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Press Releases
Basement Jaxx singer joins local choirs and musicians to make Grace Amazing
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Listeners to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Solent were treated to a bit of history with a
modern twist with the first official play of a new recording
of the hymn Amazing Grace.
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From rappers to church choirs, the new recording brings together a vast
array of different styles and voices from across the region to mark the
200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
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All performers, including Basement Jaxx's Vula Malinga, producer Al
Siesta and Southampton-based rapper Jukie gave their time and expertise
for free to create a piece of music that is as uplifting as it is moving.
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Created in only a matter of weeks with the majority of singers and choirs
recording their lines at different times, it is hoped the new recording
will capture people's imagination and be a fitting commemoration of this
historic event.
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Other organisations involved include the Southampton
University African Caribbean Society singers and the St Margaret's
Church Choir, Oxford.
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The final work can be heard on bbc.co.uk/southtoday and there are plans to develop a
download track.
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But making Amazing Grace amazing is not the only Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ South project to
mark the abolition.
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Together with the Royal Naval Museum, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ South staged
an interactive day of broadcasting, workshops, performances and live
radio broadcasts in the shadow of HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic
Dockyard yesterday (Sunday 25 March).
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And the South's Politics Show with Peter Henley broadcast a
live discussion from the Family Day on current political issues
surrounding slavery.
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Based at the Museum's Chasing Freedom Exhibition, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ South showcased
television, radio and online coverage of the 200th anniversary of the Act
of Abolition of the Slave Trade from across the region,
featuring surprising stories explaining how this region was connected to
the Slave Trade and the part played in abolishing it.
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There were live performances from Reading's RASPO Steel Band and
Oxford's Gospel Choir and the winners of the Emancipation slam poetry
event while Cameroonian story-teller Noah Messomo brought to
life some of the human stories behind the Slave Trade.
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And there was an opportunity to visit Chasing Freedom for free. This
special exhibition presents for the first time the Royal Navy's role in
combating the trade and its continuing work in defending human rights
across the world today.
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Notes to Editors
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 Amazing Grace was written around 1773 by John Newton, a captain of a
British slave ship turned evangelical preacher. After many decades as a
preacher Newton finally repented on his past as a slave captain and was
claimed by William Wilberforce to be an inspiration. The hymn is now
instantly recognisable but is actually one of the hidden legacies of
slavery.
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Full list of contributors:
Vula Malinga;
Nikki Pearson;
Michael Watson;
Denise Reese;
Christine Clayton;
Nicole Fleary Griffiths;
Esther Fleary Griffiths & singing group;
Momma Cherri's Inspirational Choir;
Everyone Sings;
Rachael Oke;
Aaron Soul;
Brenton McLean (Jukie);
Sharon Chenge;
Lilli Erricson;
Portsmouth African Women's Forum and friends;
Ebba Gifty & The Southampton University African Caribbean Group;
St Margaret's Church Choir, Oxford;
Gifty Amakye;
Maryam Elkhalifa;
Nonny Ojukwu; and
Tarry Mavimba.
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HB
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