Ital Roots Presents : Black History Month Special: Moko Jumbie

Ital Roots Presents: Moko Jumbie – A family friendly afternoon to evening memorial celebration of ancestors & light of remembrance for a masquerade special using traditional West Indies, South & North American, World Sounds, Reggae, Dancehall, Ska, Blues & Folk sounds ….
Open Decks bookable via Vinyl Whistle website: from 4pm to 7pm (Spaces book fast)

Celebrate BHM 2026 – “Championing Communities”.

Join “Ital Roots” host DJ Natty Bongo Congo I for an afternoon to evening of traditional Reggae, Roots, Ska, Dancehall, Calypso, Latin American & African Continent sounds in the celebration of life & ancestral spirit protection.

Bring your own (battery operated- Tealight & image/photo or (token) of your loved one you’d like to remember & display for the (memorial alter) – left at own risk (so please bring a copied image not original) In the spirit of “Dia de Los Muertos”..

Dress Code:
*Come dressed in colour, traditional costume & vibrancy (no grim reapers). Carnival Inspired Masquerade welcome!

4pm til 7.00pm (Open Decks) -30mins slots – Free Spaces run out fast!!! -Please book early & arrive 20mins prior to your slot start time.
If you need to cancel your slot please contact the venue directly min 24hrs before *please respect artistic opportunity platforms to perform.

7pm til 11pm (DJ Natty Bongo Congo I & Home Grown Leeds Finest “Selector Sounds”) –

Ticket fees: (supports music promoters & event running costs

Families Welcome to 9pm (All under 18s at the responsibility of adult supervision at all times)

Supporting bucket funds on the night for : Sickle Cell Society (Raising Funds)

This 2nd year annual event provides opportunity to “champion the diverse community” of LS6 & it’s rich city of Leeds heritage, sport & cultures including family & student populations. Headingley and Woodhouse Ward & bringing together Hydepark, Burley & Upper Headingley together…Celebrating the rich heritage of 59 years of Leeds West Indian Carnival of the Chapeltown Cultural Heritage…

This special Saturday local family friendly afternoon to evening provides opportunity to listen & watch live “Open Decks” & tunes selected by the diverse sounds of black and world music culture, with local residents in the heart of the celebrations..

Do you want an alternative Saturday afternoon/evening experience?

Join the independent retail record store & team at Vinyl Whistle a vibrant store with a local community feel where inclusion & diversity is the heart of Adam & Neil’s ethos, supporting independent black female music promoters, “bus drivers honk there horns to the sounds of sweet reggae”, this is a Leeds based retail store with a community difference on the main high street on Otley Road, Headingley (LS6).

Why not spend the day in Headingley, local library (LCC Headingley One Stop Centre) & amenities (post office) are available close by.

Selection of none alcoholic refreshment options are available including coffee n teas & supporting Kirkstall Brewery.

* A once off offering of recommended to book & buy – list of Caribbean inspired eateries will be given on the day for special order via Deliveroo, Just Eat or local shop delivery. – Deliver direct to the store.

During the event “Bucket Funds” raised will be donated to the national SickleCell Society.

Please purchase music (vinyls) or vinyl whistle merchandise on the day as selection from £2 (bargain boxes selections)

At a time where smaller independent venues have sadly closed in Leeds in the past year thus gives rise for the importance of supporting local independent business…

This event promotes zero tolerance to racial hatred or hate crime as part of the equality act 2010 this is a fun, peaceful inclusive family friendly event.

So dates in your diary and use eco metro transport or the LNER scooters and get down in the shop early. (Main route to Leeds n not part of the Otley Run). 12, Otley Road.. (Before the Arndale Junction – Headingley Lane)

Bring your own headphones, records or ccjs you can ensure you get your name down to play early doors.

Please Note:
(Venue & Host takes no responsibility for your personal belongings, leave at your own risk & CCTV is in operation.)

Bring a friend and recommend to another friend and that’s how the community grows!

Please inform the venue & host if you give no consent for photography or filming during the event (self-image)

One Love & Blessings!

Image copyright (Nattylyn Maddix-Butler)