“Reggae Fi Peach” Tribute Concert For Blair Peach

Friday 22nd April, 2005

“Reggae Fi Peach” Tribute Concert For Blair Peach

Wellington’s finest reggae and dub acts are uniting this weekend at Sandwiches Club to celebrate the life and untimely death of New Zealand protester Blair Peach.

Blair Peach was working as a special needs teacher in London when he was killed at the hands of the UK police during an anti-Nazi demonstration in 1979. This Fridays “Reggae Fi Peach” concert will mark the 26th anniversary of his passing.

His death caused huge public outrage in the UK and inspired the legendary reggae dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson to pen the powerful anti-racism reggae chant “Reggae Fi Peach” in his name.

Written in 1980 the song has not only become a classic among staunch reggae followers, but remains an important anti-racism message which highlights the injustice of the police brutality in London at the time.

Sandwiches co-owner Bryce Mason believes the story of Blair Peach needs to be remembered. “Blair Peach’s death was and should be a big deal for New Zealanders. For someone like Linton Kwesi Johnson to write a song about him shows the significance of what happened. The idea of the concert is to educate people about the story and continue the legacy of Blair Peach through music.”

Local artists Manray, DJ Art, The Spotlight Kid, MC Ras Stone will perform on Friday in support of Blair Peach and the continuing struggle towards justice for his death. Local broadcaster Jedi Thian will also be giving support. He says the story has captured his attention for several reasons: “the Blair Peach story is an important example of an individual’s pursuit for equal rights and justice. He was a guy from a small country who was murdered far from home fighting for something he believed in.”

The organisers plan to continue the “Reggae Fi Peach” tribute concert as an annual event, and are hoping to attract other reggae groups from New Zealand and abroad including Linton Kwesi Johnson himself.

The performers on the night are:

Manray (Vital Sounds, Spice Traders) Dj Art (Yardwise, Tu Faan Express) The Spotlight Kid (Spice Traders) Mc Ras Stone (Vital Sounds)

Along side Sandwiches lounge specialists, Charlie Diamonds & Marek.

Friday April 22 - 11pm till late

$10 Entry Charge - Money raised from the event will be donated to a school in Southall, London, which is now named after Blair Peach.

ENDS

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