CITY SPLASH FESTIVAL, 29.05.2022

Thousands of jubilant revellers made their merry way to Brockwell Park on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon, for the sophomore iteration of City Splash, part of Brockwell Live – a collective of independent festivals taking place in the park until June.

With the stranglehold that Covid restrictions previously placed on music events worldwide, now mercifully released, young and young at heart, thronged in their numbers to celebrate the glorious revival of live music in the heart of South London – Brixton.

City Splash, has evolved since 2014 from its first event at The Roundhouse London, into the newest and biggest outdoor Afro-Caribbean music festival in London. It also unofficially signalled the start of the summer festival season (which maximises on the limited window of good weather) with what was arguably, one of the largest outdoor music and cultural events of 2022.

Proclaimed and promised as a one day festival “celebrating reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats”, the event stayed true to its word. Seven stages and over 80 artistes and DJs from the UK and the Diaspora plus sound systems were scattered across the park, guaranteed that there was something for everyone under the gloriously warm spring sunshine.

Added to that, the cultural event also brought to the table, the diverse culinary cuisine of the Caribbean and Africa. UK’s first Black owned restaurant directory: BlackEatsLDN, founded by North Londoner, Jackson Mclarty, collaborated with City Splash to bring over 40 food traders to provide an array of delicious food and drink that naturally paired and reflected the musical offerings.

Savvy patrons arrived early, scattering themselves around the park, ‘setting out their stalls’ and securing those coveted front of stage spots. Yaad Stage for the Reggae lovers or the Rampage tent for the hardcore ravers.

For VIP ticket holders: reclined deck chairs, bar service and dj’s on decks of a different kind.

In colours as vibrant as the spring flowers in bloom, many patrons such as His Excellency Mr. Seth George Ramocan, CD, Jamaica’s 13th High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, showed up in fine style. Sandra Martin, Gogglebox icon and much-loved Brixton local, was a riot of colours in hues of pink and blue. As the crowds became more dense, the fluttering fabric of the Jamaican flag resplendent in black, green and gold could be seen rising high all throughout the crowds.

We welcomed the return of Christopher Ellis, Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje, junglist legend General Levy, Sister Nancy, 1GAD aka Stonebwoy representing Ghana Dancehall and Mr Eazi Banku pioneer, representing Nigeria.

Iration Steppas, Channel One, King Tubby’s, among the several sounds that represented UK soundsystem culture at the highest levels.

DJs Seani B, Jason Panton (Dubwise) and Jamie Rodigan kept the pulse of the crowd steady in between slick set changes. With so many of our beloved legends passing on in recent times, we were truly grateful to witness true icons Luciano and Barrington Levy on stage once again.

As I made my way through the grounds filled with joyous revellers basking in the warm vibes of reggae music and soul energising spring sunshine, I paused to reflect on the last two years.

Two years ago, none of us present would have been allowed to walk through the park, let alone gather to dance and meet with our friends and loved ones at a festival. Two years ago, we could have been fined or worse – arrested, for simply being…outside. We stayed inside. We kept our distance. We stayed in place.

And as golden hour approached, rays of golden sun bathed everyone in hope. All around – the sense of freedom, togetherness, and community was everywhere, unrestricted. The pandemic had temporarily stolen all that from us. But today we reclaimed everything: on and off stage.

City Splash has earned its place as a bonafide Afro-caribbean music and culture event right here in London. If 2022’s staging is anything to go by, 2023 is set to be even more epic.

Special acknowledgement goes out to co-founders Ben Ryan and Jah Bigz (RockersLDN) for pulling this feat off. It’s one for the history books.