The Story of Lovers Rock Film Screening

A uniquely Black British sound born in late 1970s London, lovers rock blended reggae rhythms with soulful melodies to create what became known as “romantic reggae.” Against the backdrop of racial tension and political unrest, it offered young people a space for intimacy, joy and resilience, later influencing Jamaican greats like Gregory Isaacs and Freddie McGregor and reaching global audiences through artists such as UB40 and Maxi Priest.

The Story of Lovers Rock, directed by Menelik Shabazz, is an energetic and affectionate documentary tribute to the genre. Mixing live performances from pioneering artists with comedy sketches, interviews, recreations and archival footage, the film captures both the music and the generation that shaped it. Shabazz, a pioneering voice in Black British cinema, first brought the story of this cultural movement to the screen in 2011, affirming its lasting significance.

The Story of Lovers Rock film screening takes place Friday, September 26 at the Moss Center, presented by Third Horizon and CineMóvil.