19
October
2021
|
13:49
Europe/London

Hackney Archives celebrates Black History Season with a tribute to reggae legend Ruddy Ranks

A tribute to a legend of the Reggae and Sound System industry Horace Alexander Burke (aka Ruddy Ranks) forms part of this year's Hackney Archives Black History Season. 

Hackney's Black History Season highlights the contribution and legacy of Hackney’s African and African Caribbean communities, and Hackney Archives is supplementing the work they do all year-round to make Black history visible and accessible with a line-up of free events to celebrate the rich and intricate stories of Black Britain.

The tribute to Reggae legend Ruddy Ranks, who passed away in summer 2021, in collaboration with BSix College, honours the memory of Ruddy and the unique digital sound he pioneered alongside his production partner Golden Eye. Golden Eye (formerly Red Eye), Sound System aficionado Sterling (Metro Glory S.O.S - aka Trojan B.I.), Owen Groove, Marshayne (aka Wayne Marshall) and members of Ruddy's family will dig deep into their personal archives and share music and memories of Ruddy's unique contribution to local, national and international music.

Hackney Archives Black History Season programme will continue until December with a range of different events including an introduction session to using Hackney Archives' online catalogue, zine making workshops to learn how to create content that will amplify Black voices and culture, a live streamed set from Amaroun, the latest project from multi-talented producer and songwriter Jay Brown, and an open mic night to share music, poetry or prose.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Supply, Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy
“Black History Season is an opportunity to recognise and honour the legacy and profound contributions African and African-Caribbean people have brought to Hackney, Britain and the world. The Hackney Archives Black History Season event in collaboration with BSix College, celebrates and honours the life and work of Ruddy Banks and opens a door for all of us to learn about and appreciate a unique contribution made by a true legend .”
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Supply, Planning, Culture and Inclusive Economy
“It is vital that Hackney's Black History Season recognises the invaluable contribution Hackney's African and African-Caribbean artists have made to the cultural and economic fabric of the borough. Despite fantastic recent successes like the naming of the new BRAFA Square in Shoreditch Park, there remains much more we can do to appropriately recognise Hackney's Reggae and Sound System pioneers. Hackney Archives are honored to have had the opportunity  to work with BSix College, influential Music Producers and members of the local community to be able to shine a light on a well-loved member of the local and national music industry."
Dr Etienne Joseph, Manager of Hackney Archives

Notes for editors

Hackney Archives

Residents can book a place at upcoming events organised by Hackney Archives for Black History Season at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/hackney-archives-30909670649. 

Hackney Archives preserves historic documents, photos, maps and information to help Hackney residents explore and share the borough's rich past. If you are interested in the history of a building or street in the borough, a Hackney based business or organisation, or would like to know more about family members who lived in Hackney, then book an appointment with Hackney Archives at www.hackney.gov.uk/archives-visiting 

Ruddy Ranks

Horace Alexander Burke (aka Ruddy Ranks) was a Reggae musician and multi-instrumentalist who worked with untold Jamaican and English artists. He was also a music producer at his studio Dub House Production and New Kings Studio.

Black History Season 

This year’s Hackney Black History Season - Hackney Black History In The Making - celebrates with an extended season of events to further uplift the work of Council teams, leaders and the local community who acknowledge Black history 365 days a year.

www.lovehackney.uk/black-history-season 

See the full lin-up of events here: www.lovehackney.uk/black-history-season-events