GemStones #28: Gilroy Sidden (Reggae-Soul, Lover's Rock, British Reggae)

Aquilla

Out of the entire African Diaspora, the UK arguably has a bigger Carribbean influence than most. The Windrush generation are the epitome of this development. Specifically, a wave of West Indian migrants who moved to the UK between late 40s - early 70s. With these migrations, came with customs that reminded them of the Indies such as rastafarism, patties, weed, sound systems, etc. However, the most important of these cultural exchanges was the export of Reggae. A genre that had helped become a voice for the Windrush generation who had to deal with the socieital entrapments and systematic racism of the UK.

Rastafarian Reggae, despite it's intentions, wasn't met with optimism from some Black British people. There was a section who had an appreciation for the early days of Reggae/or better yet Rocksteady and decided to put their own twist on the genre. This creativity led to the rise of Lover's Rock, a genre focused on romantic, softer lyrical content but with a touch of the U.S. Soul genre. Here lies an artist that was a product of this movement that showcased cultural integration and freshness.

Meet Gilroy Sidden. I hate that there isn't any information about him on the internet but what we do know is from this video below from the late 80s. It's clear that he is a U.K. born artist of Carribbean descent. Plus, this brother is classy and sharp Like they say back in the day, he surely got it going on'

Gilroy Sidden has that classic, Jamrock tinted voice that many singers of the genre have floored audiences with. The difference is his vocals are lush and mesmerizing. There is a yearning tonality that makes his voice so endearing. This is displayed in his beautiful cover of the Stevie Wonder ballad, "My Cherie Armour". But that's not even the cherry on top of what makes his work dope.

His songs have such a prismatic texture. You can tell that he had his ear toward the Britfunk and UK Street Soul scenes. There are multi layers in sound that made check to see if I heard the song right. As showcased in songs such as "Never Gonna Get To Know" and "How Can You Say It's Over", the islanders vibes bring a backdrop that allows you to wine with your lady. Excellent cruise music. Gilroy Sidden is a snapshot of Black Britain's melting pot of musicality that has spawn interconnection among different cultures. Forever a testimony to the resilience of the diaspora.

Shout out to all my Black British people Ya'll are the originators of the Urban Cruise music style and I am beyond thankful for your contributions to Urban Contemporary music. Happy Thanksgiving