We Are Parable today announced 'Wassifa in the Front Room’ – an immersive evening of film, music and conversation, celebrating 50 years of the Wassifa Foundation Sound System and 60 years of Jamaican independence.

Taking place on Saturday 3 September at Birmingham Rep, this special event has been created in association with Mykal Brown MBE, Wassifa Foundation CIC, Legacy WM and Birmingham Rep.

The line-up includes:

• ·        The Jah People
  Documentary film / 1981 / 22 mins
  Presented by We Are Parable, courtesy of MACE Archive
  
  Actor Hilary Minster turns reporter to discover the way of life for the Rastafari community in Handsworth. We find a community like many others in search of roots, self discovery and a spiritual homeland. A little bit of Birmingham that will always be ‘of Africa’.
  
  
• ·        In conversation with Mykal ‘Wassifa’ Brown
  Presented by Rebbecca Hemmings
  
  Join us for a special live ‘In conversation’ with Mykal Brown MBE, presented by Rebbecca Hemmings. They’ll be discussing his childhood memories of Handsworth, the history of sound systems in Birmingham and the legacy of the Wassifa Foundation Sound System.

• ·        Wassifa in the Front Room
  Presented by Wassifa Foundation
  
  A slice of Jamaica in this music extravaganza brought to you by Wassifa Foundation. Come dance to reggae beats and enjoy Caribbean refreshments in a pop-up replica of a traditional 1970s front room, inspired by Mykal Brown’s childhood home. A tribute to Jamaican heritage and culture.

Mykal Brown MBE, founder of Wassifa Foundation, said:
“For the past 50 years, Wassifa Foundation has been dedicated to supporting and engaging the Black community in Birmingham through music and we are honoured to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of Jamaica alongside Legacy WM and We Are Parable at the Birmingham Rep.”

Dawn Carr, Heritage Officer at Legacy WM, said:
“Legacy West Midlands has been championing the untold stories of migrant communities for over 13 years. We are honoured to be joining Wassifa Foundation and friends to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica. We value the importance of preserving black heritage & culture, as well as championing local citizens that have made a contribution to our city.”

Sula Douglas-Folkes, Events & Programme Co-ordinator at We Are Parable, said:
“We Are Parable are excited to be working with Legacy WM and Birmingham Rep to celebrate the tremendous contributions that Wassifa Foundation has made to Birmingham. As an organisation that is dedicated to championing the contributions of Black creatives, We are Parable are proud to return to Birmingham for a rich and varied event.”

Rachael Thomas, Executive Director of Birmingham Rep, said:
“The Rep is thrilled to be working alongside all our partners to host this unique event and evening of entertainment. We are committed to showcasing the work of local artists and organisations who represent the rich fabric of our city’s communities and look forward to marking 50 years of the Wassifa Foundation Sound System and 60 years of Jamaican independence. ”

Wassifa in the Front Room is at The Rep on Sat 3 Sep 2022 with tickets priced at £5. To book tickets visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk, call 0121 236 4455 or visit the box office during opening hours.*