This was one of the 33 community arts events, one for each ward in the City, that are happening to celebrate Leeds Year of Culture 2023.
Leeds has had regular events that feature music and food from different communities. Some, such as Carnival and Chinese New Year, continue. Others, such as Mela, have fallen by the wayside. This event was unique in offering food and music from a whole range of backgrounds. Whilst it could never hope to cover every cultural group in Leeds, it did provide a good selection of tastes and sounds.
The first part of the afternoon was rather overcast, with occasional showers, and the event took time to build. When I arrived, shortly before two in the afternoon, Caribbean Breeze were trying to bring some sunshine with their steelpan calypso tunes. The event was hosted by JoJo Kelly from Capital Radio, who kept spirits high with her infectious enthusiasm.
The next band were Charanga del Norte, vibrant twelve-piece playing Latin jazz and salsa rhythms. The UK’s only Charanga band, a form of Cuban music led by flute and featuring piano, played a dynamic and exciting set. As the most danceable set of the day, it was a shame that this band was not on later. A few people could not resist the pull of the rhythm and danced despite the drizzle.
The day contained both professional and amateur performers. Whilst Charanga del Norte are clearly professional, the next two acts were community based. The Ukranian Choir performed both modern and traditional music with gusto. Only recently formed, they had clearly been working hard in rehearsals to bring their harmonies together and make this event happen. Likewise, the St Gemma’s Hospice Choir is full of enthusiastic amateurs, open to everyone, and practices and performs in order to raise funds for the hospice.
During set changes, there was plenty of time to explore food options. Good stalls with roots in Africa, Asia, Europe, and of course Yorkshire, were represented. I would have liked to have tried everything on offer but respect for my health meant I had to be selective. I opted to feast at Delice D’Ivoire.
This was clearly the most popular stall. There was a constant queue from when I arrived to when the event finished, just before 8pm. I decided to find out why. The meals were substantial, well flavoured and brought new flavours to my palate. My friend had the marinated chicken meal. The chicken was delicately flavoured with lime, dijon and herbs. I chose the vegetarian Maffe: spicy vegetables with a thick peanut sauce and a caramelised skewer of plantain. Both were served with fresh salad and a richly spiced joloff rice.
As part of the 2023 celebrations, Keith Khan has created 33 special motifs, one for each ward of the city. A special woven textile featuring the artwork has been manufactured and then transformed into a collection of unique garments designed by local makers. Photographer Laurelle Kamara is visiting the My Leeds community events, giving the public the opportunity to have a photo taken in one of the outfits. It was a lovely memento of an enjoyable day when I received the photos of myself modelling a Leeds cape.
I had intended to have a Portuguese Pastéis de Nata for dessert. Unfortunately, by the time I had room for one, the stall had sold out. Instead, I headed to Mister Coffee for an iced latte, the sun having now decided to show its face. I accompanied the strong, chilled coffee with an Italian pistachio flavoured cannoli – delicious.
As the sun gathered strength, so did the size of the crowd. The second half of the afternoon saw a much larger audience who appreciated the variety of musical styles on offer. The soul inflected Caution Collective were followed by a Punjabi band and Talking Spirits. The latter is a multicultural band playing ‘world jazz.’
My one complaint about the day was that there was no written programme. I appreciate that the event was probably run on a shoestring and printing is expensive, but a large chalk or whiteboard could have listed the running times, acts and musicians.
The final band of the day was Ubunye. This Leeds-based band blends jazz, traditional Zulu and contemporary African music. Singers from KwaZulu Natal in South Africa have worked with seasoned musicians from Leeds to create a unique sound. Ubunye means Unity and they chose a song entitled Unity to finish the day. ‘Unity is the power,’ said the lyrics. The audience was left feeling united and elated.
On closing the event JoJo Kelly expressed the hope that the Festival will become an annual event. I echo that hope. Some of the My Leeds 2023 events have been very low key, and all have been arranged with limited funds. This felt like an event with real potential that hopefully will become a firm favourite on the Leeds cultural calendar.
Soldiers Fields in Roundhay Park will be featured in the Leeds 2023 programme again on 14th July when the Park plays host to Children’s Day: Reimagined.
Photographs, unless otherwise captioned, by Debbie Rolls.
