Bradley Zero, a DJ and founder of Rhythm Section International, shares his journey from local gigs to a global stage, emphasizing community empowerment in music. He discusses the creation of Jumbi, a bar fostering Caribbean conviviality in Peckham, and the challenges of gentrification. The conversation dives into the 'Future Proof' masterclass series, dedicated to uplifting Black artists and promoting financial education within the music industry. Zero’s passion for community and culture shines through as he reflects on his decade-long impact in Peckham.
Bradley Zero reflects on Peckham's transformation into a vibrant cultural hub, highlighting the importance of community amidst gentrification challenges.
Jumbi, Zero's bar and listening venue, recreates Caribbean conviviality by fostering intimate gatherings that celebrate the richness of Afro-Caribbean culture.
The Future Proof initiative aims to empower Black British artists and producers through free masterclasses, promoting accessibility and mentorship in the music industry.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Peckham
Peckham has transformed from a working-class area to a vibrant cultural hub, despite the gentrification challenges it faces. Once seen as geographically isolated, it is now a destination for creatives and music enthusiasts from around the world, drawn by its rich history and community spirit. Bradley Zero reflects on his experiences starting rhythm section parties over a decade ago, emphasizing how this grassroots movement has contributed to the area’s cultural renaissance. Peckham's growth is marked by new venues and collaborations that honor its history while inviting fresh ideas, demonstrating that it can evolve without losing its soul.
Community and Cultural Resilience
In opening Jumbie, a bar and listening venue, Bradley Zero aims to recreate the communal spirit of Caribbean gatherings from his upbringing. The venue features a personal vinyl collection and a single turntable, encouraging deep listening and curation over traditional DJ sets, which fosters a more intimate atmosphere. By hosting diverse programming, including events that engage the values and traditions of the Afro-Caribbean community, Jumbie serves as a cultural space that nurtures creativity while supporting local diversity. This approach addresses the risks associated with gentrification by ensuring that local voices and experiences remain central to the community's evolution.
Empowering the Next Generation
Zero emphasizes the necessity of empowering the Black British community in the music industry, advocating for knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Future Proof initiative. This series of free masterclasses aims to equip aspiring artists and producers with essential skills in business and brand management, addressing systemic inequities within the music industry. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and accessibility, Future Proof seeks to democratize industry knowledge that has historically been gatekept. By fostering a supportive environment where diverse talents can flourish, Zero hopes to contribute to a more equitable music landscape.
The Journey of Rhythm Section
Beginning as a radio show, Rhythm Section International has marked a decade of growth characterized by numerous achievements and a distinctive anti-hype ethos. Zero discusses how the platform has become a global name while maintaining its roots in genuine, community-focused events. As the label celebrates its anniversary, it highlights a commitment to diverse genres and artists, reinforcing the notion that taste and creativity should drive the music scene. Through careful curation and a focus on live experiences, Rhythm Section has created a legacy of authenticity and connection that resonates beyond the club.
The Balance Between Growth and Authenticity
While celebrating numerous successes, Zero acknowledges the delicate balance between growth and maintaining authentic community connections. He often encounters the challenges that arise from increased popularity as Peckham's scene becomes more recognized, leading to potential dilution of its original identity. By prioritizing intentional programming and fostering spaces for genuine connection, he aims to sustain the vibrant energy that originally drew him to the area. Ultimately, the pursuit of balance is essential for ensuring that both Peckham and the broader music community thrive sustainably.
"A system that's equal doesn't benefit the people that have the power." The Rhythm Section International founder talks about creating opportunities for Black artists and entrepreneurs, Caribbean conviviality and his abiding love for Peckham.
Bradley Zero, the DJ and founder of the label Rhythm Section International, is known for his commitment to his community. Zero grew up in a rich Caribbean culture in Leeds, where he and his family gathered in friends' living rooms to listen to music and eat home-cooked food. In opening Jumbi—the bar and listening space in London's Southeast neighborhood, Peckham—Zero has attempted to recreate this lively Caribbean conviviality. The venue is filled with his own personal record collection and one turntable. His style (as reflected in his imprint) celebrates house, soul, disco, funk and various shades of music from the afro-Caribbean diaspora.
In this RA Exchange, he talks about how the neighborhood has changed in the time he's been based there, how and when his career exploded from local pool hall gigs to an active global touring schedule and why he decided to study for an MBA. October is British Black History Month in the UK, and in this interview, Zero also discusses ways that he hopes to empower the Black British community to start their own businesses and assert power from the top echelons of the music industry. Rhythm Section International has started a touring series of free masterclasses called Future Proof, in which Zero and his team invite guests to teach hard skills on business and label management, how to cultivate a brand and much more. Listen to the episode in full.
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