The Story of Lovers Rock began in the 60’s. Families from the Caribbean were invited into the UK to bring change and rebuild the country but according to Associate Producer, Paulette Harris-German her parents, those who came from such a far away place were treated indecently and the pride once felt while pursuing their journey to a new land, fizzled out after finding out the real truth, about the country, that was now their new home.
The lovers rock story became their cry. A mantra, an outburst of music, that had to be heard. It was a sound, a beat, a phrase. The type of rthymn, a pulse which could be felt by all who came up under its influence. A story that could only be told by those who lived it. These stories bled through in the music of some of the UK’s reggae, ska, artist like Maxi Priest, Aswad, Dennis Bovell, UB40, Janet Kay and others.
The Story of Lovers Rock, inspires hope and arouses lovers to scale walls of memories reminding them of the plight of their families. www.loversrockthefilm.com Some of those memories distraught with pain. Children of the 60’s knew the The Story of Lovers Rock and listened to their parents talk about those harsh times. In the UK, this come back generation, the children of those who came over, have yet to have their own radio and TV stations which would seem preposterous to someone like you or I.
We got TVOne, Black Starz wherein the Starz for this group, are only seen hanging above their heads. Lovers, like love, still reign supreme. Lovers always and will forever hold passion incited by the dropping of knees, the sweating and deep breathing made evident when they move together. A left twist, then to the side, then rub, rub, rubbing, in the deep dark cave called an English pub or an unbearably hot club. Director Menelik Shabazz, does justice in describing a movement that seeks to tell the truth, to shame the devil and touch the heart.
Americans particularly of African descent, have yet to claim their history and have yet to wholly identify with their proper tongue speaking relatives from across the water. Ms. Harris-German brings a refreshingly hip and wicked explanation to this undeniable segment of life, missed by those here, held close to the heart by Director, Menelik Shabazz and his group of modern day Griots.  There are a few disturbing images brought to life on screen, crowds being sprayed with water, by some not so nice British Police. It remains evident that we, people who are of a darker hue, are cashed out on abuse.
The ticket has been sold so many times that even a dark club, with a complete stranger is a welcome relief from modern day color hunts. Those, who have yet to experience the Lovers Rock seduction are swept away by this intense release of the concern of a color or a race. It’s safe and oh so personal. If you got a real sensitivity to the act of mating amongst humans, then one’s first exposure to the rock will blow your mind.
The intensity of The Story of Lovers Rock, is certainly well documented. It purposefully draws the body out of its seclusion, thereby leaving one breathless and of no match to the lovely sounds of reggae, ska, and the sound of dance hall sirens like, Angie Lamar, Jean Adebambo. These singers paved the way to new sounds which come from the lips of newcomers like Ava Leigh. The Story of Lovers Rock touches every culture and any ear that can hear soul, ska, dance, movement and love strung very carefully in a beat.
The Story of Lovers Rock, is an education, a spiritual sensation and above all an opportunity for an audience to be there, to put there foot on the rock. To relax, release and let go. Stones In The Color of Rare, has indeed found yet another rare stone, her name is Paulette Harris-German. Her story, our story, as seen through the eyes of all lovers, all people who seek freedom. We honor and respect those hearts that were willingly sacrificed so that The Story of Lover’s Rock could be told. www.loversrockthefilm.com.