Mosaic

Mixing it up to get the best picture

Mosaic, the black and mixed parentage family group, is the longest standing Black Minority Ethnic organisation in Brighton, supporting the needs of over 2,000 members. And with the current spate of government cuts. Mosaic, along with many other charities and public sector organisations, has seen their funding slashed.

So, in true Brighton fashion, Mosaic are organising a superb looking event with the support of two of Brighton’s best and most established labels, Tru Thoughts and Mr Bongo.

The UK nu-soul legend Omar has recently based himself in the area, and his Sing album, featuring Stevie Wonder, Angie Stone and Estelle, was re-released on Tru Thoughts. He’s also just been nominated for a MOBO in the Best UK R’n’B/Soul Act category, the winner of which will be announced the night before.

Prince Fatty, aka Mike Pelanconi, is based here in Brighton. As well as producing for the likes of Manu Chao and Lily Allen, he’s released two albums, his latest Prince Fatty Supersize features Horseman, Natty and Little Roy. Prince Fatty has also recently teamed up recently with Little Roy to produce Battle For Seattle, an album of Nirvana covers.

Also on the Mr Bongo label is Hollie Cook, daughter of Sex Pistols’ drummer Paul Cook. Her self-titled debut came out this year – vintage reggae pop sounds courtesy of Hollie Cook and producer Prince Fatty.

Legendary filmmaker, DJ and musician Don Letts was recently the subject of an extended interview with Mick Habeshaw-Robinson on Radio Reverb. Almost single-handedly, he turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae, formed Big Audio Dynamite in the mid ’80s with Mick Jones of The Clash, and made Westway To The World, a film documentary of The Clash which won a Grammy in 2003.

He’ll be spinning some discs during the evening. Miles from the Soundway record label will also be on hand, spinning music from around the world. Brighton-based hip hop MC/pianist and producer Shrapnel completes the bill.
The night will also feature an auction to win prizes plus a special limited edition Tru Thoughts CD for the first 100 people through the door. And West Indian food-purveyors Cummin’ Up will be providing Caribbean food.

Althea Wolfe of Mosaic is thrilled at the prospect of this event: “The work we do here at MOSAIC empowers people to feel proud of their heritage and identity and to give them the confidence to be an integral part of the society around them. We hope this event will help us to raise essential funds needed to continue our legacy of fantastic work we have done in the city over the last 21 years”.

Mosaic Meltdown, Thursday 6 October, The Loft, Ship Street, Brighton, 8pm–2am, £12 advance. For tickets call 01273 234017