The event’s theme often revolves around “Reclaiming Narratives” or “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” and using a medium like rap—which often originates as a form of social commentary and storytelling from marginalized communities—directly challenges official or whitewashed versions of history.
Snatcha likely used his lyrics to touch on sensitive and often uncomfortable topics, such as the legacy of slavery, colonialism, the Windrush scandal, and systemic racism, ensuring MPs confront these issues in a personal and impactful way.
The performance helped bridge the gap between grassroots Black British culture and the formal institution of Parliament, fostering a more inclusive environment and encouraging the institution to better reflect the diverse nation it serves. By bringing Black history and contemporary Black experiences into the heart of British power, the event served an educational purpose, reminding MPs and parliamentary staff of the “rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions of Black people in the UK and beyond.
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Snatcha was part of the duo Rooftop Mcs from 2002, which released four albums and had singles nominated for The Headies Award in 2008. After Rooftop Mcs took a break in 2010, Snatcha moved to the UK and released solo albums, including The Value of Nothing (2016) and Drunk’n Masters: Live (2020). He continues to release music and collaborate with artists, and is active in the gospel music community in the UK. Snatcha is considered an established figure in the Nigerian and UK gospel music scenes due to his lengthy career, albums, nominations, and ongoing work.
The event was organised by several academics of high pedigree and community leaders, including Dr Gregory Alake – an advocate of critical legal thinking and legal specialist with over 35 years’ experience in Health services,
Attendees included both Southend Mps Bayo Alaba and mr. Burton.
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Mr. Alaba spoke about being in the space, that black minority shouldn’t be left out and should be part of the conversation. Dr.Gregory Alake spoke about the importance of black people actively pursuing education and to develop useful skills necessary to optimise their develop.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of Black history, culture, and achievements, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson. It was attended by the two Southend Mps, Bayo Alabi and Mr. Burton, as well as the Mayor of Southend.
Dr Gregory Alake, a lecturer in law told The eEye Of Media.Com:The event was incredible and we were honoured to have the attendance of two of Southend MP’s, Bayo Alabi and David Burton-Sampson. Their contributions to the event was invaluable and we would like to have them again in future.
Black history month is a very important annual event for us to celebrate our heritage and harness our talents. Most importantly, we want to ensure we optimally educate ourselves, not just formally, but also by enhancing our knowledge about our selves and the way we train our children and influence one another. It is an opportunity for ministers to also be acutely aware of some of the unique issues that face some members of our community, whilst celebrating the best efforts and practices of black leaders and influencers in our community.
We also want to encourage black people to be responsible members of society and not to conduct themselves in any manner that may feed stereotypes, whilst ensuring that those in high places provide a sometimes much needed oversight whenever perceptions of serious discrimination arises if they feel they have no where to turn to.
It was a pleasure to have rapper snatcha attend the event and display his musical talent. Music is a very powerful medium because it can profoundly affect emotions, memories, and the brain, and can be used to connect people, foster social change, and enhance mental and physical well-being. It achieves this through its ability to trigger chemical reactions in the brain, like releasing dopamine and oxytocin, and by acting as a universal language that transcends cultural barrier. However, it is important for artist to always use their influence positively, and encourage other rtists not to perpetuate a cynical view of their race, whether consciously or inadvertently.
Attendees pose for photos at black history month in Essex Pic: supplied
‘This year’s theme ‘standing tall’ was designed to encourage black people to be proud of their heritage and change the narrative where there may be any distortions or inaccuracies.
”It is important for black people to stand tall and be proud of their heritage, and understand their tradition. Whilst being inclusive and part of their environment in Britain, it is important for them to retain and respect the positive traditions of their ancestors.
‘For example’ Africans value education highly, our parents want our children to be doctors, lawyers, accountants and so forth. A black child integrated into the society may become complacent in the company of individuals who may not hail from backgrounds that do share the same ideology. Our youngsters must remember that they are expected to ain very high, and not limit their ambition to the goals of some of their peers.
‘They should respect and adhere to the teaching and directions of their parents, and also co-operate with the assertive and disciplinary upbringing of their heritage, where necessary, in order to become dignified members of society.
‘We must not abandon the high qualities of our tradition, whilst also embracing any positive values in they find in the host country. Every culture has positive and negative characteristics. The goal is to advance the positive ones and weaken the negative characteristics.
”In African culture for instance, we do not call elders or parents by their first name. You call them sir. or uncle, or aunty. This attitude helps sustain a necessary degree of respect between the young and older generation. Although young people in Britain address adults by their first names, that is because it is a different culture. Black people need stand tall and be comfortable in maintaining and preserving their own tradition and culture, especially where they have admirable elements.
‘Adopt the positive values you see in the British culture and merge with your own positives, but don’t abandon your strong values in exchange for other practices which may not be as strong’
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