This year is a significant one as we mark 25 years of releases, live shows, club nights and events, and this September we’ll be celebrating in style. Since 1999, Wah Wah 45s has proved itself internationally renowned as a stalwart of open-minded soulful music. Along the way we’ve signed the UK’s Afrobeat Ambassador and Fela Kuti disciple, Dele Sosimi; infamous East London brass ensemble Hackney Colliery Band; cult south coast reggae and dub outfit Resonators; soulful rock combo The Milk and many more. Our club nights and live events over the years have proved legendary, providing early shows for the likes of Jamie Woon, Corrine Bailey Rae, Matthew Halsall and Emeli Sande, as well as ground breaking performances from label artists such as Scrimshire, Colman Brothers and the late, great Henri-Pierre Noel. DJ sets have featured the cream of the eclectic music scene including Gilles Peterson, Quantic, Jazzie B, Luke Una, Rebecca Vasmant, Norman Jay and countless others. Previous anniversary events at London’s Scala and Oval Space set the scene for what is to be our largest and
most ambitious birthday celebration yet.
On Saturday September 21st we’ll be taking over the beautiful Village Undergroundin East London with Afrobeat royalty, Dele Sosimi, leading the proceedings with a unique live show that’s never been witnessed anywhere before, and will probably never be seen again. Dele will be joined on stage by members of his Afrobeat Orchestra as well as supergroup Eparapo, his side project The Estuary 21 (with accomplished musician and producer Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly), Afro-dub brass masters Soothsayers Horns and more TBA. The band will perform, for one night only, songs from all of Dele’s related projects, as well as classics from the Fela Kuticannon. Live support is TBA, but expect more exciting musical goodness from the label, as well as a very special art show from our award winning Polish graphic designer, Animisiewasz.
On the decks, we welcome a trio of special guests who more than satisfy our open-ended musical remit. Headlining is Aroop Roy, a producer and DJ whose star has been on the ascendency for the last couple of years, which has seen him regularly share the bill with the legendary Mr. Scruff, play across the globe, and even provide a remix or two for Wah Wah 45s itself. His high octane selection of self-made edits, remixes and dubs in the world of global house and disco make him the perfect party starter for the label’s birthday celebrations. Also topping the bill, is none other than producer, DJ, writer, runner and legend of the black music scene, Charlie Dark MBE. From his days as one half of Attica Blues on the mythical Mo’ Wax label, to his highly regarded Blacktronica parties and Run Dem Crew running club, through to his post pandemic resurgence as one of the most inspiring and vocal artists around, “Daddy Dark” has always been a close family friend of the label, and is the perfect choice to put smiling faces on the dance floor. And finally, repping the next generation, MiNNA has become something of a sensation over the past twelve months. Playing parties held by the likes of Glitterbox and rocking venues such as Drumsheds and Koko with her effervescent energy, slick skills and uplifting selection of soul, disco and house, she’s the perfect final piece in the jigsaw for Wah Wah 45s’ big celebration.
Hosted by a lady with a deep history with the label, the much loved Deb Grant (BBC 6 Music) & our very own Dom Servini, this is going to be one for the books, and one that will sell out, so mark your diaries and grab your tickets right now for the event of the year!
