Schedule
9.30 AM: Sunrise Stretch: Sofunk Dance Fitness with Sharon Brown
10.30 AM: Perry’s Playtime Disco
12 PM: Girl Grind Presents
2.30 PM: Jamaica 60th Independence Anniversary - Official Flag Raising Ceremony with the Association of Jamaican Nationals
4.30 PM: Jamaica 60th Independence Anniversary: Music Showcase
7.15 PM: Amplify Sounds Presents Jamaica Independence Day Special
Throughout the day: Games action on screen, Piing, Screen Spotlights, food & drink
A very special day at Victoria Square as Jamaica marks its 60th independence anniversary! Our programme hosts a celebration of Jamaican culture and heritage created in collaboration with Birmimgham’s own Jamaican community. In the morning, Sofunk Dance Fitness’ Sharon Brown is back with her signature class featuring the best soul, funk and disco classics - a crowd-pleaser for all ages! Then, show off your best moves at Perry’s Playtime Disco - your opportunity to have a boogie with the Commonwealth Games’ official mascot.
At lunchtime, Girl Grind UK have prepared an exciting lineup of young female and non-binary performers representing the future of Jamaican music in its many facets.
Czafari released her first EP “Human Legitimation” in 2016. Since then, she has had radio plays on BBC Introducing West Midlands and BBC Radio 1Xtra. With spellbinding soul, jazz and R&B sounds, Czafari is a force to be reckoned with.
Chyna Victoria’s sound is an electrifying fusion of R&B & Punk-Rock, inspired by artists such as Tina Turner, Aaliyah, Micheal Jackson & Evanescence. Chyna Victoria brings a classic edge not just to her music and song-writing but to her on-stage persona too.
Shandanan sings, writes and produces music without being limited to a single genre. She uses all seasons of life to spark inspiration and create music. Love and pain usually trigger catchy, timeless bangers with a smooth blend of backing vocal arrangements enhancing each song.
Janel Antoneshia is a Jamaican-born singer-songwriter influenced by genres as diverse as gospel, RnB, soul, trap and reggae. As her rapidly growing fanbase testifies, this versatile and distinctive performer is definitely carving out a lane of her own.
Hosted by multi-talented Girl Grind founder Namywa and featuring slick beats from Tu3sday, this is sure to be a programme to remember!
In the afternoon, communities and dignitaries gather for a public ceremony presented with the Association of Jamaican Nationals, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Jamaican Independence. Then, Birmingham’s artists take to the Fountain Stage to show off their talent.
Millicent Stephenson is a multi-award winning saxophonist who is featured on TV, Radio, Journals & in Books. She enjoys helping others achieve their musical ambitions and provides guidance through her podcast 'Success Beyond The Score'; her online training courses, and her women in music project 'Time For My Music'. Millicent is an Executive Committee member of the Musicians Union. She is also an endorser of Harry Hartmann Fiberreeds.
Melika Queely is a classically trained violinist who has played, recorded and composed music in different genres from classical to reggae, gospel to rock. With international appearances under her belt, Melika delivers powerful, impactful performances which are unique, stylish, edgy and full of creativity.
Clifford & Jacqueline met in the Birmingham Town Hall Gospel Choir and have been performing together ever since. This husband and wife duo are skilled performers in their own right, and both have sung in bands, choirs and ensembles with artists of the calibre of Labi Siffre and Black Voices UK. They currently sing with the Crystal Gospel Choir.
Laverne Major is a singer-songwriter and performer with a passion for female empowerment, using her story to uplift and inspire others.
BeeNiice’s unique style fuses old school and new school reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall. With an impressive track record of performing in venues and festivals in Birmingham and beyond, and a solid catalogue of original releases, most recently his single GREATNESS, he’s a perfect example of Birmingham’s thriving musical scene.
