‘Racism has no place in a city like ours’

‘Racism has no place in a city like ours’ - thousands expected at Rise: London United Again Racism

Thirty years after Rock against Racism was at its height, this weekend will see up to 100,000 Londoners head to Finsbury Park for Rise: London United, the free anti-racist festival, where they will enjoy live music from around the world, reflecting the capital’s diversity and the ties it has with communities and cultures from around the world.

Organised annually by the Mayor of London in conjunction with the Trades Union Congress and National Assembly Against Racism, as a way of bringing people together as a statement that racism has no place in a city like London, this year’s free event features the usual eclectic mix of music, from Kelis and Jamelia to St Etienne, The Holloways and Noisettes, to K’Naan and the Skatalites.

It also features hip hop and underground including UK Beatboxing champion Beardyman, and Indian music, from classical to Bhangra. There is music from Africa and the Caribbean, including Frankie Paul and Osibisa, and music with a Latin flavour from Raíces Cubanas to Osvaldo Chacó. DJs include the Trojan Soundsystem, Ashley Beedle and Jazzie B (Soul II Soul).

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: ‘Racist ideas are the most backward and dangerous ideas that any society has produced. Racism has been used to justify some of the worst crimes that humanity has ever committed – slavery, wars, apartheid, the holocaust, lynchings, racist attacks and murder. Rise: London United is saying that racism has no place in a city like ours. As Londoners we are proud to live in the most diverse city in the world. In this city people are welcome to live the lives they choose, to worship as they wish, dress as they wish, and express themselves in whatever way they want as long as they do not harm others or interfere with the way they want to live their lives. It is what makes the city vibrant and dynamic and it is what is being so powerfully expressed through the music at Rise.’

Bob Stanley from St Etienne said: ‘In the wake of the pioneering work of Rock Against Racism, we have Rise and Love Music Hate Racism to celebrate the multi-cultural cocktail that makes London the greatest city in the world. It would be nice to think Saint Etienne could come up with something as mind-blowing as Bob Dylan’s Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll, but we’ll do our pop bit, and -with London United - we can all have a jolly good time.’

Kelis said: ‘Live music at outdoor festivals epitomise summer for me. I like the way the rise festival uses music to oppose racism and spread a positive message. Racism is utterly wrong and I’m looking forward to making a stand against intolerance and prejudice, whilst rocking with the crowd and having fun!’

Jamelia said: ‘I’m very much looking forward to performing at rise as it’s a festival with a strong anti-racism message and racism is something I truly hate. The world would be a much better place if racism was irradiated and maybe one day if we all challenge racist behaviour, it will.’

Dan from the Noisettes said: ‘What makes London so exciting is the fact that culturally, it is very diverse yet very integrated too but without being homogenised. Each area of London has it’s own treasure and it’s own charm and distinct identity. We are very happy to be playing RISE festival this year in Finsbury Park- We would love to celebrate all of us Londoners being united together come rain or shine in the form of proper London “Knees Up”.

Frankie Paul, who will be appearing at the African Village, added: ‘Racism is an ugly word and one that Frankie Paul will not tolerate, which is why I’m happy to be taking part in the UK’s biggest anti-racism festival, Rise. As an international reggae artist I have travelled to many cities and I feel at home in a place like London, which is home to people from every background. I want everyone to come down and join me at Rise, I will guarantee you’ll have a great time!’

Milena Buyum, National Assembly Against Racism, said: ‘The Rise festival is a fantastic counterblast to those arguing that multiculturalism doesn’t work. It vibrantly demonstrates that the idea that people need to give up visible cultural or religious difference to successfully live, work and play together is a nonsense. The festival’s enormous popularity is testament to Londoners’ overwhelming support for celebrating diversity and opposing racism and division.’

Megan Dobney, Regional Secretary of SERTUC (the TUC in London, the South East and East of England) said: ‘We are delighted to take part in the 2007 Rise festival. As well as celebrating the diversity of both our city and our membership, London’s trade unions will demonstrate our opposition to racism, fascism and all forms of discrimination. And this year SERTUC is launching Union City – we’ll be round the DJ Bus, with mural painting, and a bar – if you’re a union member come and visit us, if you’re not, come and join us!’

This year there will also be a stage – Rise: East - at the Dagenham Town Show the day before (Saturday 14 July), with a line up that includes: MOBO-award winning hip-hop artist Sway, Neils Children, Raíces Cubanas, Nensi, Congolese Allstars and more.

The Mayor said: ‘Linking up with the Dagenham Town Show this year will mean many more Londoners can come together to for a great day out, demonstrating that they reject the politics of hate.’

MP for Dagenham Jon Cruddas said: ‘We’re delighted that Rise is coming to Dagenham. As well as being a great day out it provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wonderful diversity of our city. It sends out powerful messages too - that we are happy and proud to live in a multicultural city and that racism will not be tolerated in our communities.’

Sway, who is appearing at Rise: East as part of the Dagenham Town Show and who played at Finsbury Park last year, said: ‘Last time I played at Rise I really enjoyed it, and they do a good job of sending out a positive anti-racism message. London’s my home and the city’s has a good vibe that you often take for granted. You can eat food from every corner of the globe, rave to every type of music and most importantly, people from all different backgrounds and over the world live here together side by side. Racism seeks to destroy this, but we can’t let it destroy us.’

Event: Rise: London United
Location: Finsbury Park, London N4
Date: Sunday 15 July 2007
Time: 12pm – 8:30pm
Entry: FREE – ALL WELCOME
Public information: www.risefestival.org

Notes

• Rise: London United is a free, one-day festival celebrating multiculturalism and promoting anti-racism, organised by the Mayor of London in partnership with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South East Region (SERTUC).
• It has the support of UNISON, Canary Wharf, Transport for London and Islington Gazette. BBC London 94.9FM are the radio partner.
• Megan Dobney is Regional Secretary of SERTUC, the TUC in London, the South East and East of England. SERTUC represents the interests of over two million trades unionists living and working in the greater South East.
• This year, Rise is also hosting a stage at the Dagenham Town Show the day before (Saturday 14 July). Artists performing on the main stage include MOBO-award winning hip-hop artist Sway, Neils Children, Afro Cuban Band Jazz band Raices Cubanas, Nensi, Congolese Allstars and much more. The Rise DJ Bus will also be making a stop, with Union City DJ lineup: Andre Who!?! Breakin’ Bread, Luke Clinic, Monsta, and special guest: Radio 1xtra - Benji B.