Nottingham has a thriving music scene full of Black music, so why is there little exposure for Black event organisers and venue owners?
Short of 975 Kemet FM, Nottingham's urban radio station, and BBC Nottingham's African & Caribbean show, local media rarely give space to Black entrepreneurs (unless they already know them, or it's Black History Month).
Therefore Acoustickle wants to spotlight who you might not see in a local magazine, but should support year round, not just in October.
V Rocket International - Lady V, Belly, Val B
If you live in Nottingham and you like reggae, you should know that Nottingham is home to the world renowned V Rocket Sound. Their dubplates are a who's who of reggae stars, their selections and mixes are bound to get you bouncing, and they're the coolest cats in town.
Cultural Vibrations - Rastarella
Born and raised in Trinidad, public speaker, life coach, Radio DJ host on 975 Kemet FM, Rastarella is waaay more than a promoter. Year-round she hosts live music and DJ events, putting Afro and Caribbean music in the forefront, alongside launching the Nottingham Global Roots Festival. She also runs the Nottinghamshire Caribbean Community Group.
Link: www.linktr.ee/rastarella
Wax Bar - DJ Em
It's all about Afrobeats at Wax Bar these days, thanks to DJ Em, a pioneer of the genre locally, taking over this Hockley hotspot. Don't be fooled by the small size, these guys are mighty, and are the premier location for African dance music, including Amapiano.
Link: www.waxbarnotts.co.uk
Vibestrap Entertainment
Jamaica born Omar Vibestrap has held dances for years, with themes like Lovers Rock Explosion, Mothers Day Dance, Power in Poetry and more. He works closely with More Culture Studio to promote up and coming roots reggae, and brings together a nice mix of the elders and youth.
dress2the9s -"Good nights for great people"
As the name suggests, this is a stylish soiree, with hot DJs and live performances themed around RnB, Soul, Reggae and UK Garage. They have a very strong following with sold out events across the UK, so get to know.
Link: www.dress2the9s.co.uk
Grown and Sexy - Sarah & Azariyah with host Pretreece
Moving between venues like The I Club and Escobar, GNS host celebrities alongside local acts, and sprinkle class on the clubbing scene.
Recently bringing Donae'o and White Yardie, with features from Saffron Gray and Acoustickle's Parisa East they bring together a stylish all-inclusive experience with "Great Music, Great Food, & Great Entertainment"
The I Club - Tony
The venue formerly known as the Irish Centre is now home to some big big raving nights, a little dub, a little garage, some hip hop, and many Jamaican parties. Slightly off the beaten track, The I Club is one of Nottingham's most independent venues, and of course, Black owned.
Riverton Rudebuoys
Have you ever seen young Black men running sound system events at the side of the River Trent, with their boat docked behind? You're missing out. They have events popping off all summer, before heading back to the studio to produce hip hop, drum n bass and anything else they fancy.
Jah - Hidden Garmz & Bermy Boyz
Clothing, Air Jordans, DJ nights and live music are all part of Jah's repertoire. Based at Hidden Warehouse, the young Bermuda born protégé has been instrumental in Hidden's rise in local underground culture.
Love Celestene
When she's not hand wrapping crystals, or giving crystal healings, CeCe hosts wellbeing events and stall holder events to give Nottingham a boost of positive energy. She is also pretty much 1/2 of Acoustickle's organisation team right now, so big up CeCe.
Link: www.lovecelestene.com
BONUS:
Chef's Hut
Mikey and crew provide catering at Acoustickle, and for the promoters above, but they also host cook out events at the back of their shop on Alfreton Road. He is in partnership with Rastarella running the Caribbean Link Up (20th August at Hidden), and supports local youth under brand name Nyam N Vybe.
Black Culture is not just for Black History Month. Let's make every month Black Presence.
PART 2 'SOON COME' Ft. All Things Caribbean, DJ Escobar, Just Jai & more...