The night ends on a high with Amplify Sounds’ Jamaica Independence Special, with reggae, dancehall, RnB and more from both household names and new artists to watch out for. Amplify Sounds began in the heart of lockdown and 2020 as a way of enabling original artists from the West Midlands to perform live when venues were closed. Since then, they have supported over 100 original and emerging artists from the Midlands through live performance events, live online broadcasts and wider digital content production and promotion.
Myki Tuff grew up on soundsystem culture, reggae and dub. He started out as a bass player with Salem Foundation and went on to play with Studio 1 singers including Eddie Fitzroy, Jennifer Lara, and Ranking Joe. As a DJ he was part of ORTHODOX 38 and WASSIFA. Today, Myki still performs as a DJ but is also known as one of the energetic frontman of the Friendly Fire reggae band.
Louis D Prince + THEM discuss a range of topics from addressing difficult conversations on equality and sociopolitical issues in society, to the repetitive monotony of lockdown and its effects on mental health. The pairlook to speak out on the pressure of life and seek freedom from judgement.
Nakeeta, also known as Yardie Barbie, is a Jamaican born, up & coming artist based in Birmingham. Her sound is energetic, fusing her Caribbean root rhythms with stories we can all relate to. Whether it be about love, money or parenthood, Nakeeta has you nodding along with her stories which are told with passion and humour.
Brixx is a high energy artist that moves easily between Dancehall, Grime & RnB.With unapologetic energy and stage presence Brixx is a queen, giving you music that makes you feel like a boss.
YungJay is best known as a dancehall artist but he often mixes it up with RnB, afrobeats and grime. One thing’s for sure: he knows how to bring the good vibes and turn up the party.
Juggernaut brings powerful vocals and an unstoppable stage presence whether he is performing solo or in the dancehall punk band MALARKEY. Collaborating with producers in the UK, Jamaica and South Africa, as well as bands like Friendly Fires and China Shop Bull, Juggernaut is one not to miss!
Dertee is a reggae artist with his own flavour and style. Dertee found his talent at the young age of 14 and has been keeping it fresh, receiving international recognition for his own releases and collaborative projects.
Scubba Bling fuses Dancehall, Reggae and other influences to create a sound full of flavour and spice!
Lawdgad is a multi-talented artist fusing dancehall, reggae and hip hop beats with witty & conscious lyrics.
At various times during the day, challenge your friends, family and other audience members to a game of Piing. Piing is a virtual game that brings people together, inviting them to play an immersive high-speed game, using their phones as controllers, with the action happening on our big screen. Piing is super simple, uniquely challenging and seriously fun. Presented by Comic Relief - donations are encouraged as part of gameplay. Comic Relief intends to split all proceeds equally between Comic Relief and registered charities United by Birmingham 2022 Legacy Charity and Commonwealth Sport Foundation.
The Festival Food and Drink Eatery, a pop up catering unit, will offer a range of tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner treats daily from 8am to 10pm. From lunchtime, the square will also be licensed for people to enjoy drinks from the bar, including a choice of social enterprise prosecco and cocktails for those looking to support a worthy cause as they enjoy the Games atmosphere.
The menus will change across the two weeks, giving return visitors something different to look forward to and showcasing some of the finest Colmore eateries and bars in the city. For early risers, who want a healthy treat on the way into the city, perhaps after enjoying the Sunrise Stretch sessions, there will be granola yoghurt pots, overnight oats, kombucha and coffee. From lunchtime you can pick up salads, deli bakes, vegan cakes, muffins and pastries plus appetising ciabatta and focaccia sandwiches. There will also be biriyani, vegetarian papdi chaat, spicy chicken noodles and veggie stir fry to enjoy whilst listening to the Fountain Stage Music programme plus kebab wraps, shawarmas with selections of salads, pickles, and sauces and vegan options including crispy tofu. Games and Festival site visitors will be spoiled for choice!
Throughout the day visitors and passers by are also invited to watch sporting highlights from the Games on our big screen, enjoy food and drinks from Colmore BID cafes, bars and restaurants, and take a look at digital commissions and projects from the Birmingham 2022 Festival at our Screen Spotlights.
