In collaboration with Sony Music UK and the Emmanuel family, Nubian Jak unveiled a Blue Plaque dedicated to the legendary David Victor Emmanuel - better known as Reggae legend, Smiley Culture.
This significant event paid tribute to his ground-breaking contributions to music, television, and British pop culture. The unveiling took place at 13:00 at his former residence, Temple Court, Lansdowne Green Estate, SW8 2BD, marking what would have been his 62nd birthday.
“It’s I, Smiley Culture, with the mic inna mi hand, Mi come to teach you right an’ a, not di wrong,” wrote David Emmanuel in his iconic track Cockney translation.
On its release by Fashion Records in 1984, he may not have been aware of its historical significance as the first-ever “fast chat” Reggae single to be played on national radio. Its chart success was quickly followed by the even more popular ‘Police Officer’.
These iconic songs brought sharp wit and urban commentary into mainstream consciousness, bridging cultural divides. He died in 2011 …he was 48.
