What’s On: Rapport Festival 2019 – Throwing a spotlight on arts created by black Britons

Over three days the streets, theatres, cinemas and arts venues of Brixton will provide the stage for a unique arts festival.

Rapport Festival, established in 2017, has one goal – to provide a voice and platform to a minority that 71-years after the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush is still on the margins of the British arts establishment – the African diaspora.

The festival, which takes place on June 28-30, throws a spotlight on the arts created by black Britons such as defining urban music – from reggae and soca, through funk to hip-hop and grime.

It also highlights the way black artists have offered distinctive contributions to the mainstream arts such as cinema, photography, art, theatre and dance.

Lara Samuels, the founder and artistic director of Rapport Festival, said: “It’s great to be back.

My goal this year has been to consolidate and build. Rapport Festival 2019 is bigger and bolder than ever.

We have a fantastic array of talent that will showcase the enormous contribution of the African diaspora to British culture, unfolding within its most historically resonant black community.”

Among the artists featured in this year’s festival are photographer Eddie Otchere, well known for his work with a generation of rap stars including Biggie Smalls, So Solid Crew and Goldie.

Brixton-based DJs and event curators, One Nation, will be serving up their unique blend of music, live artists, and fun & games.

Two Gents Productions return to the festival with their high energy Southern African inspired theatre.

Lara said: “Rapport Festival has come a long way, and so has the African diaspora. But there is still much to do.

This time last year we were celebrating our culture in Brixton while simultaneously getting to grips with the horror of the Windrush scandal.

“This generation of artists can stake a claim for the next, and ensure our voices are not just heard but recognised as uniquely valuable.”