Carbon Kopi celebrates the recognition of Greensleeves Records, a historically significant West London record shop. The site has received a blue plaque—the 87th awarded through Hammersmith and Fulham's Black History Trail—to acknowledge its pivotal role in the international reggae movement.
The Honor
The blue plaque will be installed on an interior wall at Shepherd's Bush Station, commemorating where the legendary Greensleeves Records label was founded.
The Ceremony
The dedication takes place on July 1st, coinciding with International Reggae Day, and will include live musical performances.
Historical Significance
According to Dr Jak Beula, NJCT chief executive: "A fundamental part of my youth...was spent listening to the soundtrack of reggae and dancehall classics provided by Greensleeves Records."
Cultural Context
Dancehall—a reggae subgenre emerging in the late 1970s—blended traditional rhythms with digital beats and Jamaican Patois lyrics. This genre profoundly influenced hip-hop, Afro Beats, and reggaeton, with its impact visible in contemporary artists like Drake and Rihanna.
The 2023 International Reggae Day theme focuses on "Saluting the Global Influence of 80s and 90s Dancehall," highlighting the era when artists like Shabba Ranks and Bounty Killer achieved international prominence.