Join DJ and writer Lynnée Denise in a public conversation and listening session with Zezi Ifore discussing Denise’s soon-to-be-released debut book, Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters.

The conversation is part of the Brixton Harlem Festival and will highlight the long-standing cultural conversation between Black Britain and Black America through an exploration of several themes in the author’s biography of the legendary blues singer who recorded her first album at the UK's famed Wessex Sound Studios.

A queer, Black "biography in essays" about the performer who gave us "Hound Dog," "Ball and Chain," and other songs that changed the course of American music. Born in Alabama in 1926, raised in the church, appropriated by white performers, buried in an indigent's grave-Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton's life events epitomize the blues-but Lynnée Denise pushes past the stereotypes to read Thornton's life through a Black, queer, feminist lens and reveal an artist who was an innovator across her four-decade-long career.

Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters "samples" elements of Thornton's art-and, occasionally, the author's own story-to create "a biography in essays" that explores the life of its subject as a DJ might dig through a crate of records. Denise connects Thornton's vaudevillesque performances in Sammy Green's Hot Harlem Revue to the vocal improvisations that made "Hound Dog" a hit for Peacock Records (and later for Elvis Presley), injecting music criticism into what's often framed as a cautionary tale of record-industry racism.

She interprets Thornton's performing in men's suits as both a sly, Little Richard-like queering of the Chitlin Circuit and a simple preference for pants over dresses that didn't have a pocket for her harmonica. Most radical of all, she refers to her subject by her given name rather than "Big Mama," a nickname bestowed upon her by a white man. It's a deliberate and crucial act of reclamation, because in the name of Willie Mae Thornton is the sound of Black musical resilience. CPSIA choking or other US hazard warning.

This special Brixton X Harlem edition will be offering diverse quality shopping.

Black Culture Market, is the destination to support and shop from Black-owned businesses in Brixton. Over the weekend explore the wonderful stalls whilst catching up with friends.

The market has something for everyone and supports emerging entrepreneurs & new black businesses of African & Caribbean descent with opportunities to be more visible in the retail industry.

If you’re looking for food, drinks, gifts, cards, unique art, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes, accessories and more come down! This market truly the community’s spirit as well as supports black businesses. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

This is a free event, but don’t forget to register and get your tickets.

Hip Hop Turntablist veterans Bunny Bread & E Double D will take you on a journey of 50 years of Hip Hop culture armed by their trusty 45 inch vinyl selections for the official The Brixton X Harlem Bridge afterparty!

An all-day festival celebrating Hip Hop culture incorporating open to all dance classes, a live graffiti muralist and a Hip Hop dance competitions.

The Bridge is a non-stop family outdoor street event that culminates in London’s friendliest social dance party. A one-day festival, it embodies “Peace, Love, Unity and having Fun”.

The Bridge is the brainchild of ex-dancer, cultural creative and lover of Hip Hop - Kate Scanlan. Successfully originating the Southbank, this all day event is an infectiously family-friendly event that presents the best of Hip hop/Block party culture through dance, music, graffiti and then some!

The day features lots of interactive workshops followed by the popular social dance that sees the best in block party style DJs play Hip hip, Funk & Soul to a warm and lively crowd!

In it’s second year held in Brixton’s iconic Black Cultural Archives as part of the Brixton x Harlem festival, get set for a beautiful community day featuring DJs, MCs, dancers and more!

This special Brixton X Harlem edition will be offering diverse quality shopping.

Black Culture Market, is the destination to support and shop from Black-owned businesses in Brixton. Over the weekend explore the wonderful stalls whilst catching up with friends.

The market has something for everyone and supports emerging entrepreneurs & new black businesses of African & Caribbean descent with opportunities to be more visible in the retail industry.

If you’re looking for food, drinks, gifts, cards, unique art, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes, accessories and more come down! This market truly the community’s spirit as well as supports black businesses. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

This is a free event, but don’t forget to register and get your tickets.

As part of our Brixton X Harlem Festival this year we will be celebrating of 50 years of Hip Hop across a variety of venues including Brixton House.

Join us after ‘The Views from the Other Side’ screening and Q&A for an afterparty with DJ Sarah Love!

Pure Vinyl has a loyal following of up and coming musicians, who regularly jam when the opportunity arises.

With no entry, no dress code, and no ego, come and enjoy music freely expressed and openly enjoyed.

This year's Brixton x Harlem festival will be celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop across a variety of venues including Brixton House with a special free screening of a documentary dedicated to the late James Dewitt Yancey aka Jay Dee aka J-Dilla: the visionary musician, producer and MC that is and was arguably one of the most influential figures in Hip Hop.

Followed by a Q&A with Director Shernay LaTouche & DJ Sarah Love.

Shernay LaTouche’s documentary The View from the Other Side: J-Dilla, A European Remembrance was filmed from 2009 to 2012 in London, Paris, Lausanne and Berlin, celebrates a legend born and bred in Detroit from the European perspective.

It discovers underground communities and cultures whose rejoicing in and reaction to J-Dilla’s music, impact and legacy is as intense as ever.

Interviewees include Shortee Blitz, Onra, Mr Thing, Sarah Love, Seb Bash, Lefto and Chief. All speak of J-Dilla with insight, passion, enthusiasm and love.

LaTouche has drawn together many people, working in their own creative disciplines including music production and animation, to give something back and to affirm with one voice their love of J-Dilla.

Director LaTouche says: “I am honoured and privileged to have met and worked with some truly extraordinary people. It will always be something to look back on and say "we did this".

Brixton Streetwear present a Brixton X Harlem takeover at Brixton Brewery Taproom. Join us for a night of Soul and Hip Hop classics with DJs Jumpin Jack Frost and Ray Keith.

AMV is Marcina Arnold, Eska Mtungwazi and Heidi Vogel. A super group of female London born singer/songwriters & artists in their own right.

The show sees three women in their prime of life, delving into roots of expression, vocal sonics and live free improvisation.

The trio have a combined CV of having worked with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Bheki Mseleku, The Cavemen, Carleen Anderson and many more.

Vocals: Eska Mtungwazi, Heidi Vogel & Marcina Arnold

Bass: Larry Bartley

Guitar: Kames Kitchman

Drums: Rod Young

Age guidance: 18+

Tickets are £5