Reggae music thrives in Norfolk

By David Keller BBC Norfolk

Reggae music is having a profound influence on the Norfolk music scene, according to Rebel Lion Sound System's Finbarr Carter.

There has been an increase in sound systems, producers and live reggae bands, particularly in Norwich, since the mid 1990s.

"Norfolk is very white in culture, but it's always had a love of reggae music," said Finbarr.

Holding back the genre's growth is the rising number of music venue closures.

Starting with Tony Roots and the birth of Foundation Sound, Norfolk's reggae scene started in West Runton around 1978 and its horizons have expanded ever since.

"Tony put on really big reggae acts such as Culture, Tappa Zukie, Third World and UB40. He then went to The Gala in Norwich and had Aswad and The Twinkle Brothers play," said Finbarr.

REGGAE ACTS TO LOOK OUT FOR: Bands Crucial Dub 8 Enlightening Strike Honky Dub Jah Head Jah Love Monkey Spanner Ska-ta-Brain Sweetbeats Sound systems Dub Conductor Foundation Sound Free King Sound System Roots Odyssey Roots Renegade Sound System U Natty Producers and DJs Conscious Ken Daddy Kingston Junior Johnson Spenny True Sounds

With the culture moving from London to Norfolk, it caused an upsurge in the number of sound systems playing reggae at local music venues. Finbarr Carter and his brother Tim followed the trend and Rebel Lion Sound System started around 1997.

"When I landed in Norwich in 1993, there were reggae sounds going on at The Regent, which existed in Anglia Square. You'd go upstairs and there were acts such as Bassline Sounds, Danger Zone and Flex International," said Finbarr.

Closure of venues

According to Finbarr, the slow closure of music venues in Norfolk, partly down to the recession, is making the broadcast of reggae music to a new audience difficult.

"At the moment we've had a slight issue because Norwich in particular has been losing venues like anything!" he said.

"There used to be reggae music at the Queen Charlotte and the Bridge House, but they are no more.

"However, on Sunday nights there's an evening called Reggae Strike at the Rumsey Wells pub on St Andrew's Street, Norwich, which provides an opportunity for DJs to come and play a few tunes.

"We also put on our own Rebel Lion nights once a month at Mustard Lounge in Norwich and there are other reggae sessions at the Locks Inn in Geldeston," he added.

Reggae vibe

Despite some venue setbacks, Finbarr believes Norfolk's reggae vibe will continue to grow stronger because of the ever-increasing acts influenced by Caribbean music.

"As well as sound systems, there are producers such as True Sounds in Norwich. Sugar Beat Records is also a new label that's come out of the city," he said.

"There are plenty of nights happening in Norwich, plenty of music and there are live bands also doing stuff - people like Ska-ta-Brain, Jah Head and Jah Love. What I would suggest is to follow them on MySpace - everyone has their own page.

"Right now in the world, Europe is where it is for the reggae scene. People in Norwich are smiling, jumping, leaping, making lots of noise and enjoying the music!" he added.