Unite The People: Culture, Art and Music as a Force to Challenge Hate & Division
As the final reggae rhythms of headline act LEGEND faded and the stage lights dimmed, with Bob Marley-inspired vibes in the air, the dancing, cheering crowds began to leave the Midland Arts Centre. There was a buzz of positivity in the nighttime darkness. Despite the rain, the collective spirit was high at the Unite The People Festival Launch, where music, culture and communities came together in a powerful celebration of unity.
From a standout youth group performance with their exclusive Freedom Mix track to rapper Spektive's challenge to the narratives of division on our streets today, the evening showcased hip hop, afrobeat, rap, roots reggae, spoken word and more – as forces for connection and change.
Backstage, artists and speakers reflected on the event's message.
"Unite the people is something that rings throughout our whole lives. When you're from Birmingham, that's what it is – all the people together," said Moshino Royale, who performed with Barry Macka and Sandhu.
"Just look at the mix here," added Myki Tuff from Friendly Fire Band. "It's Birmingham represented. The diversity that is Birmingham is untouched throughout the world and the UK.”
But Myki also highlighted the deeper purpose behind the launch. " For now, music is our weapon that we’re going to use to fight against anything that fights against us, and stops us from uniting.”
Spektive, from Chelmsley Wood, spoke about his track This is England: "It was nice to see that so many people connect with the message, that the England they portray on parts of the media and the people that are running around spouting out what they hear – it’s not the England we grew up in.”
As concerns around racism, hatred and division continue to grow, can music and culture help build a different future and be our weapon?
Unite The People's cultural movement continues this summer with youth socials and collaborations, a new music night at the BRIG Café, the In Conversations series, and on Birmingham's streets, joining anti-racism groups opposing Britain First on 20 June.
June sees the launch of PHUNK! Music of Defiance & Celebration, a new collaboration between Unite The People, Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), Beyond Racism and Stories That Made Us.
"PHUNK! is about the transformational power of art and culture," said resident DJ Hardish Virk, aka DJ Deesh and an artist, curator, and producer. "Music, art and culture help communities celebrate what we have in common as well as learn the strengths of our diversity. Collectively, we become a force to challenge hate and racism."
The In Conversations series also continues with historian Jon Bloomfield and playwright David Edgar discussing why the populist right is gaining ground in the UK and around the world – exploring the myths and ideas shaping today’s politics and how progressive movements can win.
Unite The People is a collaboration between Birmingham Race Impact Group, Stand Up To Racism Birmingham, Kings Heath United Against Racism and other community partners. Together they are responding to the worrying rise in racist threats and hate incidents.
To help continue and grow their work, Unite The People has launched a crowdfunder to support future festivals, youth projects, educational events and community action that celebrate Birmingham's diversity and challenge hate and division.
Speaking at the launch, journalist and author Gary Younge reminded the audience that Birmingham's multicultural identity was hard won.
"A city like Birmingham, as multi-cultural as it is, didn't become this way because people like steel bands, samosas and saris. It came because we fought for it. We owe it to those who fought before us, and to the young people who come after us, to keep fighting for a better world."
He added: "We can't do it with culture alone, but where is it most evident of our country being multicultural – it would be in our culture. Just look at your playlist, look at your bookshelf, and go to any football match. Try to take non-white people out of this country, and you unpick the whole fabric. Culture has always been central, and always will be."
Unite The People is a collaboration between Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG), Stand Up to Racism Birmingham, Kings Heath United Against Racism (KHUAR), Brum Together, Birmingham Trades Union Council (BTUC), and other community partners. The Unite The People Youth Group Lighthouse project was supported by Near Neighbours. Unite The People meets regularly at the BRIG Warehouse Café in Digbeth and also has a Youth Group (ages 18-30).
For more info, to get involved and find out about upcoming events:
Crowdfunding link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/unite-the-people-for-a-future-beyond-racism
Instagram: @unitethepeoplebirmingham @unitethepeopleyouth
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitethePeople
Book events now (FREE): https://unitethepeople.eventbrite.com
Website: https://www.unitethepeople.uk