The Reggae Studies Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, will host the launch of the book What the Deejay Said: A Critique from the Street!’ written by the sociologist Dr. William Henry on Friday, November 24, at 5 pm in the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre (N1), UWI, Mona. Dr. Henry was born in the UK of Jamaican parents and is a Reggae Dancehall Deejay, who performs as ‘Lezlee Lyrix.’

Dr. Henry, who did his Ph.D. at Goldsmiths College, London, and lectured there for several years, creatively uses the 45 rpm record to shape the structure of his book. According to Dr. Kimani Nehusi of the University of East London, the author “presents an ‘A’ side consisting of ‘outsider’ notions of the subject matter, then counters with a ‘B’ side in which he states his alternative claims.” What the Deejay Said: A Critique from the Street! explains the central role Jamaican culture played in shaping the black cultural politics of the 1970s and 1980s in the UK. It challenges much that was said about black youths during this period by 'experts' on race.

This book documents for the first time a 'hidden history' of the black experience in Britain and shows how black youths were not content to merely resist institutionalised racism, in the land of their birth, but laid the foundations to transcend it as well. A must read for all students of life. ‘Lezlee Lyrics’ successfully combines autobiographical reflections with the lyricism of many of the pioneers who 'chatted' on Reggae Sound Systems. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

For further information please contact: Lorna Smith, Administrative Assistant, Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Reggae Studies Unit, Faculty of Humanities and Education, The University of the West Indies either by telephone: 977-1951; 512-3228; fax: 977-3430 or e-mail: icsmona@uwimona.edu.jm.