would later change the face of music in the UK. This was the sound of ska!
Screens as a double bill with both directors, Fiona Cochrane (Strange Tenants) and TPH’s own Gus Berger (Duke Vin) in attendance for a brief Q&A.

Rating

PG

Duration

55 MINS