Over 15 years ago a team of discoverers left these shores on a quest to conquer new horizons. Little did they realise that they would pave the way for a British invasion 15 years later.
When Soul II Soul and Loose Ends landed on American soil all those years ago they not only made an unmovable mark on America’s black music history, they highlighted the presence of what had previously seemed to be a non-existent British Black culture. When ‘Keep On Moving’, ‘Hanging On A String’, ‘Gonna Make You Mine’ et al penetrated the hearts and minds of music lovers on both sides of the Atlantic they carved the path to the ‘promised land’ that has, until now, been all but forgotten.
So seven years into the new millennium and what was started 15 years back is about to be realised! The second phase of the invasion started slowly and quietly seven years ago when Des’ree, closely followed by Floetry, went in search of some love from our American cousins and ended up bagging platinum selling albums and Grammy Awards! Then Craig David landed draped in the Union Jack and immediately made being British and Black the new trend!
Now it’s full steam ahead with a mini explosion of ex-pats now vying their trade and making their mark in the U.S.A. Estelle has secured herself a record deal, and with it a great endorsement from none other than John Legend. Her new album drops very soon and there are great expectations. Fund*mental 03 have just penned a record deal with Geffen and Nathan is up-rooting his whole operation and relocating to New York. (continue...)