A special concert next February marks Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, when top reggae and classical musicians come together for an unforgettable journey through the history of reggae.

Reggae Origins: Bob Marley and Handsworth Reggae on Thursday 6th February 2025 at Town Hall, Birmingham, is a unique concert with Basil Gabbidon (founder member, Steel Pulse) and musicians from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Steel Pulse put Birmingham’s reggae scene on the map with their debut album Handsworth Revolution, which spoke of their frustrations of 1970s society and the racism that was inherent in it. The group went on to support Bob Marley and the Wailers, before going on to a successful music career that garnered them a Grammy award.

In this concert, Steel Pulse founder-member Basil Gabbidon and his band join forces with string musicians from BCMG to perform brand new arrangements of iconic reggae hits. In this unique pairing, born in Birmingham, we’ll hear rare grooves alongside Bob Marley’s biggest songs in an evening celebrating the city’s contribution to reggae.

Basil Gabbidon said: “I call Birmingham the centre of reggae music – we should big it up the best we can, it’s part of our history. In this concert we tell the story of the origins and history of reggae as well as celebrating Bob Marley.

“We’re performing some of my own original songs, a few Steel Pulse songs and a few songs that made reggae internationally loved. This is an interesting and dynamic collaboration between reggae and classical music. My hope is that you’ll walk away thinking ‘Yes, I’ve heard something really new and fresh – I’m glad I came!’ ”

String players from BCMG will perform new works created especially for this concert, composed by Benjamin Graves, as well as new arrangements of Basil Gabbidon’s songs Rising Sun and Oh Jah Jah for band and string quartet. Composer Benjamin Graves is a rising star in the classical music world, and his music has been commissioned and performed by London Symphony Orchestra, CBSO and Aldeburgh Festival.

Stephan Meier, Director of BCMG, added: “Basil approached me back in 2022 and drew my attention to the fact that some of reggae’s roots lie in French court music – if you listen closely, you can identify the French Bourree dance rhythm in many songs.

“Our composer Ben Graves has looked deeply into the origins of reggae and its links to European court music, notably in the works of the 18th century composer, abolitionist and former-slave, Ignatius Sancho. So many stories are revealed. It’s fabulous to prepare this very special event joining forces with Basil Gabbidon that celebrates the rich musical tradition of reggae.”