Lover's Rock documentary heads to DVD

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer staff reporter

Friday, January 27, 2012

WHO would have thought that just simply looking at a newspaper photograph could inspire a movie? That's exactly what happened to Menelik Shabazz, director of the documentary, The Story of Lover's Rock.

He said he was prompted to produce the documentary after seeing a photo of the Lovers Rock Gala Awards in a newspaper.

"This event featured over 20 acts who were the real kings and queens of the genre. What struck me was that it was the first time that so many of these artistes had come together," Shabazz reasoned.

For him, it was a historic moment and one that he wanted to capture. It started his journey to document reggae's softer side.

When it was eventually released last year, The Story of Lover's Rock proved to be a surprise hit for Shabazz, who is getting ready for its DVD release.

The Story of Lover's Rock captures the mood of second-generation black Britons as they reflect on a genre which became popular against a backdrop of racial tensions in that country during the 1970s. The music then outgrew its small British base to become a global phenomenon through homegrown artistes such as UB40 and Maxi Priest.

UB40 and Maxi Priest contribute to the film, so too Levi Roots, Linton Kwesi Johnson, comedians Angie Le Mar, Robbie G and Eddie Nestor, alongside new artistes such as Ava Leigh and Lovella Ellis.

Shabazz spoke of what he wants The Story of Lover's Rock to accomplish: "The love that we have lost as a community, looking back helps us to move forward. I want our young to know our story, what we created, what we achieved and also understand the struggles we went through," he said.

Born in Barbados, Shabazz immigrated to London at age six and integrated with Jamaicans, which led to his love affair with reggae music. He said he is influenced by all forms of Jamaican music.

He studied at the London International Film School, and has produced projects for ITV, the British Broadcasting Corporation and Channel 4.