Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) put on a live gig in Deptford in recent days to counterpoint the far-right march organised by Tommy Robinson. David Okumu headlined on a night when all those involved were conscious of the rising threat of fascism and came together to celebrate multiculturalism.
Zac Liew
Dave Okumu performed with his band The 7 Generations and was joined by Grammy award-winning David Mrakpor, Ashaine White, DJ Joy and a mix of special guests.
LMHR made a symbolic return to the refurbished Albany in Deptford, the victim of an arson attack by supporters of the neo-Nazi National Front in the 1970s, it is believed. Before the attack the Albany hosted shows for Rock Against Racism, LMHR’s predecessor. In this way the return to the Albany is symbolic of the fiery stubbornness of antiracism and antifascism.
According to LMHR’s national organiser, Chioma, this event came at an important time.
“With the rising popularity of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, Elon Musk’s stoking racism in Britain, and Tommy Robinson once again calling a hateful demonstration in London, this message of unity is more important than ever,” they said.
Dave Okumu spoke on the value of musical performance in such a moment.
“In the face of a landscape so often defined by division and the pursuit of individual interest, I can think of few more meaningful acts than gathering together in the name of love and unity, in celebration of nuance, complexity, diversity and the unending resilience and compassion of the human spirit,” he said.
In August 2024 Love Music Hate Racism condemned the far-right in a statement and was supported by artists such as Fontaines D.C., Nubya Garcia, IDLES and Nova Twins. LMHR wants to play its part in direct action throughout 2025 and plans to organise more gigs in areas local to far-right violence. LMHR’s sister group is Stand Up Against Racism. For more information click here.
(Photos: Pixabay)
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