What To Look Out For
“Handsworth Revolution was more than just my first album. It was the story of my life and others like me. It was the culmination of the lived experiences of African-Caribbean people in 70s Britain.” - Mykaell Riley
Original Site
DETAIL
the logos
DETAIL
the buildings
DETAIL
COMPLETED
DETAIL
WHY HANDSWORTH PARK?
“Handsworth Park was always a special place to us and there’s a photo of it inside the HANDSWORTH REVOLUTION sleeve. Nature belongs to us all, but especially the youth. Instead of sitting at home they make discoveries, ask questions – “what’s the name of that tree, that plant?”. You can think; “I’m doing something, I’m not useless, it’s not hopeless.” It’s about people, not about buildings or cars.” - Basil Gabbidon
Handsworth Park was important to us. We were growing up into a world that was different from our parents’ world. We went there with friends, family; played cricket and football. As young people we were learning about our identity and the whole diaspora. In Handsworth Park people came from all over: other islands in the Caribbean, South Asia, Ireland, everywhere. It was a melting pot.” - Selywn Brown
DEDICATED TO THE PEOPLE OF HANDSWORTH
“When we were touring, coming from Handsworth gave us respect. Handsworth has a uniqueness to it. We felt that with our friends, our attitude to life. We wanted to change the way that Handsworth was portrayed; as a “no-go area”. We let people know: this is where we live, where our families are.” - Selywn Brown
THE REVOLUTION?
“Looking back, the revolution was as much within the band, when compared to anything that was happening in the Community. We had graduated from University of life with a 1st for our album and Handsworth celebrated in our success.” - Mykaell Riley