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Love Music Hate Racism concert brings music and solidarity to London

Love Music Hate Racism concert brings music and solidarity to London

On 12th November 2025, London hosted a vibrant benefit concert organised by Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR), in collaboration with Steeze Factory and Rum N’ Bass, to raise funds for hurricane relief in Jamaica. Held at The Fox and Firkin in Lewisham, the event combined live music, cultural celebration, and a commitment to social solidarity, demonstrating LMHR’s long-standing mission to unite people against racism through music.

A history of music and anti-racism

Love Music Hate Racism is a UK-based campaign dedicated to combating racism and promoting equality through music and cultural events. Established in 2002, the organisation emerged from a grassroots movement of musicians, fans, and activists determined to oppose far-right extremism, racial prejudice, and xenophobia. LMHR has consistently aimed to provide a platform for artists, youth, and communities to celebrate diversity, while also educating and mobilising audiences against discrimination.

Over the years, LMHR has hosted a wide range of events, from large-scale concerts and festivals to intimate club nights and online performances. Their events are designed not only for entertainment, but also as educational spaces where audiences can learn about anti-racist campaigning, connect with like-minded people, and participate in collective action. By integrating music with social advocacy, LMHR demonstrates that cultural participation can be a powerful tool for building solidarity, promoting understanding, and fostering activism.

Performers and musical diversity

The London concert featured a diverse and star-studded line-up, reflecting the eclectic ethos of Love Music Hate Racism. Artists performing on the night included Mak10, Big Narstie, Cristale, Irah, Toddla T, Hollie Cook, LZEE, Dawn Butler, Big Zeeks, mimi Mxnroe, Shumba Youth, Blasè Vanguard, Weyman Bennet, Rae Dee, Serocee, Jess B, Redy Faymus, Deli Onefourz, and more. The performances spanned a range of musical genres, from reggae and dancehall to UK hip-hop and electronic music, highlighting the variety of talent represented and celebrating cultural diversity within the UK music scene.

The concert showcased how LMHR carefully curates its events to provide opportunities for both established and emerging artists. Attendees enjoyed not only the performances but also the vibrant cultural atmosphere that LMHR fosters. Each set combined musical energy with political and social messaging, underlining the organisation’s commitment to promoting equality and challenging prejudice through live entertainment.

Community and cultural impact

The 12th November concert exemplified the community-oriented mission of Love Music Hate Racism. Attendees engaged with the music while participating in a broader dialogue about racial justice, social solidarity, and collective responsibility. The venue, The Fox and Firkin, was transformed into a space of cultural exchange, where the energy of live performance intersected with activism, education, and charitable action. LMHR’s events emphasise that music is not merely entertainment; it is a tool for social cohesion, awareness-raising, and grassroots organising.

LMHR’s work also focuses on empowering young audiences and emerging artists. By providing opportunities to perform, engage, and network, the organisation fosters the next generation of artists and activists, ensuring that anti-racist engagement continues across age groups. This participatory approach strengthens local communities, builds networks of support, and reinforces the long-term sustainability of anti-racist activism.

Fundraising and social solidarity

A central purpose of the 12th November concert was to raise funds for hurricane relief in Jamaica. The country had recently experienced one of its most devastating hurricanes in recent years, and the concert directed all ticket profits, as well as proceeds from a prize raffle, toward recovery and rebuilding efforts. By combining fundraising with cultural celebration, Love Music Hate Racism demonstrated how music can directly translate audience engagement into tangible support for affected communities.

The concert also highlighted the practical impact of music-driven activism. Beyond donations, the event raised awareness about the consequences of natural disasters, the importance of solidarity, and the ways in which cultural events can serve humanitarian purposes. Attendees left the concert not only entertained but also informed, and more aware of the social and political causes LMHR champions.

Partnerships and collaboration

LMHR’s partnership with Steeze Factory and Rum N’ Bass for this event underscores the organisation’s collaborative approach. By working with local promoters, clubs, and music collectives, LMHR expands its reach, strengthens community connections, and ensures that its events are inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant. The collaboration also demonstrates that anti-racist campaigning benefits from alliances across music scenes, genres, and organisational networks.

Such partnerships have been central to LMHR’s success over the years. They allow the organisation to tap into existing audiences, support local talent, and integrate political messaging into spaces that may otherwise be purely social or entertainment-focused. This strategy reinforces LMHR’s mission to embed anti-racism in everyday cultural life, reaching beyond traditional political or educational venues.

Combining music, culture and activism

The 12th November concert in London demonstrates Love Music Hate Racism’s ongoing ability to combine music, culture, and activism in meaningful ways. Through carefully curated performances, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement, the organisation reinforces its commitment to fighting racism, supporting vulnerable communities, and fostering connections across diverse groups. By uniting audiences, artists, and activists, LMHR creates spaces where music is both a source of enjoyment and a catalyst for social change.

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