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Reviewer - Bronagh

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

We are fast approaching the 75th anniversary of the HMT Windrush arriving in Britain, a symbolic moment in history marking the start of the Windrush Generation; a Generation of people immigrating between the 1940s and 1970s, actively encouraged by the British Government in order to fill employment gaps and restore post-war Britain.

The Generation that helped to transform British arts and culture.

Trevor Nelson hosted the Windrush 75 Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, a concert celebrating the impact of Caribbean culture through music over the decades. From the iconic Millie Small and Billy Ocean, to more recent favourite songs such as Return of the Mack and Back to Life, there was something for every single person in the audience. The playlist was full to the brim of songs that many people – including myself- know and love and also included the music of a relative newbie to the scene Hak Baker, whose song Windrush Baby is sure to become embedded in the memory of Windrush.

The music was accompanied by the incredible Chineke! Orchestra, the first professional orchestra in Europe made up of black and ethnically diverse musicians. They were complimented nicely by a trio of singers, who raised the roof of the Royal Albert Hall with their amazing vocals. As well as music we were also treated to a beautiful poetry performance from widely acclaimed Salena Godden.

Beverley Knight and Craig David were the big names on the bill; Beverley’s parents were part of the Windrush Generation, citing their strength and resilience as reasons for her own success. Beverley has been vocal about her opinions on how the Generation has been treated by the British Government, and it was a pleasure to watch her perform as part of the anniversary celebrations. Craig David also did not disappoint, singing crowd favourites such as Fill Me In. Having two huge 21st Century artists as part of the concert really helped to show how much Caribbean culture is rooted in the music that we continue to enjoy 75 years after the Generation’s arrival.